Politics Unpacked

Tax Rises: The Question Of The Summer

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is a "working person" and who is on a "modest income"? Government ministers are pressed to say who could face higher taxes, as expectation m...

Sick Note Britain?

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

GPs are being told to stop handing out so many sick notes as part of the government's efforts to get more people back to work. And why are women ...

"Washed-up Tories" Defecting to Reform

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former Conservative Chairman Jake Berry is the second ex-Tory minister to defect to Reform this week, but is this working in Nigel Farage's favour?Hug...

PMQs: 'Flirting' With A Wealth Tax

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer reiterated his tax pledges at PMQs as Kemi Badenoch accused him of 'flirting' with a wealth tax. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the...

Can Starmer and Macron Stop the Boats?

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer is hoping to use the French President's visit as a chance to talk migration, but will they reach a deal? Hugo Rifkind is joined by T...

Another Labour Rebellion Looms

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government could be facing another backbench rebellion, this time over its plans to reform special needs support. Why aren't the 'Starmtooper...

Can A New Left-Wing Party Succeed

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A year after Labour's landslide election victory, how serious is the threat to Keir Starmer from a new left-wing party led by Zarah Sultana and (possi...

Can Reeves Move On From 'Tough Day'?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer says the Chancellor is going nowhere, but have the very public tears of Rachel Reeves left the impression of a government in crisis as it...

PMQs: "She Looks Traumatised"

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rach...

Labour's Welfare Problem

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite last week's U-turn, Keir Starmer still faces a backbench rebellion over welfare. Is it particularly difficult for a Labour Prime Min...

Starmer Faces Fresh Welfare Rebellion

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government made big concessions to its welfare reforms to win over Labour critics - but could the rebellion be about to grow, rather than shrink?E...

Starmer's Hat-Trick Of U-Turns

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The prime minister has been forced into a climbdown after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to block his welfare bill. Is he back in control of the ...

Welfare Bill in Crisis

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rebel MPs are not backing down over the government's welfare bill, with Keir Starmer forced to contemplate concessions - can he win them over?  H...

PMQs: Rayner's Rough Ride Over Welfare

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mou...

Why Was Starmer Out Of The Loop?

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was little sign of British influence as the US attacked Iran and then announced a ceasefire. Does it throw Starmer's judgement into question, or...

Is The UK Internationally Irrelevant?

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's unilateral attack on Iran exposes the limit to which Britain can influence events in the Middle East. Should we be happy with the ...

Is There A "Window" For Iran Diplomacy?

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's given Iran a "two-week" reprieve for negotiations and David Lammy has gone to Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister. But c...

How Will The UK Respond If Trump Attacks?

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is reported to have approved a plan to attack Iran, and the world waits to see if he uses it. But how will Keir Starmer respond?Hugo Rifk...

PMQs: Keir Starmer's 'Bag Carrier' Lifts The Lid

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's deputy PMQs this week while the prime minister is away, and we're joined by a special guest. Chris Ward is Keir Starmer's close aide and parliame...

Trump The Interventionist

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has demanded "a complete give up" from Iran in its conflict with Israel. But will wading into Middle Eastern affairs irk isolationis...

Starmer's Grooming Gangs U-Turn

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Having spent months resisting calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, Keir Starmer changes his mind. How can he navigate the dif...

Israel Strikes Iran

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel attacked Iran's nuclear programme overnight - is there anything the West can do to influence the situation? Or are Britain and the US reduced t...

Tax Speculation Haunts Reeves

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Chancellor’s been defending the Spending Review, and she’s determined not to lose hope despite gloomy GDP figures. But can she escape a summer...

PMQs: Kemi Tries Panto

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Spending Review day, and MPs were treated to a noisy PMQs after Kemi Badenoch promised to make it less like a courtroom and more like a pantomime...

Iron Chancellor...Or Not?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the government says the Spending Review is settled, ministers are still facing questions about the U-turn on the winter fuel allowance. Should the ...

