Politics Unpacked

The Times
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Jul 9, 2025 • 39min

PMQs: 'Flirting' With A Wealth Tax

Keir Starmer reiterated his tax pledges at PMQs as Kemi Badenoch accused him of 'flirting' with a wealth tax. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Jon Harvey.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 26min

Can Starmer and Macron Stop the Boats?

Keir Starmer is hoping to use the French President's visit as a chance to talk migration, but will they reach a deal? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times Columnists James Marriot and Sarah Ditum to unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 31min

Another Labour Rebellion Looms

The government could be facing another backbench rebellion, this time over its plans to reform special needs support. Why aren't the 'Starmtoopers' as loyal as the Prime Minister hoped?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 35min

Can A New Left-Wing Party Succeed

A year after Labour's landslide election victory, how serious is the threat to Keir Starmer from a new left-wing party led by Zarah Sultana and (possibly) Jeremy Corbyn?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of day with Michael Binyon and Latika Bourke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 31min

Can Reeves Move On From 'Tough Day'?

Keir Starmer says the Chancellor is going nowhere, but have the very public tears of Rachel Reeves left the impression of a government in crisis as it approaches its first birthday?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 45min

PMQs: "She Looks Traumatised"

Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and questions over her future, that dominate.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 32min

Labour's Welfare Problem

Despite last week's U-turn, Keir Starmer still faces a backbench rebellion over welfare. Is it particularly difficult for a Labour Prime Minister to cut benefits?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 31min

Starmer Faces Fresh Welfare Rebellion

The government made big concessions to its welfare reforms to win over Labour critics - but could the rebellion be about to grow, rather than shrink?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 27, 2025 • 26min

Starmer's Hat-Trick Of U-Turns

The prime minister has been forced into a climbdown after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to block his welfare bill. Is he back in control of the party or is his authority permanently damaged?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jonathan Maitland and Theo Usherwood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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5 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 30min

Welfare Bill in Crisis

Rebel MPs are not backing down over the government's welfare bill, with Keir Starmer forced to contemplate concessions - can he win them over?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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