Politics Unpacked
Episodes
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...
Lessons From The German Election
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A centre-left government kicked out by the electorate, with immigration the dominant issue... Are there lessons from the German election for Keir Star...
Stuff's Got Real
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starmer is under pressure to increase defence spending ahead of his trip to Washington next week, but where will the money come from and will the publ...
Starmer's "Love Actually" Moment?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Half of voters think it is in Britain’s interest to stand up to Donald Trump over Ukraine, but would it even make a difference?Hugo Rifkind unp...
President Musk
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Trump and Elon Musk put their friendship on full display in an hour long interview on Fox News. Will their bromance last? Hugo Rifkind ...
Rachel Reeves' Inflated CV
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After claims she exaggerated her CV, Rachel Reeves' entry in Who's Who is found to be at fault. Will it cut through with the public?Hugo Rifkind unpac...
Trump, The Right & Starmer's Favourite Pub
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins.Should we all calm down over Trump's plans for Ukraine? What do the...
Is Keir Starmer Just a Pawn?
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new book by Times and Sunday Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund charts Keir Starmer's rise to power, his journey from promising u...
Trump Accused Of Betraying Ukraine
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump and Putin have agreed to negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine, but where does this leave Kyiv?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day wi...
PMQs: Open Borders & Lefty Lawyers
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer criticises Kemi Badenoch's repetitive questioning, as the Tory leader finds herself on the defensive over immigration law.Hugo Rifki...
Can The UK Avoid A Trade War?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump's tariffs will have a big impact the UK steel industry, but unlike EU leaders, Starmer isn't going to retaliate - does he have a plan?Hug...
Is Labour The Disrupter - Or The Disrupted?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After Keir Starmer tells his cabinet they need to be the "disrupters if you don't want to be disrupted", can they live up to the billing - and is this...
Build Baby Build
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics...
Are Labour And The Tories Panicking Over Reform?
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about ...
PMQs: The Kemi Pivot
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch continues her scattergun approach to questioning Keir Starmer, jumping from the Chagos Islands deal to voice coaches to drilling fo...
The President Who Cried Tariff
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is th...
Keir's Not Driving The Train
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a polit...
Brexit, Boomers & Centrist Dads
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets?Ed Vaiz...
Focus Group: Rabbit In The Headlights
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first Times Radio focus group of 2025, we find out whether voters who backed Labour at the general election are suffering from buyer's remorse....
PMQs: The Next Lettuce?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch goes on the offensive over the government's plans for growth, but Keir Starmer thinks she's going to be 'the next lettuce'.Hugo Rifkind ...
Extremism, Protest and Ed Miliband's Photographer
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The government has rejected advice to widen the definition of extremism, but how can it stop attacks from angry "loners" like in Southport?Plus, why i...
Trump Calls Starmer
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 45 minutes on the phone, and Donald Trump saying Keir Starmer is "a very good person", the transatlantic relationship seems to be on solid groun...
Farage Demands An Apology
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer, Nigel Farage has called for an apology after he was accused of spreading fake news. But is he j...
Matthew Parris: Liberals Should Take On Trump
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.Matthew argues that liberals are going soft on Donald Trump, and it's t...
PMQs: Did Kemi School Keir?
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of "educational vandalism" over his plans for schools. Who came out on top, and do some in Labour think she's got a...
Did Farage Have A Point About Southport?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer denied a 'cover-up' after his government was accused of withholding information about the Southport killer, did he get it wrong?Hugo Rifk...
Trump! Part Deux
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump returns as U.S. president after one of the most extraordinary election comebacks in modern history, but what will Trump part two look lik...
Ed Davey: No More Mr Nice Guy?
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has positioned himself as pro-Europe and anti-Trump. Can he appeal to the urban voters that Labour may lose as they pick their...
Trump Takes The Credit
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a fragile ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, is this a peek into Donald Trump's new world order?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the...
PMQs: Economic Vandals and Fantasists
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch questions Keir Starmer about the state of the economy and his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from ...
Is Rachel Reeves Really In Trouble?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The chancellor shrugs off calls to resign after Keir Starmer is pressed about her future. Is there really any chance of her losing her job, and should...
Can Labour Be 'Ruthless' Over Spending?
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react?Hugo Rifkind unp...