Could Farage Open The Coal Mines?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nigel Farage says he wants to reopen a steelworks in South Wales and even open new coal mines. Is he winning the battle for Labour's post-industrial h...

A Trump-Musk Divorce

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s friendship imploded in dramatic fashion overnight - as simmering tension between the two escalated into all-out war acr...

Will The Winter Fuel U-Turn Work?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's the government's biggest u-turn so far - but will Rachel Reeves' new winter fuel payments policy succeed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the...

PMQs: Shipman Bows Out

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After five years and something like 150 episodes, Tim Shipman is leaving the Sunday Times and the podcast. What has he learned from unpacking all thos...

The Cost Of Preparing For War

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer has promised to make Britain "battle ready" as he unveiled plans to improve the military - but will taxpayers be prepared to pay for high...

Starmer, Badenoch And Farage Take Aim

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour and Reform of 'fantasy economics', the day after Keir Starmer made the same charge about Nigel Farage. Is it doing a...

Is Farage 'Liz Truss All Over Again'?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Nigel Farage - making a speech warning that Farage's "fantasy" economics will lead to a Liz Truss-style economic melt...

Reeves' Spending Squeeze

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After police chiefs publicly raised their concerns about budget cuts making it harder to keep us all safe, Rachel Reeves is under renewed pressure ove...

Farage Attacks 'Unpatriotic' Starmer

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nigel Farage has branded Keir Starmer as “one of the most unpatriotic prime ministers in our history" - is there a lack of patriotism on the le...

Labour vs Reform on Welfare

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Labour inches along its huge benefits u-turn, Nigel Farage says he would restore winter fuel payment and end the two child benefit cap. Is Reform b...

Labour's Tricky Week

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ed Vaizey is joined by Jane Merrick and Albie Amankona to discuss a week of big challenges for the government - from the EU reset to the U-turn on win...

Trump's Oval Office Takedowns

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mouths were agape when Donald Trump confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the p...

PMQs: Starmer U-Turns On Winter Fuel

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer said more pensioners would get the winter fuel payment at PMQs. But had Kemi Badenoch even noticed the U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks t...

Tories Sink In The Polls

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Tories have fallen to fourth place in the latest Times/YouGov poll - behind the Liberal Democrats for the first time in six years. Plus, Keir Star...

Has Starmer Surrendered?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer's deal with the European Union will allow closer co-operation on security, food standards and travel - but will all that come at the...

The Price Of Starmer's EU Reset

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As European leaders meet in Tirana, is Keir Starmer inching Britain closer to Europe - and is that progress?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day ...

How Big Is The Space To The Left Of Starmer?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Prime Minister adopts increasingly tough rhetoric on immigration, can his opponents on the left offer a populist alternative?Hugo Rifkind unpac...

PMQs: Dead Party Walking

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kemi Badenoch dismisses Keir Starmer's “tiny tariff deal” with Donald Trump, while Keir Starmer called the Tories a “dead party walking.”...

Did Starmer Echo Enoch Powell?

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for saying the UK could become an "island of strangers" unless new curbs on migration bring the numbers down - but are ...

Starmer's Stark Language On Immigration

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer claims soaring immigration has done 'incalculable' damage to the UK and risks creating an 'island of strangers'. But can he deliver on hi...

The Deification Of Trump

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Keir Starmer celebrates getting a trade agreement with the US over the line, does Peter Mandelson fit into Donald Trump's circle? Plus, how has mor...

A 'Very Big And Exciting' Trade Deal

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The UK finally has its trade deal with the US - but will it make us any richer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and...

PMQs Unpacked: What Trade Deal?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer wants to be celebrating its trade deal with India, worth 5 billion pounds to the British economy...but Kemi Badenoch instead presses him ...

The Winter Fuel Cut Backlash

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the cuts to the winter fuel allowance being blamed for Labour's problems at the ballot box, is there any chance of Number 10 changing course?Hugo...

