

Politics Unpacked
Times Radio
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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


