Politics Unpacked

After Donald Trump criticises Volodymyr Zelensky's approach to peace talks, does a deal look further away than ever? Plus, why does former defence secretary Grant Shapps say Trump is "in cahoots" with Vladimir Putin? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

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 woman. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Lara Spirit, Theo Usherwood and comedian Jon Harvey.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

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 politicians answer some difficult questions? And could former Cameron adviser Steve Hilton be the next Governor of California? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis, our columnists discuss the relationship between faith and politics, and the role of modern religious leaders. Plus, should MPs and peers allow Donald Trump to address Parliament? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and David Runciman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

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 Sea? And is it time to give LinkedIn a rest? Harry Wallop is joined by Carol Lewis and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

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 the tricky balancing act? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

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 this impact politics in Britain? Could Labour lose votes by becoming too gender critical?  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - is the UK too cosy with China?  Plus, our columnists reveal their favourite hymns.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - is the UK too cosy with China?  Plus, our columnists reveal their favourite hymns.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The future of British Steel hangs in the balance, after Parliament was dramatically recalled over the weekend to pass emergency legislation to keep the UK's last blast furnaces open - but was it neglect or sabotage? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

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 Trump's trade war? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

About 13 hours after they came into force, President Trump announced a 90-day pause for his reciprocal tariffs everywhere - except China. Has Trump been intimidated? And will the UK ever get a trade deal?   Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

While the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs continues, two members of his administration - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro - have traded blows about free trade. And, are the wealthy leaving London? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jenni Russell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Elon Musk has broken company with Donald Trump over tariffs - but will it make any difference, and will Trump's other billionaire supporters follow? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

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 Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, including the row over Labour MPs refused entry to Israel and the possible return of Jacob Rees-Mogg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

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 war. Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

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 Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

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 with Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the comedian Stuart Laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

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 what's the problem with instagram poetry? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

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 help his political opponents?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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 MP claims? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Lara Spirit.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

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 schools. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Tim Shipman and Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

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 included a journalist. With Times columnists James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins, including: Should we take the Rachel Reeves freebie story seriously? How is the chancellor rolling the pitch ahead of the Spring Statement? And is Donald Trump harming US tourism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

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.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

As military leaders meet in London to discuss support for Ukraine, have the French blocked British manufacturers from an EU defence fund? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Lara Spirit.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

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 Badenoch discuss taxes and hospices, but Reform UK's Lee Anderson lightens the mood with a question about "glazed expressions and waffle" from government ministers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

As the government lays out massive changes to the welfare system, Kemi Badenoch has a different concern: net-zero.   Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Tom Whipple  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

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 likely is it that she will promise to leave the EHRC? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the help of Sebastian Payne and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

Russia says there is "a lot ahead to be done" on the Ukrainian ceasefire deal; what concessions can Donald Trump realistically extract from Vladimir Putin?  Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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't know it had?  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of talking 'trash' as she attacks Labour's record on the cost of living.   Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Theo Usherwood and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Keir Starmer says the current benefits system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair" - will the public, and his own party, agree? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

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 politics of the Barbour jacket? With Jane Mulkerrins and Tom McTague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

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 his unpredictability a strength or weakness? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Michael Binyon.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

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 her support over Ukraine. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

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 politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

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 wonder if it's really worth it? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

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 UK? Or is it all theatrics?  Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Merrick and Timandra Harkness  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Despite European leaders, including Keir Starmer, meeting Trump at the White House this week, Trump is still planning a deal with Ukraine without a security guarantee. Does anyone in Europe know how to respond to him? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

PMQs Unpacked is back - and today Keir Starmer clashes with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch over the UK's planned increase in defence spending.  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Ahir Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

A centre-left government kicked out by the electorate, with immigration the dominant issue... Are there lessons from the German election for Keir Starmer and Labour? And what is KMT, or Kemi Mean Time? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

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 public accept cuts elsewhere? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

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 unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

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 right-wing thinkers gathering for a conference in London really believe? And Patrick has, inevitably, been to Keir Starmer's local pub in North London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025