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Politics Unpacked

Is Social Media The New Smoking?

Medical leaders have compared social media to tobacco as pressure grows on Keir Starmer to change his mind and back a ban for under-16s. Will political pressure force another u-turn?


Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Josh Glancy

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    Trump's deal to end the war with Iran has been roundly criticised in Washington - what will it do to America's reputation?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel.
  • The DPMQs Before The Storm

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    David Lammy stands in at the despatch box for the last PMQs before the Makerfield by-election. The Deputy Prime Minister says he's proud to serve under Starmer, while Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho claims Labour is "a government on life support".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and the Chancellor's former Political Director Matt Pound, to unpack the exchanges from the Commons.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.
  • Starmer's Final Summit

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    Keir Starmer is rubbing shoulders with global leaders at the G7 summit.  But have his foreign affairs credentials been undermined by John Healey's resignation?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.
  • Starmer's Last Hurrah?

    36:53|
    Keir Starmer announces a social media ban for under-16s as Andy Burnham looks poised to trigger a leadership challenge. Is the Prime Minister shoring up his legacy or will he fight on?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Jack Blackburn and Janice Turner
  • Starmer Fights On

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    Keir Starmer’s grip on power looks weaker than ever after the resignation of John Healey. Can the prime minister really hang on? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.
  • John Healey Resigns

    38:12|
    The Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, claiming Keir Starmer's lack of funding for the military will make the UK "less safe"Hugo Rifkind spoke to The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Political Editor Anna Mikhailova about the damage the resignation has done to the Prime Minister's authority.And before the news of Healey's resignation broke, Hugo spoke to the New Statesman's Political Correspondent Megan Kenyon and the academic and podcaster David Runciman about whether social media was fanning the flames of unrest in Belfast.
  • PMQs: The Sun Sets On Starmer's Premiership?

    44:52|
    Keir Starmer clashes with Kemi Badenoch over defence spending, with the Tory leader accusing him of 'scrabbling around for a legacy'.Patrick Maguire and Stefan Boscia join Hugo Rifkind to unpack the exchanges. 
  • Is Burnham Ready To Be Disliked?

    29:07|
    Rather than aiming to be liked, should modern day politicians relish the relentless, universal public and online hatred they face and use it to fuel their arguments? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Carol Lewis. 
  • Starmer Enters The 'Legacy Era'

    32:19|
    The prime minister is reportedly entering his "legacy era", with a major defence spending plan and new restrictions on children's social media use - but what will Keir Starmer's legacy actually be?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.