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Politics Unpacked

The Trial of Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is on oath to tell the truth at the Covid inquiry, as he explains what worked and what didn't as the British state struggled to respond to the deadly virus.


Matt is joined by Times Radio's Calum MacDonald to break down the key moments including his disappearing Whatsapp messages, the role of Dominic Cummings, and why there was so much swearing in Number 10.


Plus: It's PMQs Unpacked, with Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clashing over Rwanda and Starmer sharing more dad jokes.


Matt is joined by Lara Spirit and Tim Shipman (just about) to pause and analyse the action.

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  • PMQs: Economic Vandals and Fantasists

    42:15|
    Kemi Badenoch questions Keir Starmer about the state of the economy and his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Patrick Maguire, Lara Spirit and comedian Geoff Norcott.
  • Is Rachel Reeves Really In Trouble?

    32:08|
    The chancellor shrugs off calls to resign after Keir Starmer is pressed about her future. Is there really any chance of her losing her job, and should the prime minister do a better job of defending her?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves. 
  • Can Labour Be 'Ruthless' Over Spending?

    34:40|
    Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire.
  • The Chancellor Goes To China

    29:15|
    Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green.
  • Has Reeves Done A Truss?

    32:41|
    The pound is falling in value and government borrowing costs are rising - are the economic walls closing in on Rachel Reeves?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Michael Binyon.
  • PMQs: A Leader Not A Lawyer

    44:36|
    PMQs Unpacked is back for the new year and today Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over whether there should be a national inquiry into child sexual abuse by grooming gangs. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with the help of Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Alistair Barrie. 
  • 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 Purves
  • Starmer 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 Hinsliff