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Politics Unpacked

Can Labour Be 'Ruthless' Over Spending?

Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react?


Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire.

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  • Are The Fringe Parties Still The Fringe?

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    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.
  • Has Trump Won The War?

    29:53|
    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.
  • Kanye West, Strikes and 90s Nostalgia

    34:17|
    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. 
  • Trump's Foul-Mouthed Diplomacy

    33:02|
    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.
  • Trump Mocks Starmer (Again)

    30:53|
    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.
  • Trump's 'Stone Age' Threat

    32:22|
    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.
  • How Is Britain Handling Trump's Taunts?

    33:46|
    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.
  • The Battle For Big Ideas

    35:05|
    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.
  • Energy Shock Leaves Starmer Powerless

    34:19|
    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.