Matt Chorley's Urgent Questions

Is Andy Burnham on his way to No 10?

19 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is Andy Burnham on his way to No 10?Are we really in unprecedented times?Who will be the MMP for Orkney and Shetland?Matt Chorley brings you the who, ...

Did Ken Clarke help England win the 1966 World Cup?

18 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did Ken Clarke help England win the 1966 World Cup?What's happening politically for the World Cup co-hosts?What is it like to photograph your heroes?W...

How would a World Cup winner tackle PMQs?

17 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How would a World Cup winner tackle PMQs? How will this week's by-elections play out? Is Westminster gripped by World Cup fever? Who will be the MMP f...

Should party members have a say on choosing a PM?

16 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should party members have a say on choosing a PM?Why did so many politicians go to Eton?Who is installing loo rolls incorrectly?Who will be the MMP fo...

How hard is it being prime minister?

15 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How hard is it being prime minister? Will the U16 social media ban work? What does Kate Nash want done to help touring musicians? Who will be the MM...

What's Ken Clarke's advice for Keir Starmer?

12 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's Ken Clarke's advice for Keir Starmer? How have World Cups affected PMs? Why can't you text the word 'wang' to 5 Live? And who will be the Membe...

How damaging is John Healey's resignation?

11 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How damaging is John Healey's resignation? Where would the Conservatives find more cash? How would the spin class handle this? Who will be the MMP f...

What did Phil Wang make of PMQs wanging on?

10 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What did Phil Wang make of PMQs wanging on? Where is the money inside the Bank of England? Is this the most political World Cup ever? Who will be the ...

Who did Michael Howard think was best at PMQs?

09 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Who did Michael Howard think was best at PMQs?What's going on with fake Farage fighting videos?Should the World Cup have a half time show?Who will be ...

What's Andy Burnham's next move?

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's Andy Burnham's next move?Should politicians give football cliches the red card?Does magic need the human touch?Who will be the MMP for Aberdeen...

Why is Harry Shearer making a J. Edgar Hoover musical?

05 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why is Harry Shearer making a J. Edgar Hoover musical? Is the prime minister making a bucket list or a political fightback? Do children in Finland rea...

Which party has the most donations?

04 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Which party has the most donations? What is happening 28 days on from the May elections? Why did David Owen not like his portrait photo? Who will be t...

Did QI's John Lloyd find PMQs Quite Interesting?

03 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did QI's John Lloyd find PMQs Quite Interesting?How does Hansard work?Is having two mobile phones ridiculous?Who will be the MMP for Leeds Central and...

What’s wrong with airing your dirty linen in public?

02 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What’s wrong with airing your dirty linen in public? What's it like not having a government for 69 days? Should the two acts of a play be the same l...

What matters in the Mandelson files?

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What matters in the Mandelson files?Can you govern without whipping?What is happening in Trumpland?Who will be the MMP for Colne Valley?Matt Chorley b...

Why are next month's by-elections complicated?

29 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why are next month's by-elections complicated? Why are young Indians rallying around a cockroach? What are the politics of diaries? Who will be the MM...

What can Shed Seven teach us about trading gold?

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can Shed Seven teach us about trading gold?How do you handle an ex-leader?How grumpy was Ted Heath ?Who will be the MMP for Poplar and Limehouse...

What are voters saying in Makerfield?

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What are voters saying in Makerfield?Where is Tony Blair's radical centre?Can I play the ukulele?Who will be the MMP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green...

Has Trump blown it on Iran?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Has Trump blown it on Iran?Can you hatch a duck egg in your underpants?What small hot thing is winding you up?Who will be the MMP for Lichfield?Matt C...

What can Starmer learn from Southgate?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can Starmer learn from Southgate?Did the CIA poison Gordon Banks?How does Rivals get the 1987 election wrong?Who will be the MMP for Eastleigh?Ma...

Why does Tom Allen love suburbia?

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does Tom Allen love suburbia? What's a standing order anyway? What can Dad's Army teach today's politicians? Who will be the MMP for Southend and ...

Is there a parallel universe where the PM is really popular?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a parallel universe where the PM is really popular?How should politicians deal with hecklers?What's it like to photograph Jim Callaghan? Who ...

Why has Bridget Phillipson recruited Gemma Collins?

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why has Bridget Phillipson recruited Gemma Collins? What does Basil Brush want to go boom boom? Which is the best political resignation speech? Who ...

Will Makerfield be the most important by-election ever?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will Makerfield be the most important by-election ever?How do you look after a lame duck?What small things wind you up about animals?Who will be the M...

Who is fittest to be PM?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Who is fittest to be PM? What does Labour actually stand for? What's going on in Worcestershire? Who will be the MMP for Harwich and North Essex?Mat...

