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
Labour's Wild Wes
Labour's leadership crisis has deepened, plunging the government into chaos - can Keir Starmer continue? And what kind of Prime Minister would Wes Streeting…
- Politics Unpacked
Gyles Brandreth: Whips, Plots & PMs
Hugo speaks to broadcaster, former MP and speechwriter to three prime ministers Gyles Brandreth. They unpack the latest twists in Westminster, life as a…
- Politics Unpacked
The Psychodrama Is Back
Keir Starmer insists he's staying on in Downing Street, but an increasing number of his ministers and MPs disagree. What happened to the promise that politics…
- Politics Unpacked
Was Starmer's Speech Enough?
Keir Starmer's speech was his last attempt to convince his MPs he's the right man for the job, but will it work? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb…
- Politics Unpacked
A Historic Shift in British Politics
Labour is losing heavily to Reform UK in areas once considered the party’s heartlands - what Nigel Farage calls a “truly historic shift” in British politics…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Labour Match The Tories For Plotting?
It's election day across the UK, and speculation is rife about a looming plot to oust Keir Starmer. But should the Labour Party just admit it's not as good at…
- Politics Unpacked
Polanski, Heckling, and Internet Relics
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. A Times investigation reveals Zack Polanski made false claims when seeking…
- Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: Is Andy Burnham A 'Saint'?
The Times Radio Focus Group returns for the final time ahead of the local elections. JL Partners brings together 2024 Labour voters who are now on the fence —…
- Politics Unpacked
Labour MPs "Doomscrolling Through Leaders"
Labour backbenchers are reportedly preparing an open letter urging Keir Starmer to name a resignation date — but who would actually replace him, and would…
- Politics Unpacked
The Endless Labour Leadership Drama
The papers are full of speculation on who could replace Keir Starmer if he is toppled after this week's local elections. But does anyone know what's actually…
- Politics Unpacked
Terror Threat Rises
With the terror threat level raised to “severe,” the Metropolitan Police is reviewing whether pro-Palestine marches can go ahead. Where should the line be…
- Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: Reform Voters
The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of the local elections. JL Partners brings together voters from across Britain who backed Labour, the Conservatives…
- Politics Unpacked
Have Politicians Been Weak On Antisemitism?
After a terror attack targeting Britain’s Jewish community, politicians rush to respond — and to blame. But is anyone actually lowering the temperature? Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: No More Mandelson
In the final PMQs before the local elections, Kemi Badenoch moves on from questions about Peter Mandelson and targets Keir Starmer on welfare spending and the…
- Politics Unpacked
McSweeney: What We Learned
After two blockbuster sessions of the Commons committee looking into the appointment and vetting of Peter Mandelson, what did we learn from the evidence of…
- Politics Unpacked
Keir Starmer's Week Of Peril
The prime minister faces a challenging week, with MPs set to vote on whether to hold an inquiry into claims he misled MPs over the Peter Mandelson scandal, and…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump Falklands Threat
The US could punish Britain over the Iran war by questioning UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands - will that worsen US-UK relations ahead of the King's…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Donald Trump "Deranged"?
As the US President says there’s “no time frame” for ending the war with Iran, Times columnist Matthew Parris says Donald Trump is "too deranged to remain in…
- Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: Wavering Tories
The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of May's local elections. JL Partners brings together a group of wavering Tories - voters from across England who…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Robbins Files
Sir Keir Starmer claims that the evidence given by Olly Robbins "puts to bed all the allegations" he was dishonest about Peter Mandelson's vetting process as…
- Politics Unpacked
Olly Robbins Fires Back at Starmer
Sacked Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins says No.10 took a “dismissive” approach to Peter Mandelson’s vetting - so where does this now leave Keir Starmer?…
- Politics Unpacked
Judgement Day For Starmer
Keir Starmer will blame the civil service for the vetting failures behind Peter Mandelson's appointment - but will his defence stand up to scrutiny? Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Mandelson Crisis Deepens
Keir Starmer says he's 'furious' he wasn't told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before his appointment as US ambassador. Just how much trouble…
- Politics Unpacked
Is The UK Ready For Shortages?
A top-level crisis drill inside government - “Exercise Turnstone” - has been testing what happens if the conflict in Iran continues and the Strait of Hormuz…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Defending The Undefendable
Kemi Badenoch criticises the government for failing to publish its plan for defence spending, but Starmer says the Tories hollowed out the budget, and gets…
- Politics Unpacked
The AI President
Donald Trump insists the AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure actually depicts him as a doctor. He's faced backlash from all sides, but it's…
- Politics Unpacked
Hungary, The 'Boriswave', And Trump vs The Pope
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves. Is the tide shifting away from the hard right in Europe? Would Nigel Farage…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer "Fed Up" With Trump
Keir Starmer has stepped up his criticism of Trump, but could that put the UK in the firing line for retaliation from the US? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of…
- Politics Unpacked
Are The Fringe Parties Still The Fringe?