The Chancellor Goes To China
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Va...
Has Reeves Done A Truss?
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The pound is falling in value and government borrowing costs are rising - are the economic walls closing in on Rachel Reeves?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the ...
PMQs: A Leader Not A Lawyer
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PMQs Unpacked is back for the new year and today Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over whether there should be a national inquiry into child sexua...
Should Starmer Investigate Grooming Gangs?
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal are being led by the Conservatives, Reform UK and Elon Musk, but would it delay the actio...
Starmer Hits Back At Musk
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Without naming him directly, Keir Starmer has denounced Elon Musk for spreading falsehoods about the child sex abuse scandal. Has the PM changed his s...
Is Musk Flirting With Fascism?
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Elon Musk has continued his attacks on the UK government, but why is he inserting himself into European politics? Does he want to be a global statesma...
Gang Smashing & Queue Jumping
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is b...
Making the Honours List
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2025 New Years Honours list has being released, with Former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Stephen Fry amongst those to be kn...
Are Badenoch's Attacks On Farage Backfiring?
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The membership row between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage rumbles on, but is anyone winning? And what do members of Reform UK get for their money?Davi...
Slumps, Scandals And Christmas Sweaters
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories?Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scanda...
Can Mandelson Charm Donald Trump?
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk?Ed Vaizey...
Can Kemi Look Like A PM In Waiting?
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new YouGov polls shows the public doesn't see Kemi Badenoch as a PM in waiting - is their verdict a suprise?Plus, is Matthew Parris the British equi...
PMQs: One-Trick Phony
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the last PMQs of 2024, and Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch trade blows over the government's decision to restrict winter fuel payments.But some of...
Why Is Starmer Polling So Badly?
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Starmer's approval rating is the lowest of any Prime Minister after five months in Number 10 - is he a victim of circumstance, or of the fickle nature...
Naming Spies
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should MPs use parliamentary privilege to reveal the identity of an alleged Chinese spy? Is anti-bullying training 'woke'? And is the government's com...
Streeting Goes For Miliband
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer faces a cabinet split as Wes Streeting criticises Ed Miliband's decision to oppose military action against Assad in Syria when he was the...
Kemi's War on Sandwiches
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch gives an interview in which she claims sandwiches aren't 'real food' - and says she identifies with a murderous Game of Thrones characte...
PMQs: Tip Of The Iceberg
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch attacks Keir Starmer for his views on immigration when he was a lawyer - but can a letter be the tip of the iceberg? And does the prime ...
Lammy Hams It Up Over Syria
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After David Lammy tells the Commons that Assad is the "rat of Damascus", does the foreign secretary have a habit of playing to the gallery?Plus: A fir...
Would You Buy Shares In The Tories?
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Reform polling well and attracting more Tory defectors - including Suella Braverman's husband - who would you put your money on to dominate the r...
'Don't Bet Against Farage'
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch is Washington, but won't meet Donald Trump - who prefers Nigel Farage anyway. And why does Angela Rayner think Keir Starmer is like a ci...
Starmer's Six Milestones
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer sets out six milestones for voters to judge his premiership, but did his speech reboot his premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the spee...
PMQs: Conviction Politicians, Not Politicians With Convictions
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer why he appointed a "convicted fraudster" to be his transport secretary.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at prime minist...
Too Many Targets?
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer is planning to set six numerical targets for the government to achieve before the next election, but do targets lead to results? And...
The Sickness Benefits Trap
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hugo is joined by Fraser Nelson to discuss whether the benefits system is trapping the people it's supposed to help, and unpacks the politics of ...
Starmer Loses His First Cabinet Minister
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is the first cabinet resignation of the Starmer government, but what don't we know about the story, and how big a set...
Have The Tories Got It Wrong On Immigration?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As official figures show net migration hit a record 900,000 last year, the Tories have set out a "new approach" on immigration. But is it wise for Kem...
PMQs: Taking The Biscuit
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kemi Badenoch says businesses such as biscuit-maker McVities are losing confidence in the UK economy, but will her biscuit puns make Keir Starmer crum...
Have We Reached 'Peak Woke'
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Has the woke movement lost confidence? Will Donald Trump bring Joe Rogan into White House press briefings? And what has Boris Johnson been saying abou...