Politics Unpacked - podcast cover

Politics Unpacked

The Timeswww.thetimes.co.uk

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.

Episodes

A Modernising Pope

Following the death of Pope Francis, our columnists discuss the relationship between faith and politics, and the role of modern religious leaders. Plus, should MPs and peers allow Donald Trump to address Parliament? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and David Runciman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 21, 202527 min

Farage, Oak Trees, And The Problem With LinkedIn

Have we all lost the plot over an oak tree in North London? Will Nigel Farage force the government to rethink drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea? And is it time to give LinkedIn a rest? Harry Wallop is joined by Carol Lewis and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 18, 202533 min

Starmer Risks Trade Stand-Off With Trump

The government insists it won't have to choose between trade with Donald Trump's America and the European Union, but can the prime minister continue the tricky balancing act? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 17, 202532 min

Defining A Woman

The contentious issue of gender identity is back in the spotlight, following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on legal definition of woman - but how will this impact politics in Britain? Could Labour lose votes by becoming too gender critical?  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 16, 202535 min

Too Cosy With China?

The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - is the UK too cosy with China?  Plus, our columnists reveal their favourite hymns.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 15, 202528 min

Save British Steel

The future of British Steel hangs in the balance, after Parliament was dramatically recalled over the weekend to pass emergency legislation to keep the UK's last blast furnaces open - but was it neglect or sabotage? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 14, 202533 min

Tit-For-Tat Trade War

As the US and China continue their economic tit-for-tat, the UK is told that even a trade deal may not spare it from 10% tariffs. Can anyone win Trump's trade war? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 202532 min

Trump Dumps Tariffs

About 13 hours after they came into force, President Trump announced a 90-day pause for his reciprocal tariffs everywhere - except China. Has Trump been intimidated? And will the UK ever get a trade deal?   Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 10, 202535 min

Boys Will Be Boys

While the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs continues, two members of his administration - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro - have traded blows about free trade. And, are the wealthy leaving London? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jenni Russell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 09, 202533 min

Will Trump's Cheerleaders Lose Faith?

Elon Musk has broken company with Donald Trump over tariffs - but will it make any difference, and will Trump's other billionaire supporters follow? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 08, 202530 min

Starmer's Plan To Protect The Economy

Keir Starmer warns that the world has fundamentally changed, but does he have a plan to protect the British economy from Donald Trump's tariffs? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, including the row over Labour MPs refused entry to Israel and the possible return of Jacob Rees-Mogg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 07, 202528 min

Trump Tariff Turmoil

Donald Trump says he's pleased with the effect of his tariffs so far,...despite turmoil in markets, China retaliating and the start of a global trade war. Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 04, 202534 min

Trump Stokes A Trade War

Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on all imports to the US, although Britain gets off (relatively) lightly. Is this an example of a 'Brexit bonus'? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 03, 202534 min

Carping From The Sidelines

Kemi Badenoch quizzes Keir Starmer over his handling of the economy and Labour's so-called "jobs tax". Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the comedian Stuart Laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 02, 202538 min

No Free Trade Without Free Speech?

Could Britain's hopes of a free trade deal founder because of US concerns over free speech? Plus: Why Britain is stuck in a 'normie doom spiral', and what's the problem with instagram poetry ? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 01, 202534 min

Statecraft or Spineless

Keir Starmer's strategy is to react calmly if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on British goods. Is it best way to handle the US president, and will it help his political opponents? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 31, 202535 min

Trump Demands More From Ukraine

As reports suggest the US is demanding access to more of Ukraine's natural resources, is there anything Kyiv can do to resist? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 28, 202524 min

The Mother Of All Rebellions

Rachel Reeves' spring statement has been picked over by the experts, but could the chancellor be facing the 'mother of all rebellions' as one Labour MP claims? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Lara Spirit.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 27, 202532 min

PMQs: Kemi and Keir Phone It In

Ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement, Kemi Badenoch uses prime minister's questions to ask why Keir Starmer doesn't support banning phones in schools. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Tim Shipman and Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202527 min

When Group Chats Go Wrong

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day, including the US security blunder that saw senior White House officials text war plans in a secure app that included a journalist. With Times columnists James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 202531 min

Freebies, Austerity & Trump Tourism

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins, including: Should we take the Rachel Reeves freebie story seriously? How is the chancellor rolling the pitch ahead of the Spring Statement? And is Donald Trump harming US tourism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 202534 min

Reeves' Unappealing Options

With growth in short supply, how will Chancellor Rachel Reeves sell big spending cuts to the public and the Labour Party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 21, 202529 min

Coalition Of The Not-So-Willing?

As military leaders meet in London to discuss support for Ukraine, have the French blocked British manufacturers from an EU defence fund? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Lara Spirit.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 202533 min

PMQs: Glazed Expressions And Waffle

Comedian Andy Hamilton joins Hugo and Tim Shipman to unpack the exchanges at prime minister's questions. It's heavy going as Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch discuss taxes and hospices, but Reform UK's Lee Anderson lightens the mood with a question about "glazed expressions and waffle" from government ministers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 19, 202542 min

The Government Shakes Up Welfare

As the government lays out massive changes to the welfare system, Kemi Badenoch has a different concern: net-zero.   Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Tom Whipple  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 202535 min

Does Badenoch Have The Luxury Of Time?

Kemi Badenoch is launching a series of new policy commissions, but how long can she afford to wait before setting out what the party believes? And how likely is it that she will promise to leave the EHRC? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the help of Sebastian Payne and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 17, 202532 min

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 Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 202529 min

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 had?  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 202528 min

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 chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Theo Usherwood and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202543 min

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 of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 11, 202534 min
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