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
The Weirdness Of Whitehall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Keir Starmer is being held back by the "fringe obsessions" of the civil service, according to his former director of strategy Paul Ovenden. So how can the Prime Minister tackle the "weirdness" of Whitehall?Ed Vaizey unpa…
Starmer's New Year's Resolutions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
It's been an eventful year in politics and the party leaders will be hoping to set the right tone for 2026 - so what can we expect in the new year?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day for the final time in 2025, wit…
Who Should Get An Honour? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:56
The New Year's Honours list has raised eyebrows, with some recipients having previously been at the centre of culture war controversies. So who should really get a gong?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day…
Should Starmer Strip Activist's Citizenship? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:03
The prime minister has been urged to deport Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, after he apologised for social media posts apparently calling for violence against Zionists and the police.But as successive governments b…
Keir Starmer's Christmas Carol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:13
In this special Christmas episode of the podcast, Patrick Maguire joins Ed Vaizey for a story of a prime minister visited by three Christmas spirits - one carrying a disposable vape, one looking like George V, and the la…
Are Ministers Running Scared Of The Voters? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Nearly ten million voters could see their local elections delayed until 2027, which Nigel Farage claims is to stop him winning more councils - does he have a point?Guto Harri unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Den…
Trump Derangement Syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
TDS, or Trump Derangement Syndrome, is apparently the irrational desire to criticise the US President Donald Trump. But with his approval ratings slipping in the polls, is he in serious trouble over his handling of the e…
PMQs: Does Starmer Have the Baubles? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:18
In the final PMQs of the year, Kemi Badenoch challenges Keir Starmer on growth, taxes and claims he doesn’t have the “baubles” to stop the doctors’ strike. Starmer hits back, arguing that Badenoch’s Christmas wish list w…
Donald Trump vs The BBC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:32
Donald Trump has sued the BBC for $10 billion over an edit of his January 6th speech in a Panorama documentary. Could the corporation's survival be threatened if it doesn't settle with the US president?Hugo Rifkind unpac…
Burnham, Reform & Clarkson Bans MPs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:14
Does Andy Burnham want to be PM? Reform UK has become Britain’s largest party by membership, and Jeremy Clarkson is the latest pub owner to bar Labour MPs from his pub.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Se…