Advertise on podcast: Politics Unpacked

The Chancellor is looking at off-the-books ways to boost defence spending, including schemes reminiscent of Gordon Brown's controversial PFI - has the government learned the lessons of the past? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The think-tanks have been poring over John Healey's first budget, and they find plenty of grim news in the small print. The chancellor didn't frighten the bond markets, but did he in fact sound a bit in hock to them? Lara Spirit is joined by Juliet Samuel and Josh Glancy to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of contradicting himself on Brexit, after he said he didn’t want to reopen the debate about re-joining the EU, but wants to improve the deal struck by the Tories - has the PM walked into a Brexit booby-trap? Hugo unpacks PMQs with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Healey told his cabinet colleagues they must find more savings as Britain heads into an "economic storm" caused by high borrowing costs and energy prices - can his Budget balance the books while easing the cost of living? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Andy Silvester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham says he won't push for allowing Britain to join Europe's freedom of movement scheme without a referendum, but would like to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime - but is he being clear on what he wants the relationship to look like? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is urging the public to stockpile essential supplies, warning that conflict, climate disasters and cyberattacks could disrupt everyday life. But will people take the threat seriously? Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions. Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister writes in the Times about the "economic catastrophe and moral failure" of one million young people not in employment, education or training. But can he succeed where Keir Starmer failed and convince Labour MPs that welfare reform is needed? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham parks his tank on the SNP’s lawn, challenging John swinney to work with him on devolution - but is this an offer of cooperation, or is it mostly political fighting talk? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ukrainian President said he felt 'betrayed' by the US over the loss of access to Starlink. Andy Burnham has pledged to 'heal' the rift - but can he do so without American support? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Andy Silvester to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs Unpacked is back after recess, as Kemi Badenoch presses Andy Burnham on Brexit and benefits - and asks whether he ever gets tired of putting his foot in his mouth. Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika to unpack the exchanges from the Commons, live at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brexit is firmly back on the political agenda, but does anyone really mean it? And did Robert Jenrick really mean what he said about using ‘lethal force’ in the Channel? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Andy Burnham says said it's clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, one of his ministers clarifies the Kremlin tried - but failed - to influence the vote. Has the PM been careless? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.