Politics Unpacked
By The Times
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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Latest episode
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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 prime minister do a better job of defending her?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics… -
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 of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire. -
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 unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green. -
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 of the day with Manveen Rana and Michael Binyon. -
PMQs Unpacked: 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 by grooming gangs. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons wi… -
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 to protect children from abuse?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day w… -
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 for dealing with the billionaire?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day … -
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 what will this mean for his new friend Nigel Farage? Ed Vaizey unpacks the… -
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 queue-jumping for a toboggan ride on holiday, is it the most offensive t… -
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. But how have politicians fared? James Marriott and Libby Purves join Ed t…
