Politics Unpacked

A visit to Ukraine is Andy Burnham's first chance to prove himself on the world stage. Will he, like other former PMs, end up over shadowing his foreign secretary?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.Picture: Getty Images

In his first month in office, Andy Burnham has tried to project a message of hope and optimism. But as problems pile up, will that start to look out of touch?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon.

Asylum seekers are being given a pamphlet telling them that domestic abuse and sex with children is illegal.The government says it needs to teach people from different cultures about British values, but opposition parties have branded it a disgrace.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Jimmy McLoughlin.

Andy Burnham tells the Times that the job of being prime minister is to be popular, rather than making a "fetish" of toughness. But does that mean avoiding difficult decisions?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.

Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon

Reform UK has unveiled radical plans to cut the welfare bill, including stopping foreign nationals from claiming a range of benefits. and abolishing personal indepednent payments. But has the party made a risky strategic choice?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Phil Tinline.

Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but didn't attend the count. He claims to have beaten the establishment but with the parliamentary investigation into his finances reopening, what has he actually achieved?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu, Alys Denby and former Chairman of Reform UK David Bull.

Andy Burnham promised 'good growth in every postcode,' but does he have the vision to turn the economy around, or will he be a continuation of Keir Starmer? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Sarah Ditum. 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins.Has Andy Burnham come unstuck over the vexed issue of early prisoner release? Is it ever OK to call someone a traitor in politics? And what exactly is Anthony Albanese saying about melons?