Is this chaos totally precedented?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is this chaos totally precedented? What sound sums up the political week? Which tree made me sneeze in Downing Street?Who will be the MMP for Newcastl...

Has Streeting sparked a Labour civil war?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Has Streeting sparked a Labour civil war?What does history teach us about leadership challenges?Could there be a Labour coronation?Who will be the MMP...

Is Wes Streeting going to challenge the PM?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is Wes Streeting going to challenge the PM? Has the King's speech been overshadowed? Which biscuits does No10 serve? Who will be the MMP for Godalming...

Has Keir Starmer's fightback worked?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Has Keir Starmer's fightback worked? Will anyone else resign tonight? What will happen during the King's Speech tomorrow? Who will be the MMP for Lewi...

Is Keir Starmer's job safe?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is Keir Starmer's job safe?Can Labour spin its way out of election defeat?How do voters in Wales feel about the election results?Who will be the MMP f...

Who are the election winners and losers?

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Who are the election winners and losers? Are Labour finished in Wales? Are Reform here to stay? Is this the end of politics as we know it?Matt Chorley...

Can Trump serve a third term?

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can Trump serve a third term? Is smoking bad for your political health? Why is it important to be a good listener? Who will be the MMP for Birmingham ...

How can you generate Labour leadership speculation?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How can you generate Labour leadership speculation?How loud is Big Ben?What shape are margarine tubs in Belgium?Who will be the MMP for Cardiff South ...

How seismic could this week's elections be?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How seismic could this week's elections be? What should we watch out for when the results come in? Should Keir Starmer do a John Major? Who will be th...

Why does Sir John Major warn politics is not a gameshow?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does Sir John Major warn politics is not a gameshow? Should Keir Starmer copy his 'put up or shut' moment? What did he make of his Spitting Image ...

When should you ring round your allies?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When should you ring round your allies? How helpful is the Art of War? Will we miss hereditary peers? Who will be the MMP for Harrow West? Matt Chorle...

What would make British Jews feel safer?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What would make British Jews feel safer?Why is humour a diplomatic winner?Are MPs not reading enough?Who will be the MMP for Mid Norfolk?Matt Chorley ...

How does Morgan McSweeney the man compare to the myth?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How does Morgan McSweeney the man compare to the myth?How do Americans feel about the King's visit?Should you have name tags at children's parties?Who...

Should the PM face a sleaze inquiry?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should the PM face a sleaze inquiry?Is SNL UK nailing the cold open?Is politics more of a marathon than a sprint?Who will be the MMP for Blyth and Ash...

What makes a great news theme tune?

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a great news theme tune? Why do journalists love the White House correspondent's dinner? Which MPs have the most popular names? Who will be...

How do you tell Trump to play Putin?

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you tell Trump to play Putin? Can the hand that wields the knife ever wear the crown? What are the political perils of flag waving? Who will be...

Why did Michael Palin undress as the prime minister?

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why did Michael Palin undress as the prime minister? Are there cracks appearing in cabinet unity? Was PMQs a Peep Show for Paterson Joseph? Who will b...

Starmer v Robbins: who won?

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Starmer v Robbins: who won? Who was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite president? Does snooker need speeding up? Who will be the MMP for Central Ayrshire?...

How intrusive is the vetting process?

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How intrusive is the vetting process?Will A.I. take your job?Do we need to put "no ball games" signs in the bin?Who will be the MMP for Calder Valley?...

Can Jeremy Vine answer his own questions?

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can Jeremy Vine answer his own questions? Why didn't the Prime Minister ask about Peter Mandelson's vetting? Can Matt survive a driverless car? Who wi...

How do you spin a summer of sex?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you spin a summer of sex? What can Britain learn from other countries? What makes a great political photograph? Who will be the MMP for Worsley...

Would a regional accent stop you becoming PM?

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Would a regional accent stop you becoming PM? What did Mariella Frostrup make of PMQ's? Why are female comedians appearing in parliament? Who will be ...

Does Trump's pastor back his feud with the Pope?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Does Trump's pastor back his feud with the Pope? Should pensions be cut to pay for defence? What should Somerset's dragon be called? Who will be the M...

Are politicians being dishonest about Brexit and pensions?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are politicians being dishonest about Brexit and pensions? Has Shabana Mahmood responded to Michael Gove's crush? What do Americans think of Trump vs ...

Did I get around the polls in 80 hours?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did I get around the polls in 80 hours?What are voters saying in Edinburgh?Can I play the bagpipes?Who will be the MMP for Rotherham?Matt Chorley brin...

