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Politics Unpacked

The Art Of Political Sketch Writing

Matt is joined by parliamentary sketch writers old and new to discuss the art of the political sketch. Hear first hand from the people whose job is to poke fun at politicians, which MPs are the ones to watch, and what topics are off limit.


Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win An Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein chat about how to see off rebels within your own party.

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  • Hungary, The 'Boriswave', And Trump vs The Pope

    32:50|
    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves. Is the tide shifting away from the hard right in Europe? Would Nigel Farage really put Boris Johnson on trial over immigration? And why are the US President and the Pope fighting? 
  • Starmer "Fed Up" With Trump

    30:43|
    Keir Starmer has stepped up his criticism of Trump, but could that put the UK in the firing line for retaliation from the US?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd.
  • Are The Fringe Parties Still The Fringe?

    30:47|
    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.