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Politics Unpacked
Is Working From Home Working?
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Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton join Hugo Rifkind to discuss the divisive Scottish independence referendum, 10 years on.
Plus: Do ministers want civil servants to go back to work, are self service checkouts terrible, and should Brits do away with pints?
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Should Starmer Investigate Grooming Gangs?
34:50|Calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal are being led by the Conservatives, Reform UK and Elon Musk, but would it delay the action needed to protect children from abuse?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby PurvesStarmer Hits Back At Musk
30:26|Without naming him directly, Keir Starmer has denounced Elon Musk for spreading falsehoods about the child sex abuse scandal. Has the PM changed his strategy for dealing with the billionaire?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Lara Spirit.Is Musk Flirting With Fascism?
38:02|Elon Musk has continued his attacks on the UK government, but why is he inserting himself into European politics? Does he want to be a global statesman? And what will this mean for his new friend Nigel Farage? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Gaby HinsliffGang Smashing & Queue Jumping
28:55|The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is booed for queue-jumping for a toboggan ride on holiday, is it the most offensive thing a Brit can do?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew SyedMaking the Honours List
33:45|The 2025 New Years Honours list has being released, with Former England football manager Gareth Southgate and actor Stephen Fry amongst those to be knighted. But how have politicians fared? James Marriott and Libby Purves join Ed to unpack the politics of the day, and much more.Are Badenoch's Attacks On Farage Backfiring?
30:34|The membership row between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage rumbles on, but is anyone winning? And what do members of Reform UK get for their money?David Runciman and Zoe Strimpel join Hugo to unpack the politics of the day including Badenoch v Farage, how to be an ex-leader, and where does Elon Musk find the time?Slumps, Scandals And Christmas Sweaters
30:54|The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories?Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scandals. Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Matthew Syed.Can Mandelson Charm Donald Trump?
21:50|Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness.Can Kemi Look Like A PM In Waiting?
33:58|A new YouGov polls shows the public doesn't see Kemi Badenoch as a PM in waiting - is their verdict a suprise?Plus, is Matthew Parris the British equivalent of a cowboy?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris.