
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 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.

Mar 6, 2025 • 34min
Who's In Charge Of Our Nuclear Deterrent?
Britain controls our nuclear deterrent, but the missiles are leased from the Americans - so what happens if the US decided not to help?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 43min
PMQs: JD Vance Looms Large
Keir Starmer makes a pointed response to JD Vance after the US Vice President referred to "troops from some random country", and Kemi Badenoch offers her support over Ukraine.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 2025 • 34min
Trump Halts Aid To Ukraine
After Donald Trump's abrupt halt to US military aid for Ukraine, how will Keir Starmer and the rest of Europe respond? 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 3, 2025 • 33min
Starmer's Coalition Of The Willing
Keir Starmer is uniting Europe's leaders around support for Ukraine, but as more and more money is given to the war effort, will the public start to wonder if it's really worth it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 2025 • 27min
What Did Starmer Get From Trump?
Keir Starmer returns from his trip to Washington where his meeting with Trump seemed to go pretty well - but has Starmer really secured wins for the UK? Or is it all theatrics? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Merrick and Timandra Harkness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 2025 • 30min
Trump's Love/Hate Relationship With Europe
Despite European leaders, including Keir Starmer, meeting Trump at the White House this week, Trump is still planning a deal with Ukraine without a security guarantee. Does anyone in Europe know how to respond to him?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 45min
PMQs: Desperate Search For Relevance
PMQs Unpacked is back - and today Keir Starmer clashes with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over the UK's planned increase in defence spending. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Ahir Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 2025 • 34min
Starmer Gets Ready For Trump
What can Keir Starmer learn from Emmanuel Macron cosying up to Donald Trump?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Katy Balls and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 2025 • 31min
Lessons From The German Election
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Maguire, a journalist from the Times and Sunday Times known for his sharp political insights, and Jane Mulkerrins, also a Times journalist with a knack for diverse commentary, explore the recent German elections. They analyze the implications of a centre-left government ousted primarily over immigration issues and draw parallels for the UK’s Labour Party. The conversation delves into the rise of far-right parties, the impact of political reputations, and the sometimes humorous intricacies of political relationships.