Is this a bumper car crash interview?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is this a bumper car crash interview? What are voters saying in Gateshead? How did the Angel get to the North? Who will be the MMP for Salisbury?Matt ...

Which is the UK's second city?

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Which is the UK's second city? What are voters saying in Birmingham? What's the Small Thing that annoys you about travelling? Who will be the MMP for ...

Can I get round the polls in 80 hours?

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can I get round the polls in 80 hours?What are voters saying in Wales?Where is Terry Jones' bum going on display?Who will be the MMP for Hexham?Matt C...

What's it like in No10 when the government falls?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's it like in No10 when the government falls? How deep are the politics of Disney? What does your choice of pen say about you? Who will be the MM...

Why doesn't the PM answer the question?

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why doesn't the PM answer the question?Do political impressions hurt?Why was cleaning your teeth in the dark government policy?Who will be the MMP for...

What happened to Morgan McSweeney's phone?

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happened to Morgan McSweeney's phone?Why can diplomacy be bad for your marriage?How did the Carry on Films inspire the Thick of It's Alex Macquee...

How do MPs deal with a crisis?

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do MPs deal with a crisis?What's it really like in the House of Lords?What special delivery is there for Ian the Postie?Who will be the MMP for Br...

Does Starmer think the Iran war will end soon?

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Does Starmer think the Iran war will end soon?What's a good name for a new town?Where am I taking this podcast on the road?Who will be the MMP for Tat...

Which PM is top of the pots?

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Which PM is top of the pots? What does Les Dennis think of my quiz show ideas? How curry has spiced up British politics? Who will be the MMP for Eltha...

How bad are things in the basement of Parliament?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How bad are things in the basement of Parliament? What was it like in No10 during the pandemic? What do young adults think politics offers them? Who ...

What can adman Rory Sutherland teach politicians?

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can adman Rory Sutherland teach politicians?Is Angela Rayner on manoeuvres?What happens on the other side of the Commons cameras?Who will be the ...

What is the psychology of petrol prices?

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is the psychology of petrol prices?What can greyhounds tell us about politics in Wales?Are car colours too boring?Who will be the MMP for East An...

Are we hooked on bailouts?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are we hooked on bailouts?Can you match the PM to the nickname?What shoe sizes are the Americasters?Who will be the MMP for Wolverhampton West?Matt Ch...

How did Rory Bremner accidentally save John Major?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How did Rory Bremner accidentally save John Major? Is the No10 grid dead? Why is Lindsay Hoyle so cross? Who will be the MMP for Glasgow North East?Ma...

PMQs: Did Gyles Brandreth enjoy the show?

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PMQs: Did Gyles Brandreth enjoy the show? PMQs: Does Australia do it better? PMQs: What's it liked to be kicked out of the Commons? Who will be the MM...

Is it mission accomplished in Iran?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is it mission accomplished in Iran? How do the public view the war? Who answers the phone at 5 live? Who will be the MMP for Bournemouth East? Matt Ch...

What can do the Treasury to help with your energy bills?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can do the Treasury to help with your energy bills? What can Keir Starmer learn from Harold Wilson? Should the PM wear a mustard shacket? Who wil...

What can Newsnight's first presenter teach its newest?

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can Newsnight's first presenter teach its newest? Who's our oldest listener? What are the politics of rock and roll? Who will be the MMP for Glou...

What can Newsnight's first presenter teach its newest?

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can Newsnight's first presenter teach its newest? Who's our oldest listener? What are the politics of rock and roll? Who will be the MMP for Glou...

Is Starmer getting the PR right on Iran?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is Starmer getting the PR right on Iran? Does the Iron Curtain still exist? Will Nepal elect a former rapper? Who will be the MMP for Tonbridge?Matt C...

What was it like to grow up in Iran?

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What was it like to grow up in Iran?What's the worst thing to eat as an Ambassador?How did Epic Fury get its name? Who will be the MMP for Lancaster a...

When will you feel better off?

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When will you feel better off? How many "Rayes" of sunshine for the economy? What's the right way to store cups? Who will be the MMP for St Helens Sou...

Can Starmer keep walking the Iran tightrope?

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can Starmer keep walking the Iran tightrope?How influential is the Iraq war on what the UK does?What is Traitors' Alexander take on Iran?Who will be t...

What IS family voting?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What IS family voting? How do you spin the Gorton and Denton by-election? Is there ANYONE who talks faster than Matt? Who will be the MMP for Dumfries...

How do we get more young people into work?

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do we get more young people into work?Who made Theresa May swear?Can I make butter and present the show at the same time?Who will be the MMP for S...

Is Traitors’ Claudia like the Commons Speaker?

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is Traitors’ Claudia like the Commons Speaker? What do you learn at Ambassador school? Who is Parliament's biggest rogue? Who will be the MMP for ...

