Shows / Politics Unpacked
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/
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Episodes
- Politics Unpacked
Diversity Gone Too Far?
A Cambridge professor's resignation has reignited the debate over diversity and standards in British universities. Has the drive for equality gone too far? Ed…
- Politics Unpacked
Badenoch's Double Standard?
Kemi Badenoch defended the Conservative Party's decision to select a former neo-Nazi as a council candidate in Somerset. But after banishing Tory 'wets' like…
- Politics Unpacked
Will The Right Unite?
Westminster's favourite "will they, won't they" continues as Nigel Farage says he's open to talks with Rupert Lowe about reuniting the "patriotic right" - but…
- Politics Unpacked
Farage Calls In The Navy
Reform would send the Royal Navy to the Channel to stop migrants crossing on small boats. Will the announcement help Reform reverse its slump in the polls? And…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump's Gaza Breakthrough?
President Trump is hailing a historic agreement to disarm Hamas, but some are sceptical it will work - can he deliver lasting peace in Gaza? Ryan Tubridy…
- Politics Unpacked
The Politics Of Climate Change
Drought and wildfires have hit England during the fourth heatwave of the summer. Are politicians are keeping up with a changing climate? Carolyn Quinn unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Andy Fix It?
Andy Burnham has become the latest Prime Minister to promise to fix England's social care system. More than 20 attempts have failed over the past 30 years - so…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham Gets Practical
Andy Burnham wants Britain to value "the hard hat as much as the graduation cap", pushing more young people towards technical training - but is that what the…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham's Big Week
Andy Burnham is setting out how he plans to tackle some of Britain's biggest problems, with defence, social care and devolving income tax powers to local…
- Politics Unpacked
Why Burnham Is A Comedian's Dream
Keir Starmer's reserved style didn't give impressionists much to work with. Andy Burnham is different: expressive, animated and occasionally cringey - but will…
- Politics Unpacked
Is That It, Burnham?
Andy Burnham's first week in Downing Street has been full of promises - from tax cuts, to public services - but it's left Kemi Badenoch asking, "Is that it?"…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham's Reality Check
Andy Burnham has so far shown his new government knows how to spend money, but what about the harder bit - explaining where the savings will come from? Is the…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham's Cabinet Assembles
Andy Burnham has met with his new cabinet for the first time since becoming prime minister. It's very northern, and it definitely doesn't include allies of…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Burnham Stop The Churn?
As Andy Burnham becomes the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, how can he avoid the fate of his predecessors? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the…
- Politics Unpacked
The Burnham Coronation
Andy Burnham has officially been elected Labour leader. In three days time, he'll become Prime Minister. He says he's got "a plan" - but can he deliver? Ed…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Shabana Mahmood Burnham's Chancellor?
Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband... Hugo Rifkind…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Starmer's Journey Comes To An End
Keir Starmer delivers his final Prime Minister's Questions before leaving office, calling it "the end of my political journey" in an at-times emotional final…
- Politics Unpacked
How Safe Are Our Politicians?
As counterterrorism police now lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death, Reform UK MPs are raising concerns about their own safety. Is it time to…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham's Countdown, Farage's Gifts and Labour's Bros
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Janice Turner. Are Andy Burnham's plans for government really ready? Do voters think Nigel…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham, Binface & Posh Boy Summer
Andy Burnham is being swept to power by Labour on a 'tidal wave of obsequiousness' - is he making the best use of his moment of maximum power? Why is there a…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Burnham Too Soft?
Andy Burnham has promised to make Labour MPs feel "happy and fulfilled" by easing party discipline and turning the Whips' Office into something more like an HR…
- Politics Unpacked
DPMQs: Don't Talk About Farage
In the penultimate PMQs before the summer recess, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly face off in the Commons - but…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham's Gamble & Starmer's Substack
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers. Why is Andy Burnham taking a "one-and-done" approach to Cabinet…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Farage In Serious Trouble?
Nigel Farage is under pressure after The Sunday Times revealed he had not declared benefits from an ally previously convicted of fraud in the US. He denies any…
- Politics Unpacked
Kemi Takes Advice (Except From Truss)
Kemi Badenoch has sought advice from all her living predecessors except one - so who didn't get the call? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Will…
- Politics Unpacked
Kemi Tells Labour Women To 'Stop Moaning'
Kemi Badenoch has accused female Labour MPs of engaging in "failed identity politics" by asking Andy Burnham to commit to making 50 per cent of his ministers…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Starmer's Not So Lucky DIP
Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of leaving defence spending in a mess for Andy Burnham, but Starmer blames the Tories for underfunding the military when…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Farewell Tour
Keir Starmer unveils the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan in one of his final acts as prime minister. But what will the incoming PM, Andy Burnham, make of…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham Addresses The Nation
Andy Burnham has set out his vision for spreading power across the UK, including a new "No. 10 North". Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire, Seb Payne and…
- Politics Unpacked
Has Labour Left The Country In Stasis?
