
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

Mar 20, 2025 • 33min
Coalition Of The Not-So-Willing?
As military leaders meet in London to discuss support for Ukraine, have the French blocked British manufacturers from an EU defence fund?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 19, 2025 • 42min
PMQs: Glazed Expressions And Waffle
Comedian Andy Hamilton joins Hugo and Tim Shipman to unpack the exchanges at prime minister's questions. It's heavy going as Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch discuss taxes and hospices, but Reform UK's Lee Anderson lightens the mood with a question about "glazed expressions and waffle" from government ministers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 35min
The Government Shakes Up Welfare
As the government lays out massive changes to the welfare system, Kemi Badenoch has a different concern: net-zero. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Tom Whipple Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 17, 2025 • 32min
Does Badenoch Have The Luxury Of Time?
Kemi Badenoch is launching a series of new policy commissions, but how long can she afford to wait before setting out what the party believes? And how likely is it that she will promise to leave the EHRC?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the help of Sebastian Payne and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 29min
Where Do Peace Talks Go From Here?
Michael Binyon, a seasoned leader writer at The Times, and Claire Fox, a prominent non-affiliated peer and thinker, dive deep into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They discuss the challenges of U.S.-Russia negotiations and the implications of Trump's potential concessions. The conversation explores NATO's inadequate military aid to Ukraine and its geopolitical repercussions. Additionally, they touch on Canada’s diplomatic ties and the clash between wildlife conservation efforts and human development, shedding light on current global issues.

Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
Is Starmer Wielding The Chainsaw?
Keir Starmer has announced he is abolishing NHS England, the quango in charge of NHS standards. Is he the chainsaw-wielding disruptor the UK didn't know it had? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 43min
PMQs: Talking Trash At The Despatch Box
Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of talking 'trash' as she attacks Labour's record on the cost of living. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Theo Usherwood and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 11, 2025 • 34min
Starmer Prepares To Cut Welfare
Keir Starmer says the current benefits system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair" - will the public, and his own party, agree?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 10, 2025 • 32min
Elon Musk, Reform and Barbour Jackets
Jane Mulcairins, Associate Editor of The Times Magazine, and Tom McTague, Political Editor of UnHerd, dive into the recent drama surrounding Elon Musk's Starlink and its geopolitical implications. They discuss tensions within Reform UK sparked by Rupert Lowe's comments on Nigel Farage, shedding light on the disconnect between political figures and the youth. The conversation takes a humorous turn with a look at the Barbour jacket's role in British fashion and culture, blending insightful analysis with entertaining anecdotes.

Mar 7, 2025 • 31min
Does Trump's 'Madman Theory' Work?
As President Trump reverses tariffs just days after introducing them, and claims he can get Putin to agree to a peace deal for mysterious reasons, is his unpredictability a strength or weakness?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.