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


    • Jun 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 1,717 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

    Welfare Bill in Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 29:48


    Rebel MPs are not backing down over the government's welfare bill, with Keir Starmer forced to contemplate concessions - can he win them over? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Rayner's Rough Ride Over Welfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 39:05


    With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mounting rebellion over welfare cuts.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action with Patrick Maguire and Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Was Starmer Out Of The Loop?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 28:46


    There was little sign of British influence as the US attacked Iran and then announced a ceasefire. Does it throw Starmer's judgement into question, or is the UK better off out of the loop?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is The UK Internationally Irrelevant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 31:27


    Donald Trump's unilateral attack on Iran exposes the limit to which Britain can influence events in the Middle East. Should we be happy with the role of bystander?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is There A "Window" For Iran Diplomacy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 30:34


    Donald Trump's given Iran a "two-week" reprieve for negotiations and David Lammy has gone to Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister. But can their diplomacy work?Ed Vaizey is joined by columnists Michael Binyon and Jane Merrick to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How Will The UK Respond If Trump Attacks?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 32:33


    Donald Trump is reported to have approved a plan to attack Iran, and the world waits to see if he uses it. But how will Keir Starmer respond?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Claire Cohen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Keir Starmer's 'Bag Carrier' Lifts The Lid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 44:49


    It's deputy PMQs this week while the prime minister is away, and we're joined by a special guest. Chris Ward is Keir Starmer's close aide and parliamentary private secretary, known in Westminster as a 'bag carrier'.He explains what really goes on in the Commons chamber every Wednesday, and helps Hugo Rifkind and Patrick Maguire unpack the exchanges between Angela Rayner and Chris Philp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump The Interventionist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 33:23


    Donald Trump has demanded "a complete give up" from Iran in its conflict with Israel. But will wading into Middle Eastern affairs irk isolationists in his own party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's Grooming Gangs U-Turn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 33:11


    Having spent months resisting calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, Keir Starmer changes his mind. How can he navigate the difficult politics of another prime ministerial U-turn? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Israel Strikes Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 29:12


    Israel attacked Iran's nuclear programme overnight - is there anything the West can do to influence the situation? Or are Britain and the US reduced to the role of bystanders? Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Emily Sheffield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tax Speculation Haunts Reeves

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 27:08


    The Chancellor's been defending the Spending Review, and she's determined not to lose hope despite gloomy GDP figures. But can she escape a summer of speculation about tax rises to come? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Kemi Tries Panto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 26:52


    It's Spending Review day, and MPs were treated to a noisy PMQs after Kemi Badenoch promised to make it less like a courtroom and more like a pantomime.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Iron Chancellor...Or Not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 34:23


    As the government says the Spending Review is settled, ministers are still facing questions about the U-turn on the winter fuel allowance. Should the chancellor just admit she got it wrong?Plus: Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Mariott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Could Farage Open The Coal Mines?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 30:48


    Nigel Farage says he wants to reopen a steelworks in South Wales and even open new coal mines. Is he winning the battle for Labour's post-industrial heartlands?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Trump-Musk Divorce

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 32:16


    Donald Trump and Elon Musk's friendship imploded in dramatic fashion overnight - as simmering tension between the two escalated into all-out war across their social media platforms.Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Michael Binyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will The Winter Fuel U-Turn Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 35:22


    It's the government's biggest u-turn so far - but will Rachel Reeves' new winter fuel payments policy succeed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Shipman Bows Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 43:24


    After five years and something like 150 episodes, Tim Shipman is leaving the Sunday Times and the podcast. What has he learned from unpacking all those exchanges at PMQs?He hands over to Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire, and with Hugo they unpack the exchanges between Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch - as the PM refuses to be drawn on plans to end the two child benefit cap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Cost Of Preparing For War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 32:34


    Keir Starmer has promised to make Britain "battle ready" as he unveiled plans to improve the military - but will taxpayers be prepared to pay for higher defence spending?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer, Badenoch And Farage Take Aim

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 26:14


    Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour and Reform of 'fantasy economics', the day after Keir Starmer made the same charge about Nigel Farage. Is it doing any of them any good? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Farage 'Liz Truss All Over Again'?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 31:53


    Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Nigel Farage - making a speech warning that Farage's "fantasy" economics will lead to a Liz Truss-style economic meltdown. So would Reform UK's policies crash the economy? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Reeves' Spending Squeeze

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 32:17


    After police chiefs publicly raised their concerns about budget cuts making it harder to keep us all safe, Rachel Reeves is under renewed pressure over government spending. 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 Attacks 'Unpatriotic' Starmer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 31:40


