Politics Unpacked
Hugo Rifkind unpacks 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.
Episodes
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 being endlessly parodied help or hurt his popularity? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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?" as she calls on him to be more ambitious. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
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 new PM already bumping into fiscal reality? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Keir Starmer - will the exiled Starmerites make his life difficult?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 day with Janice Turner and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Theo Bertram and Alys Denby.You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 appearance at the despatch box.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack the exchanges, assess Starmer's legacy, and ask how his performances at PMQs will be remembered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor
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 rethink how Britain's politicians are protected?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
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 Farage has behaved incorrectly over undeclared gifts? And is Labour's woman problem worse than it realises?You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor
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 backlash against Count Binface? And what is 'posh boy summer'? Ed Vaizey is joined by Alys Denby and Michael Binyon to unpack the politics of the day. You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. S
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 department. It's a very different approach to Keir Starmer's leadership - but will it work?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 with questions hanging over Nigel Farage's future, there's surprisingly little mention of the Reform UK leader...Ed Vaizey is joined by Lara Spirit and Matthew Syed to unpack the exchanges from the House of Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast
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 appointments? And who is reading Keir Starmer's Substack? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 wrongdoing.How serious is the challenge to his leadership, and to Reform UK? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pmA
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 Lloyd and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 women.Is she right to accuse them of "moaning"?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
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 they were in government. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and comedian Alisdair Beckett-King. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See
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 it all? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Joshi Herrmann to unpack the speech by the man who is almost certainly going to be prime minister within weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 immigration minister arguing in public with the home secretary, and not getting the sack? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm Hosted o
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 Scottish accent?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 her personal jibes go too far?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire and Ryan Tubridy. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio
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 the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 seventh PM in a decade?Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves, Sebastian Payne and Theo Bertram, former adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 election?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Starmer, while Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho claims Labour is "a government on life support".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and the Chancellor's former Political Director Matt Pound, to unpack the exchanges from the Commons.You
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?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 legacy or will he fight on?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Jack Blackburn and Janice Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Political Editor Anna Mikhailova about the damage the resignation has done to the Prime Minister's authority.And before the news of Healey's resignation broke, Hugo spoke to th
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 Stefan Boscia join Hugo Rifkind to unpack the exchanges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 arguments? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 will Keir Starmer's legacy actually be?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 not going anywhere.Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Nowak.Plus: Kemi Badenoch seizes on the Mandelson files to accuse the government of raising taxes to fund higher welfare spending. Hugo unpacks the exchanges at prime minister's questions with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and c
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 the Welfare Party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 class'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 the power of a boozy lunch?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Streeting.Why can't the Labour party stop squabbling with itself?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jenni Russell and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 his intervention matter?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Anne McElvoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 pressure force another u-turn?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Josh Glancy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 right-wing vote?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Carol Lewis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 former cabinet minister make the case that he's taking on the political establishment?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 with Fraser Nelson and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire and Cleo Watson, former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 better politicians?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 what happens if he loses? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Sonia Sodha and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Minister? And why is he so adored by some parts of the party?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Thangam Debbonaire and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 be? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 government whip amid a Tory civil war, and which prime minister was the funniest behind closed doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 would tread more lightly on our lives? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, James Marriott and Theo Bertram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Payne, Libby Purves and Matt Pound, a former advisor to the prime minister Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.Keir Starmer says he won't leave and plunge the party into chaos - but will it be up to him?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Plus: Shadow Minister Victoria Atkins and Reform UK’s London Assembl
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 skulduggery as the Conservatives in their heyday?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris, to discuss scheming politicians, the drinking culture in Parliament, and how the 24 hour news cycle changed modern politics. Hosted o
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 the deputy leadership of the Green party, Kemi Badenoch's handling of hecklers, and what happened to relics of the early internet age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 — so what’s changed? Is Keir Starmer the problem, are his potential rivals any better, or are the Greens the real beneficiaries? Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder Tom Lubbock to break it all down. Hosted on Acast.
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 voters be any happier?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 going on inside the party?Guto Harri unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 drawn between public safety and the right to protest?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 and Reform UK in 2024 — but who now all say they plan to vote Reform.What’s driving the shift? Is it about Nigel Farage, frustration with the main parties, or belief in Reform itself? And what, if anything, could change their minds?Hugo Rifkin
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 unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 economy.Tim Shipman and Patrick Maguire join Hugo Rifkind to unpack the exchanges in the Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 former Foreign Office mandarin Sir Phillip Barton and former Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney?Daniel Finkelstein is joined by Tom McTague and Ollie Cole to find out where this leaves Keir Starmer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr
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 his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney due to be grilled by MPs.So will the coming days hasten his departure? And could a Granita-style pact between Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner be the solution to the Labour Party's problems?Hugo
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 state visit next week? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 office" - but is that a fair assessment?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 backed the Conservatives at the last General Election, and are now considering switching to Reform UK.Do they think the 'Badenoch Bounce' is a real thing, what are their remaining concerns about Nigel Farage in 10 Downing Street, and just how di
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 Kemi Badenoch calls on him to stand down over the scandal. Hugo Rifkind is joined by Ed Vaizey and Fraser Nelson to unpack the exchanges in the commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ollie Cole, Charlotte Ivers and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 is the prime minister in?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 remains closed. So how ready is Britain for possible food shortages? Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 told off by the Speaker for failing to answer the question.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Patrick Maguire and the comedian Andrew Maxwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 not his first AI post to cause controversy. Did this one go too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 really put Boris Johnson on trial over immigration? And why are the US President and the Pope fighting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 of their more radical policies?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Sonia Sodha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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