Share

Politics Unpacked
Starmer Speaks, and the Forrest Gump of The Times
•
Matt is joined by Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer to react to a big rise in interest rates, before speaking to the 'Forrest Gump' of The Times - Michael Binyon reflects on 50 years as a foreign and diplomatic correspondent with a ringside seat at some of history's most significant moments.
Plus James Marriott and Manveen Rana discuss the return of immigration to the centre of the national conversation, and ask whether social media echo chambers might not be so bad after all.
More episodes
View all episodes

PMQs: National Security vs Social Security
46:19|At PMQs, Andy Burnham says that national security "can't come at the expense of social security". But if he won't cut benefits to fund defence, where will he find the money?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Lara Spirit, Deputy Political Editor of The Sunday Times, and Chris Ward, Labour MP and former aide to Keir Starmer.Picture: House of Commons
Burnham Risks Trump's Anger
33:27|Andy Burnham's first policy move risks angering President Trump, will there be a backlash from the US? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.
Healey Promises 'Growth Britain'
35:35|John Healey made his first major speech since becoming Chancellor, saying the economy is 'turning a corner' and promising growth. Is his optimism justified? Hugo Rikfind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.
'Dodgy Money' Claims Dog Reform Conference
29:38|Reform UK's conference is underway in Birmingham - but allegations the party breached political donation rules threaten to derail the event.Nigel Farage insists his party has broken no laws. But with two senior officials stepping aside, the questions keep coming.Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.
Burnham, Bayeux & Boats
31:24|Andy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron have met in No.10, with small boats high on the agenda - but have the French done enough to stop dinghies crossing the Channel?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and Sarah Ditum.
PMQs: Vibes Aren't Enough?
47:05|Andy Burnham faces his first PMQs as Prime Minister - with Kemi Badenoch calling him a “yes man”, and one of his own MPs applying pressure over defence spending.Hugo unpacks the exchanges with The Times’ Patrick Maguire and The Sunday Times’ Ben Riley-Smith.
Burnham Faces Political Reality
33:27|Andy Burnham returns to the despatch box for his first appearance as Prime Minister. Can he handle the Commons - and who are his critics within the Labour Party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Matthew Parris.
Badenoch Reshuffles Her Team
26:57|Kemi Badenoch has begun a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet, with high profile names including Priti Patel and James Cleverly out. What is she trying to achieve, and does the public know who any of them are?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Libby Purves.
Burnham's Continuity Government?
33:56|The Chancellor says Andy Burnham is running a 'continuity government,' hinting that his economic policies won't differ much from Keir Starmer's. But can the prime minister really implement a 'fiscally disciplined' Budget without taking a hit to his poll ratings?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Michael Binyon.