Should cameras be removed from the Commons?

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should cameras be removed from the Commons?When will we see the Mandelson files?Where have the pound signs on menus gone?Will Joe Lycett be the MMP fo...

What are voters saying in Gorton and Denton?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What are voters saying in Gorton and Denton? Who mooed on Americast? Do I talk too much? Who will be the MMP for Alloa and Grangemouth? Matt Chorley ...

How do you become a political big beast?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you become a political big beast? Who should we be watching after the PM's difficult week? What's the politics of UFOs? Who will be the MMP for...

How do you spin a political punch-up?

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you spin a political punch-up?How did the smoking ban get through the Commons?What are your autographs worth?Who will be the MMP for Aylesbury?...

How would Philippa Perry fix Labour's rifts?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How would Philippa Perry fix Labour's rifts? How do you win a by-election? Why is the government rebranding? Who will be the MMP for West Suffolk?Matt...

Do you want a job in Number 10?

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want a job in Number 10?Does talking about being working class work?Should car washes be forced to clean your dirty car?Who will be the MMP for...

Has the coup left Keir more secure?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Has the coup left Keir more secure? What is Starmerism without his co-pilot? What are Labour MPs really like behind closed doors? Who will be the MMP ...

What is Dominic Sandbrook's favourite political scandal?

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is Dominic Sandbrook's favourite political scandal? What does next week look like for Keir Starmer? Can we send werewolves to the moon? Who's the...

Do Labour MPs think Starmer is finished?

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do Labour MPs think Starmer is finished? How do you spin your way through the front pages? Who won the Westminster Book Awards? Who will be the MMP fo...

What did Ross Noble think Keir Starmer was singing?

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What did Ross Noble think Keir Starmer was singing? How would Mandelson have been vetted? What are the polling numbers you need to know? Who will be t...

How angry are Mandelson's cabinet colleagues?

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How angry are Mandelson's cabinet colleagues? What does Steve Rosenberg love about Russia? When is the timing of Easter just right? Who will be the ...

How much trouble is Peter Mandelson in?

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How much trouble is Peter Mandelson in?Are student loan changes immoral?Why are there so many German spuds?Who will be the MMP for St Helens North?Mat...

How has a century of TV changed our politics?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

1. How has a century of TV changed our politics? 2. What did Nick Robinson do to attract Tony Blair's attention? 3. When have you nodded off? 4. Who w...

Will Reform crash & burn like the SDP in the 1980s?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will Reform crash & burn like the SDP in the 1980s?Is politics full of sulkers?What will critics make of the Melania film?Who will be the MMP for ...

Did Dara Ó Briain find Deputy PMQs funny?

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did Dara Ó Briain find Deputy PMQs funny?How did one Ambassadoravoid a Russian honeytrap?What happens when your MP quits?Who will be the MMP for Birk...

What's the naughtiest thing Shabana Mahmood has ever done?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's the naughtiest thing Shabana Mahmood has ever done?What can politicians learn from Jaws?Should there be a time limit on Traitors spoilers?Who w...

Will Braverman feel at home in Reform?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will Braverman feel at home in Reform? What are Labour MPs saying about Starmer and Burnham? Did the King influence Trump on Afghanistan? Who will be...

Do Labour MPs want a Burnham comeback?

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

1. Do Labour MPs want a Burnham comeback? 2. What did William Waldegrave learn from working with three PMs? 3. What's it like being lectured by Boris ...

Is there NOW a route to Number 10 for Andy Burnham?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is there NOW a route to Number 10 for Andy Burnham?Is Starmer right to think TACO: Trump always chicken out? Can a stammer hold you back in politics?W...

Did Trump just de-escalate the Greenland row?

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did Trump just de-escalate the Greenland row? Has David Baddiel taught me to love cats? What will be happening at a Burns night supper for MPs? Who wi...

Why won't Badenoch kick out Truss?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why won't Badenoch kick out Truss?How does Starmer respond to Trump calling the UK stupid?Is a shortage of haggis winding you up?Who will be the MMP f...

What's Mandelson's Trump advice for Starmer?

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's Mandelson's Trump advice for Starmer? Should the PM ‘do a Kemi’ and sack Wes Streeting? Which listener has the best Order Order? Who will b...

What's it like to defect from the Tories to Reform?

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's it like to defect from the Tories to Reform? Can AI Keir Starmer tell a joke? What are the politics of Milk? Who will be the MMP for Canterbury...

How did the Tories catch "treacherous" Jenrick?

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How did the Tories catch "treacherous" Jenrick?What defection document was left lying around ?Who will come out on top: Badenoch or Farage?Who will be...