Was Starmer's Speech Enough?

Was Starmer's Speech Enough?

Author: Times Radio May 11, 2026 Duration: 31:11

Keir Starmer's speech was his last attempt to convince his MPs he's the right man for the job, but will it work?


Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne, Libby Purves and Matt Pound, a former advisor to the prime minister


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Politics Unpacked
Podcast Episodes
Is Burnham 'Done and Dusted'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:42
As Labour backbenchers call on Starmer to reverse the ban on Andy Burnham standing as an MP, a cabinet minister says the decision is 'done and dusted'.Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marr…
The Burnham Backlash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
The prime minister is facing a backlash from some Labour MPs after the party blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's attempt to become an MP - did Keir Starmer have any other choice? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the poli…
Trump Unites All Sides (In Outrage) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:25
Donald Trump has falsley claimed that Nato soldiers, including those from the UK, stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. And, who will win in an electoral test of strength between Keir Starmer and Andy Bur…
Trump's Bewildering Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:37
Donald Trump says he's bringing peace to the world - in Gaza, Ukraine and Greenland. After sending Europe into a tailspin, what's really changed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Alice T…
PMQs: Starmer’s Best Yet? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:06
Sir Keir Starmer says he will not yield to Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, calling recent criticism of the Chagos deal an attempt to force the issue -- did this rebuke to Trump spark his best performance yet?H…
Trump Turns On Starmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
Donald Trump has attacked Britain’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, using it to argue that the US needs Greenland. As relations with Washington grow more unpredictable, how should Keir Starmer respond? Hugo Rif…
Did Starmer Pull His Punches? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
Keir Starmer has said Donald Trump is "completely wrong" to threaten tariffs against countries that oppose his plan to take control of Greenland. But the Prime Minister stopped short of announcing retaliatory measures. I…
The Jenrick Shockwave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Robert Jenrick becomes Reform UK’s newest MP after defecting from the Conservatives. Who has come out on top, and have we really seen a reshaping of the right of British politics?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day…
The Tory Psychodrama Is Back! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick after claiming to have clear evidence he was planning defecting to Reform UK.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See aca…
PMQs: The Starmer Sutra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
Kemi Badenoch mocks Keir Starmer over his latest U-turn, while he claims the Tories have had 'more positions than the 'Kama Sutra'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Gabriel Pogrund, Stefan Boscia a…