

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

Dec 2, 2025 • 31min
Why Is Starmer Bringing Up Brexit?
Keir Starmer says the UK is still facing consequences of Brexit vote's 'wild promises' - why is the prime minister bringing up Brexit? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2025 • 31min
Did The Chancellor Lie To Cabinet?
The Prime Minister has denied that he and the Chancellor misled the cabinet, and the country, over the state of the nation's finances - has he put the question to bed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 2025 • 31min
Labour's Grown-Up Politics
Thangham Debbonaire, a Labour peer and MP, defends her party's recent decision to abandon day-one unfair dismissal rights, sparking a lively debate with political analyst Michael Binyon. They explore the mixed voter reactions to the budget, the implications of minimum wage structures, and the rise of the Green Party as a potential threat. The discussion also touches on Trump's rhetoric on migration and its impact on political discourse, concluding with a light-hearted look at their morning routines compared to celebrities.

Nov 27, 2025 • 30min
Is The Budget The Chancellor's Obituary?
Rachel Reeves has told Times Radio she is determined to remain in Number 11 Downing Street, and that she wasn't going to have her political obituary written today - how might this play out with Labour’s election chances? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Colvile and Megan Kenyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26, 2025 • 23min
PMQs: Most Chaotic Budget Yet?
The OBR may have mistakenly released Reeves' budget too early, but it was just in time for Prime Minister's Questions. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Times' Chief Political Correspondent Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 2025 • 33min
Another 'Omnishambles' Budget?
Rachel Reeves has told Labour MPs she'll survive Wednesday's budget, and be back for years to come. Is it set to be worse than previous budget disasters, including George Osborne's 'omnishambles' in 2012?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ed Vaizey and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 2025 • 31min
Is the Chancellor Still In Control?
It’s been a year since Rachel Reeves told the CBI she'd steer clear of extra borrowing or new tax rises. After a weekend spent defending her position, is the Chancellor really in control?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2025 • 31min
Ministers 'Dragging Heels' Over Single-sex Spaces
The Times today reveals the guidance on transgender people using single-sex spaces like toilets and changing rooms. It's been sitting on the government's desk - are ministers trying to avoid a political backlash? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 2025 • 42min
PMQs: A Labour Budget With Labour Values?
Kemi Badenoch presses Keir Starmer over whether the government would "break another promise" by freezing income tax thresholds. With Starmer deferring to the chancellor’s plans next week, will it truly be “a Labour Budget with Labour values”?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from Prime Minister's Questions with Patrick Maguire and Luke Sullivan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
Is Labour 'Appeasing The Electorate'?
The Home Secretary's new asylum plans are facing backlash from Labour MPs, including one who told Times Radio the government is trying to "appease the electorate" - is that the job of politicians, or not?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


