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 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 1,788 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

    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.

    The Anti-Western Alliance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 30:24


    Xi Jinping will host Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in Beijing next week to mark the end of the Second World War. As Western leaders largely stay away, how much should we worry about the dictators cosying up to each other?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Flip-Flop Farage

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 36:42


    Nigel Farage has stumbled over whether a Reform government would deport women and children as part of its border security plans. Does Reform UK need to think twice before rushing through policies? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Manveen Rana and Fraser Nelson to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trouble In Paris Threatens Small Boats Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 33:18


    A political crisis in Paris threatens to undo a key pillar of Keir Starmer's plan to 'smash the gangs'. Can cooperation with Europe help Britain tackle the crisis or is a new strategy needed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farage's Bold Asylum Seeker Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 30:49


    Reform UK has unveiled its proposal to tackle the small boat crisis - from mass deportations, to detention camps on disused airfields, to replacing the ECHR. As public anger over asylum hotels reaches fever-pitch, will Nigel Farage's strategy pay off?Hugo Rifkind is joined by James Marriott and Libby Purves to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Starmer Solve The Asylum Crisis?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 35:51


    YouGov polling for The Times suggests that seven in ten voters think Keir Starmer is doing a bad job at handling the issue of asylum hotels. Does he need to get more radical?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Pressure Grows Over Immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 32:44


    There'll be a fresh wave of protests against asylum hotels across the country this weekend, as more councils call for illegal immigrants to be housed elsewhere - but can Labour fix this "mess"? Or will unrest continue to grow? Ed Vaizey is joined by Thangam Debbonaire and Robin Brant to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Are There So Many Asylum Seekers In Hotels?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 37:13


    A record 111,000 people claimed asylum in the UK during Keir Starmer's first year in office - and the number in hotels rose by 8%. How did we get here and what is Britain's moral responsibility to migrants?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Asylum Policy In Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 34:35


    The government's asylum accommodation scheme is in turmoil - after the High Court ruled migrants must be removed from an Epping Hotel. As other councils look set to follow suit, where will asylum seekers go now?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Oval Office Round Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 31:19


    President Zelensky is returning to the White House - but this time he isn't alone. Seven European leaders, including Keir Starmer, have gone with him to help make sure Donald Trump is on side.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Trump-Putin Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 32:11


    Donald Trump heads to Alaska today to meet Vladimir Putin and try to find a path to peace in Ukraine - but how likely is an end to the war?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's Plan For Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 32:51


    Russia and the US are understood to have agreed a "West Bank-style" occupation of Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin - but the plan may not appeal to Kyiv.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    JD Vance's Unlikely BBQ

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 34:10


    JD Vance's holiday to the cotswolds continues, where he's been meeting with Tories, breakfasting with Nigel Farage, and having a barbecue with a former Apprentice candidate who says 'Bosh' a lot. 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 Political Language Too Loose?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 35:04


    As the debate over legal and illegal migration continues, are politicians being too imprecise with the words they choose?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 Labour Trying To Create A Hostile Environment?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 33:08


    As the government makes another announcement about deporting foreign criminals, Hugo Rifkind asks if they're pursuing tougher policies than under Theresa May's 'hostile environment'. And with both the Conservatives and Reform UK campaigning hard on migration, has the 'Overton window' in British politics moved?With Times columnists Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump Goes from 'Taco to Waco'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 32:47


    The journalist who gave Trump the nickname Taco - Trump Always Chickens Out - for his strategy on tariffs says it should be updated to Waco - The World Always Chickens Out. Is he right? Harry Wallop 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.

    Kemi The 'Snitch'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 33:26


    Kemi Badenoch reveals she snitched on a fellow pupil for cheating during an exam when she was "about 14 or 15", resulting in him getting expelled - should the Tory leader have been praised for the move? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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