
Politics Unpacked
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times.You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 3, 2025 • 34min
Trump Stokes A Trade War
Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana, both seasoned journalists from Times and Sunday Times, dive into the impacts of Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports. They debate whether this might be a 'Brexit bonus' for the UK while examining the chaos of current trade strategies and implications for U.S.-UK relations. The conversation then hints at potential political alliances within the Conservative Party, alongside lighthearted discussions on British politeness and amusing courtroom scenarios with animals. It's a blend of sharp analysis and humor!

Apr 2, 2025 • 38min
Carping From The Sidelines
Kemi Badenoch quizzes Keir Starmer over his handling of the economy and Labour's so-called "jobs tax".Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the comedian Stuart Laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 2025 • 34min
No Free Trade Without Free Speech?
Could Britain's hopes of a free trade deal founder because of US concerns over free speech?Plus: Why Britain is stuck in a 'normie doom spiral', and what's the problem with instagram poetry?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 2025 • 35min
Statecraft or Spineless
Keir Starmer's strategy is to react calmly if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on British goods. Is it best way to handle the US president, and will it help his political opponents?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 28, 2025 • 24min
Trump Demands More From Ukraine
As reports suggest the US is demanding access to more of Ukraine's natural resources, is there anything Kyiv can do to resist?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 32min
The Mother Of All Rebellions
Rachel Reeves' spring statement has been picked over by the experts, but could the chancellor be facing the 'mother of all rebellions' as one Labour MP claims?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 2025 • 27min
PMQs: Kemi and Keir Phone It In
Ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement, Kemi Badenoch uses prime minister's questions to ask why Keir Starmer doesn't support banning phones in schools.Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Tim Shipman and Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 2025 • 31min
When Group Chats Go Wrong
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day, including the US security blunder that saw senior White House officials text war plans in a secure app that included a journalist. With Times columnists James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 34min
Freebies, Austerity & Trump Tourism
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins, including: Should we take the Rachel Reeves freebie story seriously? How is the chancellor rolling the pitch ahead of the Spring Statement? And is Donald Trump harming US tourism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 21, 2025 • 29min
Reeves' Unappealing Options
With growth in short supply, how will Chancellor Rachel Reeves sell big spending cuts to the public and the Labour Party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.