Politics Unpacked

Rebel MPs are not backing down over the government's welfare bill, with Keir Starmer forced to contemplate concessions - can he win them over? 

With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mounting rebellion over welfare cuts.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action with Patrick Maguire and Gráinne Maguire.

There was little sign of British influence as the US attacked Iran and then announced a ceasefire. Does it throw Starmer's judgement into question, or is the UK better off out of the loop?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum 

Donald Trump's unilateral attack on Iran exposes the limit to which Britain can influence events in the Middle East. Should we be happy with the role of bystander?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Carol Lewis.

Donald Trump's given Iran a "two-week" reprieve for negotiations and David Lammy has gone to Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister. But can their diplomacy work?Ed Vaizey is joined by columnists Michael Binyon and Jane Merrick to unpack the politics of the day. 

Donald Trump is reported to have approved a plan to attack Iran, and the world waits to see if he uses it. But how will Keir Starmer respond?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Claire Cohen. 

It's deputy PMQs this week while the prime minister is away, and we're joined by a special guest. Chris Ward is Keir Starmer's close aide and parliamentary private secretary, known in Westminster as a 'bag carrier'.He explains what really goes on in the Commons chamber every Wednesday, and helps Hugo Rifkind and Patrick Maguire unpack the exchanges between Angela Rayner and Chris Philp.

Donald Trump has demanded "a complete give up" from Iran in its conflict with Israel. But will wading into Middle Eastern affairs irk isolationists in his own party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and James Marriott.

Having spent months resisting calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, Keir Starmer changes his mind. How can he navigate the difficult politics of another prime ministerial U-turn? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Jane Mulkerrins.