Reform UK and the Green Party are expected to do well at next month's elections at the expense of the established parties. But is the electorate ready for some…
- Politics Unpacked
Has Trump Won The War?
Iran has agreed to a ceasefire with the US after Trump promised to destroy it - but with the biggest issues still unresolved, can he really claim victory? Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
Kanye West, Strikes and 90s Nostalgia
The rapper Ye - formerly known as Kanye West - has been blocked from headlining a festival in London this summer over anti-semitic behaviour. Can we separate…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump's Foul-Mouthed Diplomacy
Donald Trump has threatened to turn Iran into "hell" in a profanity-laden rant on social media. But with so many conflicting messages and shifting deadlines…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump Mocks Starmer (Again)
The US President mocks Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at an Easter event at the White House. Does Macron's response reflect growing anger in Europe over…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump's 'Stone Age' Threat
As Donald Trump threatens to send Iran “back to the Stone Age”, Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times columnists Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum to unpack the history…
- Politics Unpacked
How Is Britain Handling Trump's Taunts?
Keir Starmer has largely ignored several rhetorical attacks against the UK from The White House, should King Charles' state visit be cancelled to send a…
- Politics Unpacked
The Battle For Big Ideas
With Labour and The Tories parties losing ground to populists - have centrist parties run out of ideas, or just politicians who can sell them? Hugo Rifkind…
- Politics Unpacked
Energy Shock Leaves Starmer Powerless
Keir Starmer is calling energy bosses into Downing Street to discuss how to limit the economic impact of the war in Iran - but what options does he have? Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
Has Trump Run Out Of Options?
Donald Trump insists peace talks with Iran are going “very well” - but is also considering deploying more troops to the region. Does he have a strategy, or is…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Fuel Fiction
The government has railed against "profiteering" by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, but evidence suggests there hasn't been any - are…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: It's Ed Miliband's Decision
Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?
The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government? Hugo unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump, The Cost Of Living And Corbyn In Cuba
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime…
- Politics Unpacked
The Global Energy Crisis
As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world’s biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Starmer Swerves Mandelson Questions
Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Farage Out-Stunt Ed Davey?
Reform UK launches a competition to pay one winner’s energy bills for a year - is the party attempting to out-stunt Ed Davey? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer To The Rescue?
Keir Starmer claims he's brought financial stability back to the economy and defends his leadership during the war in Iran - but will the public be grateful?…
- Politics Unpacked
Iran, Mandelson, and Farage Fighting The Polls
Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day - from the fallout from the Mandelson files, to the US easing sanctions on Russian oil, to Nigel Farage's problem…
- Politics Unpacked
Did Starmer Mislead MPs Over Mandelson?
Kemi Badenoch claims Keir Starmer misled MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. How badly damaged is the prime minister? Hugo Rifkind…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Mother of All U-Turns
Accusations of U-turns were flying at a raucous PMQs, with Kemi Badenoch claiming Keir Starmer is changing course on fuel duty - and Starmer accusing her of…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump's Words Of War
President Trump's rhetoric towards Iran is visceral, aggressive and often confusing - but is he aiming his bombastic language at Iranians, Republicans, or his…
- Politics Unpacked
Will Ministers Have To Act On Energy Bills?
The looming domestic problem in the government's in-tray is the impact of war in the Middle East on the British economy - will the government need to…
- Politics Unpacked
What Is Trump Trying To Achieve In Iran?
Donald Trump has demanded the "unconditional surrender" of Iran and says he wants to choose its next leader. But does he have any idea of how to achieve that?…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer Playing Catch-Up Over Iran
Was the UK slow off the mark to respond to US-Israel attacks on Iran, are we now struggling to adjust to the speed of events? We also discuss the increasingly…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: "A Sea Of Orcs And Goons"
Kemi Badenoch accuses the government of being too slow off the mark on Iran and throws out a few memorably unique phrases at Labour backbenchers. Keir Starmer…
- Politics Unpacked
The Not-So-Special Relationship
Donald Trump says America’s relationship with Britain has changed, warning the UK is “not such a recognisable country” anymore. What's happened to Keir Starmer…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's Iran Response Angers Trump
Donald Trump says he is "very disappointed" that Keir Starmer didn't initially allow the US to use British airbases to attack Iran - a position the Prime…
- Politics Unpacked
Labour's 'Existential Crisis'
Zack Polanski has declared an "existential crisis for the Labour Party" following a "seismic" by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. But does the result…
- Politics Unpacked
Immigration, Student Loans, and Reform's Blue Box
Is there an economic cost to falling net-migration? Will there be another government U-turn on student loans? And does Andrea Jenkyns' blue box look more like…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Last One Before The By-Election
In a rowdy session of PMQs before the Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer attacks both the Greens and Reform - but Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of…
- Politics Unpacked
MPs Debate Former Prince Andrew
The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following…