The Red Box Politics Podcast

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News Podcast of the Year: Matt Chorley presents the best interviews, analysis and panel discussions from his Times Radio show. Listen live 10am-1pm Monday to Thursday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.co.uk/

The Times


    • Oct 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 1,804 EPISODES

    4.5 from 56 ratings Listeners of The Red Box Politics Podcast that love the show mention: esther, uk, remain, politics, trump, political, news, insight, humor, world, guests, time, good, listen, great, matt chorley, red box.



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    Latest episodes from The Red Box Politics Podcast

    Where Are The Grown Ups?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 31:52


    The Home Office is squandering billions of pounds on asylum hotels in another damaging story for the government. Can Labour still call themselves the "grown ups in the room"? Calum Macdonald unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour's Caerphilly Collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 31:46


    Plaid Cymru have swept to victory in Caerphilly, taking a Senedd seat that has been held by Labour for a century - will it convince Keir Starmer to change course?Alexis Conran unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Is The Home Office Still Not Fit For Purpose?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 29:12


    Shabana Mahmood says her department remains “not yet fit for purpose,” after The Times uncovered a secret report calling it dysfunctional and detached from reality. Should we be worried that we're still using that phrase, 20 years after John Reid first made it famous?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Grooming Gangs Inquiry In Chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 42:40


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks this week's Prime Minister's Questions with Gabriel Pogrund from The Sunday Times and comedian Gráinne Maguire.After several grooming gang victims withdrew from the inquiry process, Sir Keir Starmer vows to deliver justice — but can he restore confidence in the investigation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What Did Andrew Witness?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 30:53


    Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir reveals her abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and alleged encounters with Prince Andrew - claims he denies. Now, the disgraced royal faces pressure to disclose what he knows about Epstein's crimes and those who may have enabled them. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is China A Top-Tier Threat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 29:03


    Conservative MPs Alicia Kearns and Tom Tugendhat have urged Keir Starmer to designate China a top-tier threat, calling his inaction a sign of weakness - but would such a label really change anything?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Football Ban Tests Starmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 37:12


    The Prime Minister wants to lift the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending their game against Aston Villa next month. But could it lead to violence?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 China Spy Blame Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 33:23


    The government, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Conservatives all blame each other for the collapse of the China spy case, is everyone set to lose in the blame game?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and David Runciman live from the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Lawyer, Not A Leader?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 56:39


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks PMQs alongside Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika live from the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.Badenoch challenges Starmer over the China spy case, but Starmer enjoys arguing over legal technicalities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump Leaves Starmer Hanging

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 32:23


    Does an embarrassing moment for Sir Keir Starmer on stage at the Egypt peace summit reveal something about the UK's influence on the global stage?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farage Ditches Tax Cut Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 33:37


    Reform UK's Nigel Farage is preparing to drop his promise to deliver £90bn of tax cuts, saying his party will reduce public spending first. Is this a more credible position, and is it in response to Tory attacks?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Patrick Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's Peace Prize Snub

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 35:12


    The ceasefire in Gaza is underway after US president Donald Trump brokered a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. But how will he feel about missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize?Alexis Conran unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump Takes Credit For Gaza Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 33:38


    President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of his plan for peace in Gaza. Is he on track for a Nobel Peace Prize? Plus, why is Matthew trying to avoid calling Nigel Farage by his name? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Badenoch's Tax-Cutting Promises

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 16:49


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks Kemi Badenoch's speech to Conservative Party conference in which she pledged to scrap Labour's tax rises and abolish stamp duty. But has she discovered her own magic money tree?Plus: Margaret Thatcher also struggled to make an impact in her first year, how do the two leaders compare? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jenrick Moves Centre Stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 28:11


    Robert Jenrick has been announcing a series of policies at Conservative conference, and defending comments he made about the lack of 'white faces' in an inner-city area of Birmingham. Was he just making a point about integration? Is he trying to destabilise Kemi Badenoch's leadership? And, what does Badenoch's favourite author - Terry Pratchett - tell us about her?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kemi Badenoch: "Absolutely Invisible"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 28:31


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the latest Times Radio Focus Group with James Johnson of JL Partners.Kemi Badenoch has failed to make an impression on these 2024 Conservative voters so far, but which of her potential rivals do they compare to Martin Lewis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fundamentally Un-British

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 29:50


    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the pro-Palestine protests after the Manchester synagogue attack were "fundamentally un-British". But can the authorities stop them?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The End Of The Asylum 'Golden Ticket'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 27:19


    The government says the UK is too attractive to refugees and says it will end the 'Golden Ticket' of resettlement and family reunion rights. But will it stop people crossing the channel?Plus, reaction to the attack on a Manchester synagogue. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Playing The Ball And Not The Man?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 32:03


    Reform UK says Keir Starmer's attack on Nigel Farage risks inciting violence. Has Labour been guilty of playing the man, not the ball?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Phil Tinline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Keir Starmer's Survival

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 32:45


    Labour Party Conference began with much speculation about the Prime Minister's survival. Is he out of the danger zone - and if so - for how long?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Chancellor's Hard Choices To Come