The EU Plays Hardball On Migration

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer's hopes of a reset with the EU have taken a blow, after the bloc refused Britain access to critical crime and illegal migration data...

Local Elections: Reform On The March

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Nigel Farage's Reform UK the clear winner from the English local elections and Runcorn by-election, have they broken the two-party system for goo...

Golf Diplomacy

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is Britain considering swapping a golf tournament for a trade deal? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hos...

PMQs: The Last One Before The Elections

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of Thursday's local elections in England, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch doesn't question Keir Starmer over net zero - instead focusing on the groomi...

100 Days Of Trump

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day including Donald Trump's first 100 days, whether secularism is just a historical blip, and whether the male-o...

Who Would Win From A Tory-Reform Pact?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Tories are being asked about the prospect of a pact with Reform UK ahead of local elections in England this week. But what's in it for Nigel Fa...

Douglas Murray

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Douglas Murray joins Hugo Rifkind to discuss his new book - On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel, Hamas and th...

Washington, War and WhatsApp Etiquette

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Reeves is in Washington attempting to get a US trade deal over the line, while Donald Trump’s special envoy has arrived in Moscow to hold pea...

Trump 'In Cahoots' With Putin?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After Donald Trump criticises Volodymyr Zelensky's approach to peace talks, does a deal look further away than ever? Plus, why does former defence sec...

PMQs: He Doesn't Have The Balls

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

MPs are back from recess which means the return of PMQs Unpacked. Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer whether he’s changed his mind on how to define a w...

Starmer Breaks Silence On Trans Ruling

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Politics is back after recess, and Keir Starmer has finally responded to the Supreme Court ruling over the definition of a woman. Has it helped politi...

A Modernising Pope

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following the death of Pope Francis, our columnists discuss the relationship between faith and politics, and the role of modern religious leaders.Plus...

Farage, Oak Trees, And The Problem With LinkedIn

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have we all lost the plot over an oak tree in North London? Will Nigel Farage force the government to rethink drilling for oil and gas in the North Se...

Starmer Risks Trade Stand-Off With Trump

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government insists it won't have to choose between trade with Donald Trump's America and the European Union, but can the prime minister continue t...

Defining A Woman

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The contentious issue of gender identity is back in the spotlight, following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on legal definition of woman - but how will...

Too Cosy With China?

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - i...

Save British Steel

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The future of British Steel hangs in the balance, after Parliament was dramatically recalled over the weekend to pass emergency legislation to keep th...

Tit-For-Tat Trade War

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the US and China continue their economic tit-for-tat, the UK is told that even a trade deal may not spare it from 10% tariffs. Can anyone win Trum...

Trump Dumps Tariffs

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

About 13 hours after they came into force, President Trump announced a 90-day pause for his reciprocal tariffs everywhere - except China. Has Tru...

Boys Will Be Boys

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs continues, two members of his administration - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro - have traded blows about free ...

Will Trump's Cheerleaders Lose Faith?

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elon Musk has broken company with Donald Trump over tariffs - but will it make any difference, and will Trump's other billionaire supporters follow? E...

Starmer's Plan To Protect The Economy

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer warns that the world has fundamentally changed, but does he have a plan to protect the British economy from Donald Trump's tariffs?Ed Vai...

Trump Tariff Turmoil

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump says he's pleased with the effect of his tariffs so far,...despite turmoil in markets, China retaliating and the start of a global trade ...

Trump Stokes A Trade War

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on all imports to the US, although Britain gets off (relatively) lightly. Is this an example of a 'Brexit bonus'?Hugo...

Carping From The Sidelines

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kemi Badenoch quizzes Keir Starmer over his handling of the economy and Labour's so-called "jobs tax".Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons...

No Free Trade Without Free Speech?

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could Britain's hopes of a free trade deal founder because of US concerns over free speech?Plus: Why Britain is stuck in a 'normie doom spiral', and w...

