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
Where Do Peace Talks Go From Here?
Russia says there is "a lot ahead to be done" on the Ukrainian ceasefire deal; what concessions can Donald Trump realistically extract from Vladimir Putin? Ed…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Starmer Wielding The Chainsaw?
Keir Starmer has announced he is abolishing NHS England, the quango in charge of NHS standards. Is he the chainsaw-wielding disruptor the UK didn't know it…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Talking Trash At The Despatch Box
Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of talking 'trash' as she attacks Labour's record on the cost of living. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer Prepares To Cut Welfare
Keir Starmer says the current benefits system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair" - will the public, and his own party, agree? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…
- Politics Unpacked
Elon Musk, Reform and Barbour Jackets
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, including: Elon Musk's spat with a Polish minister, Reform UK descends into infighting, and what are the politics…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
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…
- Politics Unpacked
Lessons From The German Election
A centre-left government kicked out by the electorate, with immigration the dominant issue... Are there lessons from the German election for Keir Starmer and…
- Politics Unpacked
Stuff's Got Real
Starmer is under pressure to increase defence spending ahead of his trip to Washington next week, but where will the money come from and will the public accept…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer's "Love Actually" Moment?
Half of voters think it is in Britain’s interest to stand up to Donald Trump over Ukraine, but would it even make a difference? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…
- Politics Unpacked
President Musk
President Trump and Elon Musk put their friendship on full display in an hour long interview on Fox News. Will their bromance last? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…
- Politics Unpacked
Rachel Reeves' Inflated CV
After claims she exaggerated her CV, Rachel Reeves' entry in Who's Who is found to be at fault. Will it cut through with the public? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump, The Right & Starmer's Favourite Pub
Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Should we all calm down over Trump's plans for Ukraine? What do the…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Keir Starmer Just a Pawn?
A new book by Times and Sunday Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund charts Keir Starmer's rise to power, his journey from promising unity to…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump Accused Of Betraying Ukraine
Trump and Putin have agreed to negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine, but where does this leave Kyiv? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Open Borders & Lefty Lawyers
Keir Starmer criticises Kemi Badenoch's repetitive questioning, as the Tory leader finds herself on the defensive over immigration law. Hugo Rifkind unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Can The UK Avoid A Trade War?
Donald Trump's tariffs will have a big impact the UK steel industry, but unlike EU leaders, Starmer isn't going to retaliate - does he have a plan? Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Labour The Disrupter - Or The Disrupted?
After Keir Starmer tells his cabinet they need to be the "disrupters if you don't want to be disrupted", can they live up to the billing - and is this just a…
- Politics Unpacked
Build Baby Build
With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the…
- Politics Unpacked
Are Labour And The Tories Panicking Over Reform?
As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about Reform's…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Kemi Pivot
Kemi Badenoch continues her scattergun approach to questioning Keir Starmer, jumping from the Chagos Islands deal to voice coaches to drilling for oil in the…
- Politics Unpacked
The President Who Cried Tariff
Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is this the…
- Politics Unpacked
Keir's Not Driving The Train
A new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a politician?…
- Politics Unpacked
Brexit, Boomers & Centrist Dads
It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets? Ed Vaizey…
- Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: Rabbit In The Headlights
In the first Times Radio focus group of 2025, we find out whether voters who backed Labour at the general election are suffering from buyer's remorse. Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: The Next Lettuce?
Kemi Badenoch goes on the offensive over the government's plans for growth, but Keir Starmer thinks she's going to be 'the next lettuce'. Hugo Rifkind unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Extremism, Protest and Ed Miliband's Photographer
The government has rejected advice to widen the definition of extremism, but how can it stop attacks from angry "loners" like in Southport? Plus, why is Ed…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump Calls Starmer
After 45 minutes on the phone, and Donald Trump saying Keir Starmer is "a very good person", the transatlantic relationship seems to be on solid ground. But is…
- Politics Unpacked
Farage Demands An Apology
In the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer, Nigel Farage has called for an apology after he was accused of spreading fake news. But is he just…
- Politics Unpacked
Matthew Parris: Liberals Should Take On Trump
Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Matthew argues that liberals are going soft on Donald Trump, and it's time for…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Did Kemi School Keir?
Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of "educational vandalism" over his plans for schools. Who came out on top, and do some in Labour think she's got a point?…
- Politics Unpacked
Did Farage Have A Point About Southport?
Keir Starmer denied a 'cover-up' after his government was accused of withholding information about the Southport killer, did he get it wrong? Hugo Rifkind…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump! Part Deux
Donald Trump returns as U.S. president after one of the most extraordinary election comebacks in modern history, but what will Trump part two look like? Will…
- Politics Unpacked
Ed Davey: No More Mr Nice Guy?
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has positioned himself as pro-Europe and anti-Trump. Can he appeal to the urban voters that Labour may lose as they pick their fight…
- Politics Unpacked
Trump Takes The Credit
As a fragile ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, is this a peek into Donald Trump's new world order? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: Economic Vandals and Fantasists
Kemi Badenoch questions Keir Starmer about the state of the economy and his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Rachel Reeves Really In Trouble?
The chancellor shrugs off calls to resign after Keir Starmer is pressed about her future. Is there really any chance of her losing her job, and should the…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Labour Be 'Ruthless' Over Spending?
Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…
- Politics Unpacked
The Chancellor Goes To China
Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip? Ed Vaizey…
- Politics Unpacked
Has Reeves Done A Truss?
The pound is falling in value and government borrowing costs are rising - are the economic walls closing in on Rachel Reeves? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: A Leader Not A Lawyer
PMQs Unpacked is back for the new year and today Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over whether there should be a national inquiry into child sexual abuse…
- Politics Unpacked
Should Starmer Investigate Grooming Gangs?
Calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal are being led by the Conservatives, Reform UK and Elon Musk, but would it delay the action needed…
- Politics Unpacked
Starmer Hits Back At Musk
Without naming him directly, Keir Starmer has denounced Elon Musk for spreading falsehoods about the child sex abuse scandal. Has the PM changed his strategy…
- Politics Unpacked
Is Musk Flirting With Fascism?
Elon Musk has continued his attacks on the UK government, but why is he inserting himself into European politics? Does he want to be a global statesman? And…
- Politics Unpacked
Gang Smashing & Queue Jumping
The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is booed for…
- Politics Unpacked
Making the Honours List
The 2025 New Years Honours list has being released, with Former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Stephen Fry amongst those to be knighted…
- Politics Unpacked
Are Badenoch's Attacks On Farage Backfiring?
The membership row between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage rumbles on, but is anyone winning? And what do members of Reform UK get for their money? David…
- Politics Unpacked
Slumps, Scandals And Christmas Sweaters
The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories? Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scandals. Hugo…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Mandelson Charm Donald Trump?
Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk? Ed Vaizey unpacks…
- Politics Unpacked
Can Kemi Look Like A PM In Waiting?
A new YouGov polls shows the public doesn't see Kemi Badenoch as a PM in waiting - is their verdict a suprise? Plus, is Matthew Parris the British equivalent…
- Politics Unpacked
PMQs: One-Trick Phony
It's the last PMQs of 2024, and Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch trade blows over the government's decision to restrict winter fuel payments. But some of the…
- Politics Unpacked
Why Is Starmer Polling So Badly?
Starmer's approval rating is the lowest of any Prime Minister after five months in Number 10 - is he a victim of circumstance, or of the fickle nature of…
- Politics Unpacked
Naming Spies
Should MPs use parliamentary privilege to reveal the identity of an alleged Chinese spy? Is anti-bullying training 'woke'? And is the government's…