    Nigel Farage has branded Keir Starmer as “one of the most unpatriotic prime ministers in our history" - is there a lack of patriotism on the left? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour vs Reform on Welfare

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 34:29


    As Labour inches along its huge benefits u-turn, Nigel Farage says he would restore winter fuel payment and end the two child benefit cap. Is Reform becoming a big state, big benefits party now?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour's Tricky Week

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 34:46


    Ed Vaizey is joined by Jane Merrick and Albie Amankona to discuss a week of big challenges for the government - from the EU reset to the U-turn on winter fuel to finally signing off the Chagos deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's Oval Office Takedowns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 34:58


    Mouths were agape when Donald Trump confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Starmer U-Turns On Winter Fuel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 43:02


    Keir Starmer said more pensioners would get the winter fuel payment at PMQs. But had Kemi Badenoch even noticed the U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action in the Commons with The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman and the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tories Sink In The Polls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 34:18


    The Tories have fallen to fourth place in the latest Times/YouGov poll - behind the Liberal Democrats for the first time in six years. Plus, Keir Starmer might've landed his EU reset deal, but Boris Johnson has labelled him the 'orange-ball chewing gimp of Brussels'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Has Starmer Surrendered?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 28:32


    Keir Starmer's deal with the European Union will allow closer co-operation on security, food standards and travel - but will all that come at the expense of the British fishing industry?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Price Of Starmer's EU Reset

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 33:02


    As European leaders meet in Tirana, is Keir Starmer inching Britain closer to Europe - and is that progress?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Gaby Hinsliff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How Big Is The Space To The Left Of Starmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 32:56


    As the Prime Minister adopts increasingly tough rhetoric on immigration, can his opponents on the left offer a populist alternative?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Dead Party Walking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 44:35


    Kemi Badenoch dismisses Keir Starmer's “tiny tariff deal” with Donald Trump, while Keir Starmer called the Tories a “dead party walking.”Hugo Rifkind unpacks all the action from the Commons with Tim Shipman and the comedian Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Did Starmer Echo Enoch Powell?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 31:13


    Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for saying the UK could become an "island of strangers" unless new curbs on migration bring the numbers down - but are comparisons with Enoch Powell and 'Rivers of Blood' misplaced?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's Stark Language On Immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 27:34


    Keir Starmer claims soaring immigration has done 'incalculable' damage to the UK and risks creating an 'island of strangers'. But can he deliver on his promise to drive the numbers down? Will Rachel Reeves hold the line on welfare cuts, and will the Tories send for Boris Johnson?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Deification Of Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 29:11


    As Keir Starmer celebrates getting a trade agreement with the US over the line, does Peter Mandelson fit into Donald Trump's circle? Plus, how has moral universalism led to the rise of Nigel Farage?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A 'Very Big And Exciting' Trade Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 31:46


    The UK finally has its trade deal with the US - but will it make us any richer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs Unpacked: What Trade Deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 40:47


    Keir Starmer wants to be celebrating its trade deal with India, worth 5 billion pounds to the British economy...but Kemi Badenoch instead presses him over cuts to the winter fuel allowance and energy bills.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the House of Commons with Tim Shipman and comedian Ahir Shah. Plus, we wave Lara Spirit off to Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Winter Fuel Cut Backlash

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 31:09


    With the cuts to the winter fuel allowance being blamed for Labour's problems at the ballot box, is there any chance of Number 10 changing course?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The EU Plays Hardball On Migration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 31:10


    Keir Starmer's hopes of a reset with the EU have taken a blow, after the bloc refused Britain access to critical crime and illegal migration databases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Local Elections: Reform On The March

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 33:45


    With Nigel Farage's Reform UK the clear winner from the English local elections and Runcorn by-election, have they broken the two-party system for good? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with John McTernan, Salma Shah and Sir John Curtice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Golf Diplomacy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 33:11


    Is Britain considering swapping a golf tournament for a trade deal? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: The Last One Before The Elections

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 39:21


    Ahead of Thursday's local elections in England, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch doesn't question Keir Starmer over net zero - instead focusing on the grooming gangs scandal and claims of a cover up.Lara Spirit unpacks all the action from the Commons with Tim Shipman and the comedian Alistair Barrie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    100 Days Of Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 31:46


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news of the day including Donald Trump's first 100 days, whether secularism is just a historical blip, and whether the male-only publisher's time has come. With James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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