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Politics Unpacked

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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.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Starmer "Fed Up" With Trump

4/10/2026
Keir Starmer has stepped up his criticism of Trump, but could that put the UK in the firing line for retaliation from the US? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:30:43

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Are The Fringe Parties Still The Fringe?

4/9/2026
Reform UK and the Green Party are expected to do well at next month's elections at the expense of the established parties. But is the electorate ready for some of their more radical policies? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Sonia Sodha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:30:47

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Has Trump Won The War?

4/8/2026
Iran has agreed to a ceasefire with the US after Trump promised to destroy it - but with the biggest issues still unresolved, can he really claim victory? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Trevor Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:29:53

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Kanye West, Strikes and 90s Nostalgia

4/7/2026
The rapper Ye - formerly known as Kanye West - has been blocked from headlining a festival in London this summer over anti-semitic behaviour. Can we separate the art from the artist? We also discuss the cumulative impact of doctors' strikes, and ask why politics - and society - can't get over its obsession with the nineties and noughties. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:17

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Trump's Foul-Mouthed Diplomacy

4/6/2026
Donald Trump has threatened to turn Iran into "hell" in a profanity-laden rant on social media. But with so many conflicting messages and shifting deadlines, should his threats be taken seriously? Plus, do religious leaders still have a role to play in preaching peace to the world? Guto Harri unpacks the news and politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:02

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Trump Mocks Starmer (Again)

4/3/2026
The US President mocks Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at an Easter event at the White House. Does Macron's response reflect growing anger in Europe over Iran? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. They also discuss why teachers are turning to the Green Party, Reform UK's pension policy. and why a new deal with the EU could change the name of marmalade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:30:53

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Trump's 'Stone Age' Threat

4/2/2026
As Donald Trump threatens to send Iran “back to the Stone Age”, Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times columnists Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum to unpack the history and significance of that phrase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:32:22

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How Is Britain Handling Trump's Taunts?

4/1/2026
Keir Starmer has largely ignored several rhetorical attacks against the UK from The White House, should King Charles' state visit be cancelled to send a message? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:46

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The Battle For Big Ideas

3/31/2026
With Labour and The Tories parties losing ground to populists - have centrist parties run out of ideas, or just politicians who can sell them? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:35:05

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Energy Shock Leaves Starmer Powerless

3/30/2026
Keir Starmer is calling energy bosses into Downing Street to discuss how to limit the economic impact of the war in Iran - but what options does he have? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:19

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Has Trump Run Out Of Options?

3/27/2026
Donald Trump insists peace talks with Iran are going “very well” - but is also considering deploying more troops to the region. Does he have a strategy, or is he running out of options? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:29:45

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Starmer's Fuel Fiction

3/26/2026
The government has railed against "profiteering" by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, but evidence suggests there hasn't been any - are ministers guilty of needlessly kicking the private sector? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:40

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PMQs: It's Ed Miliband's Decision

3/25/2026
Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:09

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Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?

3/24/2026
The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:29:11

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Trump, The Cost Of Living And Corbyn In Cuba

3/23/2026
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:36:13

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The Global Energy Crisis

3/19/2026
As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world’s biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the government to step in, and can the country afford it? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:32:39

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PMQs: Starmer Swerves Mandelson Questions

3/18/2026
Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime Minister's evasive responses. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:08

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Can Farage Out-Stunt Ed Davey?

3/17/2026
Reform UK launches a competition to pay one winner’s energy bills for a year - is the party attempting to out-stunt Ed Davey? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:31

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Starmer To The Rescue?

3/16/2026
Keir Starmer claims he's brought financial stability back to the economy and defends his leadership during the war in Iran - but will the public be grateful? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:31

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Iran, Mandelson, and Farage Fighting The Polls

3/13/2026
Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day - from the fallout from the Mandelson files, to the US easing sanctions on Russian oil, to Nigel Farage's problem with the pollsters. With Michael Binyon and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:29