Politics Unpacked podcast artwork
News

Politics Unpacked

by Times Radio
PoliticsNews

Not on the United States charts we track today.

If you like Politics Unpacked, try…

Latest episodes

  • Is Britain Prepared For War?

    October 23, 2026 · 29 min

    The government is urging the public to stockpile essential supplies, warning that conflict, climate disasters and cyberattacks could disrupt everyday life. But will people take the threat seriously? Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the…

  • The Chancellor Gets Down to Business

    October 22, 2026 · 31 min

    The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the…

  • PMQs: Burnham’s Borrowing Problem

    October 21, 2026 · 45 min

    Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions. Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia…

  • Andy Burnham's Small Ideas

    October 20, 2026 · 30 min

    The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the…

  • What Burnham Can Really Achieve On Welfare Reform

    October 19, 2026 · 32 min

    The Prime Minister writes in the Times about the "economic catastrophe and moral failure" of one million young people not in employment, education or training. But can he succeed where Keir Starmer failed and convince Labour MPs that…

Show 7 more episodesShow fewer episodes
  • Burnham Heads Further North

    October 16, 2026 · 29 min

    Andy Burnham parks his tank on the SNP’s lawn, challenging John swinney to work with him on devolution - but is this an offer of cooperation, or is it mostly political fighting talk? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael…

  • Zelensky Rallies His Allies

    October 15, 2026 · 34 min

    The Ukrainian President said he felt 'betrayed' by the US over the loss of access to Starlink. Andy Burnham has pledged to 'heal' the rift - but can he do so without American support? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Andy…

  • PMQs: Badenoch Accuses Burnham Of Putting His Foot In It

    October 14, 2026 · 54 min

    PMQs Unpacked is back after recess, as Kemi Badenoch presses Andy Burnham on Brexit and benefits - and asks whether he ever gets tired of putting his foot in his mouth. Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika to…

  • Why Everyone Is Talking About Brexit Again

    October 13, 2026 · 30 min

    Brexit is firmly back on the political agenda, but does anyone really mean it? And did Robert Jenrick really mean what he said about using ‘lethal force’ in the Channel? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and…

  • Burnham's Brexit Claim Questioned

    October 12, 2026 · 36 min

    After Andy Burnham says said it's clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, one of his ministers clarifies the Kremlin tried - but failed - to influence the vote. Has the PM been careless? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the…

  • Polanski's Battle To Remain Green Leader

    October 9, 2026 · 30 min

    Zack Polanski failed to take Holborn & St Pancras from Labour in the by-election - as criticism of his handling of a controversial Zionism policy continues, is he fighting for his survival? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with…

  • The Two-Party Fantasy

    October 8, 2026 · 33 min

    Labour and the Tories are feeling pretty good after party conference season - but is a return to two-party politics really on the cards, or are they kidding themselves? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Juliet Samuel…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times. You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.