Politics Unpacked

Politics Unpacked

Author: Times Radio Language: English Episodes: 100
Hugo Rifkind hosts Politics Unpacked, a daily podcast from Times Radio that goes beyond the headlines. Each episode is a conversation designed to make sense of the political landscape, focusing not just on the obvious stories of the day but also on the underlying forces and ideas that often get overlooked. Hugo brings in colleagues from The Times and The Sunday Times, offering a range of expert perspectives and insider analysis that you won't find elsewhere. The tone is informed and engaging, breaking down complex topics into digestible discussions without resorting to partisan shouting. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the ‘why’ behind the news, not just the ‘what’. You’ll hear thoughtful debate, unexpected connections, and a clear-eyed look at how power really operates. This isn't a recap of soundbites; it's a proper unpacking of the issues that shape our world. The podcast is released each weekday, mirroring the live radio show's schedule, providing a portable and on-demand way to stay informed. Tune in for a smarter take on current affairs, where the conversation is always more nuanced than the morning papers might suggest.
Episodes
Trump Falklands Threat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:25
The US could punish Britain over the Iran war by questioning UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands - will that worsen US-UK relations ahead of the King's state visit next week? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the da…
Is Donald Trump "Deranged"? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:36
As the US President says there’s “no time frame” for ending the war with Iran, Times columnist Matthew Parris says Donald Trump is "too deranged to remain in office" - but is that a fair assessment?Hugo Rifkind unpacks t…
Focus Group: Wavering Tories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:25
The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of May's local elections.JL Partners brings together a group of wavering Tories - voters from across England who backed the Conservatives at the last General Election, and are no…
PMQs: The Robbins Files [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
Sir Keir Starmer claims that the evidence given by Olly Robbins "puts to bed all the allegations" he was dishonest about Peter Mandelson's vetting process as Kemi Badenoch calls on him to stand down over the scandal. Hug…
Olly Robbins Fires Back at Starmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
Sacked Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins says No.10 took a “dismissive” approach to Peter Mandelson’s vetting - so where does this now leave Keir Starmer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ollie Cole,…
Judgement Day For Starmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
Keir Starmer will blame the civil service for the vetting failures behind Peter Mandelson's appointment - but will his defence stand up to scrutiny?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves. Ho…
Starmer's Mandelson Crisis Deepens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:01
Keir Starmer says he's 'furious' he wasn't told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before his appointment as US ambassador. Just how much trouble is the prime minister in?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of t…
Is The UK Ready For Shortages? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
A top-level crisis drill inside government - “Exercise Turnstone” - has been testing what happens if the conflict in Iran continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. So how ready is Britain for possible food short…
PMQs: Defending The Undefendable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:41
Kemi Badenoch criticises the government for failing to publish its plan for defence spending, but Starmer says the Tories hollowed out the budget, and gets told off by the Speaker for failing to answer the question.Hugo…
The AI President [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Donald Trump insists the AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure actually depicts him as a doctor. He's faced backlash from all sides, but it's not his first AI post to cause controversy. Did this one go too…