Politics Unpacked

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.

Israel attacked Iran's nuclear programme overnight - is there anything the West can do to influence the situation? Or are Britain and the US reduced to the role of bystanders? Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Emily Sheffield.

The Chancellor’s been defending the Spending Review, and she’s determined not to lose hope despite gloomy GDP figures. But can she escape a summer of speculation about tax rises to come?

It's Spending Review day, and MPs were treated to a noisy PMQs after Kemi Badenoch promised to make it less like a courtroom and more like a pantomime.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Gráinne Maguire.

As the government says the Spending Review is settled, ministers are still facing questions about the U-turn on the winter fuel allowance. Should the chancellor just admit she got it wrong?Plus: Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Mariott 

Nigel Farage says he wants to reopen a steelworks in South Wales and even open new coal mines. Is he winning the battle for Labour's post-industrial heartlands?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Sebastian Payne.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s friendship imploded in dramatic fashion overnight - as simmering tension between the two escalated into all-out war across their social media platforms.Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon