Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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Mar 31, 2026 • 35min

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 unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 30, 2026 • 34min

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 27, 2026 • 30min

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 he running out of options?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 26, 2026 • 32min

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 ministers guilty of needlessly kicking the private sector?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 25, 2026 • 42min

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.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 24, 2026 • 29min

Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?

Charlotte Ivers, Sunday Times TV critic known for sharp cultural takes, and Patrick Kidd, seasoned Times columnist and political analyst, join Hugo. They debate Ed Miliband's sway over energy policy and North Sea drilling. Conversations cover government messaging on panic buying and petrol, defence procurement headaches, contested community grant rules, and what makes British TV sell overseas.
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Mar 23, 2026 • 36min

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 frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 19, 2026 • 33min

The Global Energy Crisis

Matthew Syed, journalist and author on defence and strategy, and Juliet Samuel, political columnist focused on energy and culture, debate the shock to energy markets from threats to infrastructure. They explore unpredictability in foreign policy, whether democratic restraint still holds, nuclear lessons from South Korea, UK complacency, targeted support for bill-payers, and the resilience of alliances.
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Mar 18, 2026 • 41min

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 Minister's evasive responses.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 17, 2026 • 32min

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

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