Politics Unpacked

Times Radio
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Mar 2, 2026 • 34min

Starmer's Iran Response Angers Trump

Donald Trump says he is "very disappointed" that Keir Starmer didn't initially allow the US to use British airbases to attack Iran - a position the Prime Minister has now reversed. Should the UK resist being dragged into America's war? And would that threaten the 'special relationship'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 27, 2026 • 34min

Labour's 'Existential Crisis'

Zack Polanski has declared an "existential crisis for the Labour Party" following a "seismic" by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. But does the result mean it's curtains for Keir Starmer?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 26, 2026 • 30min

Immigration, Student Loans, and Reform's Blue Box

Is there an economic cost to falling net-migration? Will there be another government U-turn on student loans? And does Andrea Jenkyns' blue box look more like a biscuit tin? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 25, 2026 • 41min

PMQs: The Last One Before The By-Election

Alistair Beckett-King, comedian and sharp-witted commentator. He offers humorous takes on the rowdy PMQs run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election. Short, punchy reactions land on the 'paedo' rhetoric row, energy bill number disputes, and theatrical question-planting in parliament. Funny, pointed commentary throughout.
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Feb 24, 2026 • 32min

MPs Debate Former Prince Andrew

The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following his withdrawal from public royal duties, but what are the rules when it comes to debating a royal - and what, exactly, can they say?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 23, 2026 • 37min

Will SEND be Labour's Next Rebellion?

The government hopes to tackle the sensitive and costly system for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England - but will Labour MPs support the reforms, or force Starmer into yet another U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 20, 2026 • 29min

What Andrew's Arrest Means For The Monarchy

The royal family faces its biggest crisis in decades following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied wrongdoing. Does this weaken the monarchy, or has the King done enough to separate himself from his brother?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 19, 2026 • 18min

Former Prince Andrew Arrested By Police

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct whilst in public office. He's the first senior Royal figure to be taken into custody in modern history. He denies wrongdoing. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story - plus the other politics of the day - with Megan Kenyon and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 18, 2026 • 30min

Reform Without Farage's Fireworks

Robert Jenrick sets out Reform’s economic case aiming to make the party credible. But without Farage on the stage, is it losing its radical edge? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 17, 2026 • 31min

Reform Team, Assemble

The Reform UK 'shadow cabinet' has assembled. Nigel Farage has appointed Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Zia Yusuf to key roles - but will voters be convinced that the party is truly a government-in-waiting?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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