Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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Oct 21, 2025 • 31min

What Did Andrew Witness?

Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir reveals her abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and alleged encounters with Prince Andrew - claims he denies. Now, the disgraced royal faces pressure to disclose what he knows about Epstein’s crimes and those who may have enabled them. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 29min

Is China A Top-Tier Threat?

Conservative MPs Alicia Kearns and Tom Tugendhat have urged Keir Starmer to designate China a top-tier threat, calling his inaction a sign of weakness - but would such a label really change anything?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers to unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 37min

Football Ban Tests Starmer

The Prime Minister wants to lift the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending their game against Aston Villa next month. But could it lead to violence?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 33min

The China Spy Blame Game

The government, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Conservatives all blame each other for the collapse of the China spy case, is everyone set to lose in the blame game?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and David Runciman live from the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 57min

PMQs: Lawyer, Not A Leader?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks PMQs alongside Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika live from the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.Badenoch challenges Starmer over the China spy case, but Starmer enjoys arguing over legal technicalities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 32min

Trump Leaves Starmer Hanging

Does an embarrassing moment for Sir Keir Starmer on stage at the Egypt peace summit reveal something about the UK's influence on the global stage?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 13, 2025 • 34min

Farage Ditches Tax Cut Plans

Reform UK's Nigel Farage is preparing to drop his promise to deliver £90bn of tax cuts, saying his party will reduce public spending first. Is this a more credible position, and is it in response to Tory attacks?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Patrick Kidd  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 10, 2025 • 35min

Trump's Peace Prize Snub

The ceasefire in Gaza is underway after US president Donald Trump brokered a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. But how will he feel about missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize?Alexis Conran unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 34min

Trump Takes Credit For Gaza Deal

President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of his plan for peace in Gaza. Is he on track for a Nobel Peace Prize? Plus, why is Matthew trying to avoid calling Nigel Farage by his name?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 8, 2025 • 17min

Badenoch's Tax-Cutting Promises

Hugo Rifkind unpacks Kemi Badenoch's speech to Conservative Party conference in which she pledged to scrap Labour's tax rises and abolish stamp duty. But has she discovered her own magic money tree?Plus: Margaret Thatcher also struggled to make an impact in her first year, how do the two leaders compare? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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