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 21:00


    Rachel Reeves has delivered her speech to Labour Party conference, warning of 'harsh global headwinds' and harder choices to come. Is she laying the ground for a brutal autumn Budget, and did she look like a chancellor secure in her job?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech with Joe Mayes and Megan Kenyon. He also speaks to Bill Esterson, chair of the Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, about whether the government is making the case to the public for net zero. This bonus episode is brought to you by SSE, from the Labour Party conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Have Labour Voters Lost Faith?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 23:45


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the latest Times Radio Focus Group with Tom Lubbock of JL Partners. What do these 2024 Labour voters think about Keir Starmer and the government, and will they back him again to keep out Nigel Farage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer Takes On Populism

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 25:23


    Keir Starmer urges liberals to take on the populist right as he confirms plans for mandatory digital ID cards. But has the prime minister worked out how to tackle Nigel Farage's Reform UK?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Burnham Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 32:34


    Andy Burnham says he's been privately urged to challenge Keir Starmer. Could the so-called King of the North return to parliament and run for leader?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is Ed Davey "Obsessed" With Nigel Farage?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 32:23


    After Ed Davey claimed the Lib Dems were the last block against Nigel Farage's 'forces of darkness', why does he spend so much time talking about Reform UK and Donald Trump?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's Dubious Claims

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 31:30


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, including Donald Trump's unproven claim that paracetamol in pregnancy increases the risk of autism, and Reform's claim that its latest migration policy will save hundreds of billions of pounds.With James Marriott and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ed Davey's Battle For Attention

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 30:00


    Ed Davey has called Elon Musk a criminal and promised a crackdown on 'doomscrolling' - but is Nigel Farage's latest migration announcement stealing attention from Lib Dem conference?Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Your Party Or 'No More' Party?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 31:08


    After another public row between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, 'Your Party' looks like it may not get off the ground - but could a more serious left-wing threat to Labour come from Zack Polanski's Green Party?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Giles Dilnot and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is MAGA Right About Free Speech In The UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 34:50


    Donald Trump says America owes the UK for its legacy of free speech - but why do some Republicans believe the hallmark of modern Britain is censorship? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    One In, None Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 28:07


    Sir Keir Starmer's migrant returns deal with France is in disarray after a judge paused an Eritrean man's deportation hours before he was due to fly - will the one-in, one-out scheme ever get off the ground?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Religion On The Rise In Politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 26:50


    Danny Kruger - who has called for a "revival of faith" in Britain - has been tasked with preparing Reform for government. Is religion playing a bigger role in politics?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Tory Party Is Over, Says Kruger

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 29:31


    As Danny Kruger becomes the first sitting Tory MP to defect to Reform UK, is he right to say the Conservative party is over? What can Kemi Badenoch do to stem the tide, and is Keir Starmer drinking in 'last-chance saloon'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's Damage Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 32:10


    How bad is the fallout from the sacking of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador? With a State visit fast approaching, can Starmer recover - or is he a "dead man walking"?Ed Vaizey is joined by Alys Denby and Michael Binyon to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Peter Mandelson Sacked (Again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 31:27


    Keir Starmer has sacked Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, after growing scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story with reaction from from Matthew Parris, Manveen Rana, Adam Boulton and Francis Elliot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Starmer's Mandelson Headache

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 42:11


    Kemi Badenoch was quick off the mark to challenge the prime minister over allegations about Peter Mandelson, repeatedly asking if Starmer was aware of their close friendship and if still he had "confidence" in the US Ambassador Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Times' Chief Political Correspondent Patrick Maguire and comedian Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will The Deputy Leader Race Split Labour?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 29:31


    The field of candidates wanting to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader is growing, but will the contest inevitably end up as a referendum on Keir Starmer's leadership? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour's 'Reforming Right'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 31:50


    Keir Starmer's reshuffle has given key jobs to people seen as being from the "reforming right" of the party - is the government tilting towards a tougher, Blairite agenda? Or is it just lumbering from one set of priorities to another?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Angela Rayner's Resignation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 27:02


    Angela Rayner has resigned as deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after an independent report found she had broken the ministerial code for failing to pay stamp duty on her second home.Ed Vaizey brings you the full fallout from the major political shakeup, with reaction from The Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford and Labour Peer Thangam Debbonaire. Plus additional insight from Political Historian Nigel Fletcher and the Times' former Political Editor Philip Webster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Focus Group: "Put The Great Back Into Britain"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 48:45


    It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Hugo steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This week, it's a group considering voting for Reform UK at the next election. Hugo Rifkind is joined by pollster Guy Miscampbell, of JL Partners to find out why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: 'Why Is She Still In Office?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 43:30


    It's the first PMQs back after the summer break and Angela Rayner is fighting for her political life. Kemi Badenoch tells the prime minister to 'grow a backbone' and sack his deputy. Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund and Comedian Jon Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour: Phase Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 32:56


    It's Keir Starmer's birthday, and what better way to usher in his 63rd year than with a new "phase two" for his government - but did phase one go all that well? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's Surprise Shake-Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 35:45


    Parliament is back from recess, and Keir Starmer has reshuffled his team in Downing Street - what do the prime minister's appointments tell us about his plans for a reset?Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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