Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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Jul 2, 2025 • 45min

PMQs: "She Looks Traumatised"

Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and questions over her future, that dominate.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 32min

Labour's Welfare Problem

Despite last week's U-turn, Keir Starmer still faces a backbench rebellion over welfare. Is it particularly difficult for a Labour Prime Minister to cut benefits?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 31min

Starmer Faces Fresh Welfare Rebellion

The government made big concessions to its welfare reforms to win over Labour critics - but could the rebellion be about to grow, rather than shrink?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 27, 2025 • 26min

Starmer's Hat-Trick Of U-Turns

The prime minister has been forced into a climbdown after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to block his welfare bill. Is he back in control of the party or is his authority permanently damaged?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jonathan Maitland and Theo Usherwood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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5 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 30min

Welfare Bill in Crisis

Rebel MPs are not backing down over the government's welfare bill, with Keir Starmer forced to contemplate concessions - can he win them over?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 39min

PMQs: Rayner's Rough Ride Over Welfare

With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mounting rebellion over welfare cuts.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action with Patrick Maguire and Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 24, 2025 • 29min

Why Was Starmer Out Of The Loop?

There was little sign of British influence as the US attacked Iran and then announced a ceasefire. Does it throw Starmer's judgement into question, or is the UK better off out of the loop?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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Jun 23, 2025 • 31min

Is The UK Internationally Irrelevant?

Donald Trump's unilateral attack on Iran exposes the limit to which Britain can influence events in the Middle East. Should we be happy with the role of bystander?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 20, 2025 • 31min

Is There A "Window" For Iran Diplomacy?

Donald Trump's given Iran a "two-week" reprieve for negotiations and David Lammy has gone to Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister. But can their diplomacy work?Ed Vaizey is joined by columnists Michael Binyon and Jane Merrick to unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 19, 2025 • 33min

How Will The UK Respond If Trump Attacks?

Donald Trump is reported to have approved a plan to attack Iran, and the world waits to see if he uses it. But how will Keir Starmer respond?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Claire Cohen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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