The Red Box Politics Podcast

Keir Starmer says he's 'furious' he wasn't told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before his appointment as US ambassador. Just how much trouble is the prime minister in?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A top-level crisis drill inside government - “Exercise Turnstone” - has been testing what happens if the conflict in Iran continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. So how ready is Britain for possible food shortages? Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch criticises the government for failing to publish its plan for defence spending, but Starmer says the Tories hollowed out the budget, and gets told off by the Speaker for failing to answer the question.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Patrick Maguire and the comedian Andrew Maxwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump insists the AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure actually depicts him as a doctor. He's faced backlash from all sides, but it's not his first AI post to cause controversy. Did this one go too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Labour and The Tories parties losing ground to populists - have centrist parties run out of ideas, or just politicians who can sell them? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is calling energy bosses into Downing Street to discuss how to limit the economic impact of the war in Iran - but what options does he have?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump insists peace talks with Iran are going “very well” - but is also considering deploying more troops to the region. Does he have a strategy, or is he running out of options?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has railed against "profiteering" by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, but evidence suggests there hasn't been any - are ministers guilty of needlessly kicking the private sector?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world's biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the government to step in, and can the country afford it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime Minister's evasive responses.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK launches a competition to pay one winner's energy bills for a year - is the party attempting to out-stunt Ed Davey?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer claims he's brought financial stability back to the economy and defends his leadership during the war in Iran - but will the public be grateful?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day - from the fallout from the Mandelson files, to the US easing sanctions on Russian oil, to Nigel Farage's problem with the pollsters.With Michael Binyon and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch claims Keir Starmer misled MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. How badly damaged is the prime minister?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Accusations of U-turns were flying at a raucous PMQs, with Kemi Badenoch claiming Keir Starmer is changing course on fuel duty - and Starmer accusing her of shifting her position over Iran.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Lara Spirit and former Conservative Minister Steve Baker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump's rhetoric towards Iran is visceral, aggressive and often confusing - but is he aiming his bombastic language at Iranians, Republicans, or his reflection in the mirror? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The looming domestic problem in the government's in-tray is the impact of war in the Middle East on the British economy - will the government need to intervene? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has demanded the "unconditional surrender" of Iran and says he wants to choose its next leader. But does he have any idea of how to achieve that?Guto Harri unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the UK slow off the mark to respond to US-Israel attacks on Iran, are we now struggling to adjust to the speed of events? We also discuss the increasingly aggressive language being used by the US to describe the conflict.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses the government of being too slow off the mark on Iran and throws out a few memorably unique phrases at Labour backbenchers. Keir Starmer hits back at the Tories for shrinking the defence budget.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Patrick Maguire, Tim Shipman and Stefan Boscia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says America's relationship with Britain has changed, warning the UK is “not such a recognisable country” anymore. What's happened to Keir Starmer hugging the US president close?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he is "very disappointed" that Keir Starmer didn't initially allow the US to use British airbases to attack Iran - a position the Prime Minister has now reversed. Should the UK resist being dragged into America's war? And would that threaten the 'special relationship'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zack Polanski has declared an "existential crisis for the Labour Party" following a "seismic" by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. But does the result mean it's curtains for Keir Starmer?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there an economic cost to falling net-migration? Will there be another government U-turn on student loans? And does Andrea Jenkyns' blue box look more like a biscuit tin? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rowdy session of PMQs before the Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer attacks both the Greens and Reform - but Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of being the "paedo-defenders party". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following his withdrawal from public royal duties, but what are the rules when it comes to debating a royal - and what, exactly, can they say?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government hopes to tackle the sensitive and costly system for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England - but will Labour MPs support the reforms, or force Starmer into yet another U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The royal family faces its biggest crisis in decades following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied wrongdoing. Does this weaken the monarchy, or has the King done enough to separate himself from his brother?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct whilst in public office. He's the first senior Royal figure to be taken into custody in modern history. He denies wrongdoing. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story - plus the other politics of the day - with Megan Kenyon and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick sets out Reform's economic case aiming to make the party credible. But without Farage on the stage, is it losing its radical edge? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.