Statecraft or Spineless

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer's strategy is to react calmly if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on British goods. Is it best way to handle the US president, and will it he...

Trump Demands More From Ukraine

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As reports suggest the US is demanding access to more of Ukraine's natural resources, is there anything Kyiv can do to resist?Ed Vaizey unpa...

The Mother Of All Rebellions

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Reeves' spring statement has been picked over by the experts, but could the chancellor be facing the 'mother of all rebellions' as one Labour M...

PMQs: Kemi and Keir Phone It In

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement, Kemi Badenoch uses prime minister's questions to ask why Keir Starmer doesn't support banning phones in sc...

When Group Chats Go Wrong

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day, including the US security blunder that saw senior White House officials text war plans in a secure app that ...

Freebies, Austerity & Trump Tourism

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins, including: Should we take the Rachel Reeves freebie story serio...

Reeves' Unappealing Options

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With growth in short supply, how will Chancellor Rachel Reeves sell big spending cuts to the public and the Labour Party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

Coalition Of The Not-So-Willing?

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As military leaders meet in London to discuss support for Ukraine, have the French blocked British manufacturers from an EU defence fund?Hugo Rifkind ...

PMQs: Glazed Expressions And Waffle

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Andy Hamilton joins Hugo and Tim Shipman to unpack the exchanges at prime minister's questions. It's heavy going as Keir Starmer and Kemi Bad...

The Government Shakes Up Welfare

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the government lays out massive changes to the welfare system, Kemi Badenoch has a different concern: net-zero.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the...

Does Badenoch Have The Luxury Of Time?

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kemi Badenoch is launching a series of new policy commissions, but how long can she afford to wait before setting out what the party believes? And how...

Where Do Peace Talks Go From Here?

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russia says there is "a lot ahead to be done" on the Ukrainian ceasefire deal; what concessions can Donald Trump realistically extract from Vladimir P...

Is Starmer Wielding The Chainsaw?

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer has announced he is abolishing NHS England, the quango in charge of NHS standards. Is he the chainsaw-wielding disruptor the UK didn...

PMQs: Talking Trash At The Despatch Box

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of talking 'trash' as she attacks Labour's record on the cost of living.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action...

Starmer Prepares To Cut Welfare

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer says the current benefits system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair" - will the public, and his own party, agree?Hugo Rifkind unpack...

Elon Musk, Reform and Barbour Jackets

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, including: Elon Musk's spat with a Polish minister, Reform UK descends into infighting, and what are the...

Does Trump's 'Madman Theory' Work?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As President Trump reverses tariffs just days after introducing them, and claims he can get Putin to agree to a peace deal for mysterious reasons, is ...

Who's In Charge Of Our Nuclear Deterrent?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Britain controls our nuclear deterrent, but the missiles are leased from the Americans - so what happens if the US decided not to help?Hugo Rifkind un...

PMQs: JD Vance Looms Large

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer makes a pointed response to JD Vance after the US Vice President referred to "troops from some random country", and Kemi Badenoch offers ...

Trump Halts Aid To Ukraine

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After Donald Trump's abrupt halt to US military aid for Ukraine, how will Keir Starmer and the rest of Europe respond? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the p...

Starmer's Coalition Of The Willing

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer is uniting Europe's leaders around support for Ukraine, but as more and more money is given to the war effort, will the public start to w...

What Did Starmer Get From Trump?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer returns from his trip to Washington where his meeting with Trump seemed to go pretty well - but has Starmer really secured wins for the U...

Trump's Love/Hate Relationship With Europe

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite European leaders, including Keir Starmer, meeting Trump at the White House this week, Trump is still planning a deal with Ukraine without a se...

PMQs: Desperate Search For Relevance

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PMQs Unpacked is back - and today Keir Starmer clashes with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over the UK's planned increase in defence spending. Hugo Ri...

Starmer Gets Ready For Trump

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What can Keir Starmer learn from Emmanuel Macron cosying up to Donald Trump?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Katy Balls and James Mar...