Politics Unpacked

Wes Streeting says the NHS is letting people down, but should he be spending so much time talking the health service down?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the Labour Party conference with James Marriott and Libby Purves.Is being deputy prime minister a proper job? Is America turning its back on the great legal weed experiment? And… Judge Libby returns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Hugo steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters. This month, we find out whether stories about freebies and donors have cut through to Labour voters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Matthew Bell. Is Robert Jenrick right about English identity, could Nigel Farage end up in Downing St, and are smartphones as bad as all that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Keir Starmer's freebies a legitimate part of his job? With Hugo away, Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana join Lara Spirit to unpack the politics of the day, including Sue Gray's pay packet and Reform's challenge to the Conservatives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Thomson, a sharp columnist known for her takes on social and political issues, and Robert Crampton, a commentator on contemporary debates, join the discussion. They tackle the divisive Scottish independence referendum, reflecting on its lasting impact ten years later. The conversation shifts to whether remote work is effective, exploring generational differences in work experiences. They also humorously debate the merits of self-service checkouts and ponder if the British should bid farewell to pints.

Hugo Rifkind, a political commentator, is joined by James Marriott, a keen observer of modern issues, and Libby Purves, an ethics-focused broadcaster. They dive into the BBC's responsibility regarding the Huw Edwards controversy and investigate whether Britain has lost touch with regional identities. The trio discusses the decline of Anglo-Saxon names and the diminishing presence of regional accents in a London-centric media landscape. Plus, Judge Libby tackles ethical dilemmas, from recycling practices to the pressures on political spouses.

This lively discussion features Hadley Freeman, a former columnist known for her incisive takes on social issues, alongside political commentator Patrick Maguire. They delve into the scandal surrounding Keir Starmer's failure to declare gifts from a Labour donor, raising questions about political ethics. The conversation also touches on Ed Davey's ambitions, the lessons the UK can learn from Italy, and Hadley's recent departure from the Jewish Chronicle. Expect witty insights and a few surprising anecdotes along the way!

This week features Ed Vaizey, a political commentator, alongside journalist Trevor Phillips and writer Miranda Green. They delve into the potential revival of Private Finance Initiatives, questioning their impact on public spending. The complicated relationship between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon takes center stage, highlighting ongoing political tensions. They also discuss the intriguing suggestion of Keir Starmer bringing Michael Gove into the fold, amusingly reflecting on his past criticisms while pondering the future of UK politics.

Manveen Rana, a sharp journalist known for her political insights, and Patrick Kidd, a thoughtful writer on social matters, dive into pressing issues like the potential cutbacks on benefits for pensioners. They unravel the ethical quandaries of controversial topics, such as a suicide pod designed for autonomous choices. The conversation highlights generational wealth disparities and the cultural clash over free speech in universities, leading to a curious exploration of how technology might replace human touch. It's a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of politics and society.