Politics Unpacked

From Ron Burgundy to Jeremy Corbyn's 'strong message here', Matt looks at what happens when the TV autocue goes wrong. He speaks to Lauri Plesco, the woman who has operated the teleprompter for almost every US president since Jimmy Carter.Plus columnists Katy Balls and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss Rishi Sunak's day trip to Paris, whether the prime minister is on a roll, and whether lawyers really are all lefties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 170 years since Gladstone commissioned the Northcote-Trevelyan review, which gave birth to the impartial civil service. Why has the system survived, and is it now under threat? Matt speaks to former cabinet secretary Lord Butler, who ran Whitehall under Thatcher, Major and Blair, and to the co-creator of 'Yes Minister' Jonathan Lynn, who reveals which modern minister is heir to Jim Hacker.Plus columnists Jane Merrick and Tom McTague on the government simultaneously stopping small boats and welcoming foreign workers, whether weight-loss drugs can help cut the benefits bill, and why so many school students have private tutors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the politics students of Vyners School to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer says the government's illegal migration bill won't deter channel crossings, while Rishi Sunak calls Starmer 'just another lefty lawyer'.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Gary Lineker, making flashing a criminal offence, and how to get children reading with author Anthony Horowitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Rishi Sunak's trip to France for the first Anglo-French summit in five years, Matt discusses the state of relations between Paris and London. He's joined by the former ambassador to the UK Sylvie Bermann, and a French teacher gives the prime minister tips for his conversation with Emmanuel Macron.Plus columnists Iain Martin and Dorothy Byrne discuss the government's plan to stop small boats crossing the channel, Sue Gray's new job, and why the UK has become more socially liberal in such a short space of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, the director of the intelligence agency GCHQ, is stepping down after nearly six years in the role. Matt speaks to two of his predecessors, Sir David Omand and Sir Francis Richards, about what it takes to run the UK's intelligence, cyber and security agency.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and John Stevens on Boris Johnson putting his dad forward for a knighthood, why Keir Starmer is dodging questions over Sue Gray, and what Jeremy Hunt has in store in the budget . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland Minister and self-styled Brexit hardman Steve Baker sits down with Matt and Times Political Editor Steve Swinford for a frank discussion about the severe depression and anxiety he has suffered since the EU referendum.He also discusses Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal, being the admin on every Whatsapp group in Westminster, and says it's fanciful to think Boris Johnson could return to Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2021 Frank Field, now Lord Field, was told he had weeks to live. 18 months on he tells Matt he's published his memoirs and is 'just happily waiting for the end'. He talks about his faith, his clashes with Gordon Brown, his relationship with Margaret Thatcher and his advice to Jeremy Corbyn.Plus: Columnists India Knight and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss doing government business on Whatsapp, politicians keeping their hands in their pocket and vaccinating chickens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer claims that the average family in Britain will be poorer than in Poland by 2030, and Rishi Sunak says the Labour leader should stop making unfunded spending commitments.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Matt Hancock's Whatsapp messages, docking child benefit for missing school and whether vaping is safe for young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch have been the cleverest duo on the podcast for nearly three years. Today Matt and Danny say goodbye to David, who is leaving The Times, with an hour long special in which they discuss the Brexit deal, trust in politicians and listener questions for the 'Cerberus of Columnists'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betty Boothroyd, the first female speaker of the House of Commons, has died aged 93. Matt is joined by current speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle to reflect on her no-nonsense style, humour and charm.And Nigeria decides: After Africa's most populous country went to the polls over the weekend to choose a new president, we hear how the election is unfolding and what's at stake.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Giles Coren discuss the Brexit deal, Keir Starmer's economic plan and what are Anglo-Saxon shore forts? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.