Politics Unpacked

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/
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Farage, Oak Trees, And The Problem With LinkedIn

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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...

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Apr 17, 2025

Starmer Risks Trade Stand-Off With Trump

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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...

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Apr 16, 2025

Defining A Woman

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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...

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Apr 15, 2025

Too Cosy With China?

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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...

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Apr 14, 2025

Save British Steel

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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...

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Apr 11, 2025

Tit-For-Tat Trade War

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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...

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Apr 10, 2025

Trump Dumps Tariffs

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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...

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Apr 9, 2025

Boys Will Be Boys

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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...

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Apr 8, 2025

Will Trump's Cheerleaders Lose Faith?

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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...

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Apr 7, 2025

Starmer's Plan To Protect The Economy

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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...

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Apr 4, 2025

Trump Tariff Turmoil

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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. ...

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Apr 3, 2025

Trump Stokes A Trade War

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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...

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Apr 2, 2025

Carping From The Sidelines

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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...

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Apr 1, 2025

No Free Trade Without Free Speech?

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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...

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Mar 31, 2025

Statecraft or Spineless

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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...

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Mar 28, 2025

Trump Demands More From Ukraine

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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...

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Mar 27, 2025

The Mother Of All Rebellions

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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...

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Mar 26, 2025

PMQs: Kemi and Keir Phone It In

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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...

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Mar 25, 2025

When Group Chats Go Wrong

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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...

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Mar 24, 2025

Freebies, Austerity & Trump Tourism

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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...

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