Andy Burnham is the de-facto prime minister - has the Labour Party left the country in stasis while we wait for him to arrive in Downing Street? And why is an…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham v Trump, Tackling Welfare and SNP Accents
How will Andy Burnham handle Donald Trump, does he have a genuine chance to reform welfare, and should we sympathise with the SNP MP accused of faking her…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQS: Kemi Gets Personal
Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch for the first time since announcing his resignation. The Tory leader asks if Starmer felt let down by his cabinet - but did…
- Politics Unpacked
Did Anyone Notice Starmer Resigned?
Keir Starmer's resignation was distinctly less dramatic than previous Prime Ministers' - is Britain just too used to upheaval in Downing Street? Hugo unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Keir Starmer Resigns
Keir Starmer resigns, paving the way for Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister. What sort of leader will Burnham be, and why is the UK on its way to its…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Goodbye Election
Andy Burnham hails it as a 'change moment' - but Keir Starmer insists he'll stand if a leadership contest is triggered. Was Makerfield the PM's goodbye…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Trump's Deal A 'Humiliation'?
Trump's deal to end the war with Iran has been roundly criticised in Washington - what will it do to America's reputation? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day…
- Politics Unpacked
The DPMQs Before The Storm
David Lammy stands in at the despatch box for the last PMQs before the Makerfield by-election. The Deputy Prime Minister says he's proud to serve under…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Final Summit
Keir Starmer is rubbing shoulders with global leaders at the G7 summit. But have his foreign affairs credentials been undermined by John Healey's resignation?…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Last Hurrah?
Keir Starmer announces a social media ban for under-16s as Andy Burnham looks poised to trigger a leadership challenge. Is the Prime Minister shoring up his…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer Fights On
Keir Starmer’s grip on power looks weaker than ever after the resignation of John Healey. Can the prime minister really hang on? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics…
- Politics Unpacked
John Healey Resigns
The Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, claiming Keir Starmer's lack of funding for the military will make the UK "less safe" Hugo Rifkind spoke to The…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Sun Sets On Starmer's Premiership?
Keir Starmer clashes with Kemi Badenoch over defence spending, with the Tory leader accusing him of 'scrabbling around for a legacy'. Patrick Maguire and…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Burnham Ready To Be Disliked?
Rather than aiming to be liked, should modern day politicians relish the relentless, universal public and online hatred they face and use it to fuel their…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer Enters The 'Legacy Era'
The prime minister is reportedly entering his "legacy era", with a major defence spending plan and new restrictions on children's social media use - but what…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham Makes It Official
Andy Burnham has officially confirmed he'll challenge Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest if he wins the Makerfield by-election, but Starmer says he's…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer, Musk & The Politics Of Division
Keir Starmer has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" over the murder of Henry Nowak. Why is Musk interfering in UK politics?…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Starmer v Farage
Nigel Farage asks the prime minister to take action against "two-tier policing", but Keir Starmer accses the Reform UK leader of exploiting the murder of Henry…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Starmer's Labour the Welfare Party?
Pat McFadden's assessment of Labour MPs will fuel claims that the party cares more about welfare recipients than taxpayers - is Keir Starmer's Labour becoming…
- Politics Unpacked
Labour's Trade Union Problem
Polling suggests that union members are just as likely to support Reform UK as they are to back Labour. Is Nigel Farage now leader of the 'party of the working…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham, Body Doubles & Boozy Lunches
Is Labour having a policy debate in public healthy for our democracy? What's behind an online conspiracy claiming Vladimir Putin is dead? And have we forgotten…
- Politics Unpacked
All's Blair In Love And War
Tony Blair is said to be "fired up" and poised to escalate his involvement in Labour's leadership race, after being criticised by both Andy Burnham and Wes…
- Politics Unpacked
Blair Slams Labour
Sir Tony Blair says Labour has “no coherent plan” for the country, attacking the party’s direction under Keir Starmer and its plan to change leader - but does…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Social Media The New Smoking?
Medical leaders have compared social media to tobacco as pressure grows on Keir Starmer to change his mind and back a ban for under-16s. Will political…
- Politics Unpacked
Will Restore Britain 'Split The Right'?
Nigel Farage has hit out at Elon Musk over his support for the hardline Restore Britain in the Makerfield by-election - could Rupert Lowe’s party split the…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Burnham Really A Man Of The People?
Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign to be Makerfield's next MP, which he hopes will propel him to Downing Street. How can a Cambridge-educated…
- Politics Unpacked
Falling Immigration: The Political Impact
Net migration has fallen to its lowest level since before the pandemic - but will it have any impact on the public's view? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Starmer Looks Demob Happy
It's the first PMQs since Labour's local election hammering, but despite the leadership challengers circling Keir Starmer is surprisingly upbeat. Hugo Rifkind…
- Politics Unpacked
Do Political Backstories Matter?
Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are each setting out their pitch to be the next Prime Minister. But do their stories of triumphing over adversity make them…
- Politics Unpacked
What If Burnham Loses?
Under pressure over his stance on rejoining the EU, Andy Burnham could face a bruising contest against Reform if selected for the Makerfield by-election. But…
- Politics Unpacked
Burnham Makes His Move
Andy Burnham is plotting his route back to Westminster, where he intends to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. But would he make a good Prime…