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 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 1,703 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

    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.

    Who Would Win From A Tory-Reform Pact?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 30:51


    Senior Tories are being asked about the prospect of a pact with Reform UK ahead of local elections in England this week. But what's in it for Nigel Farage's Reform?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins, including the rising risk of strikes and what happened at this year's White House Correspondents Dinner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Douglas Murray

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 24:40


    In this bonus episode of the podcast, Douglas Murray joins Hugo Rifkind to discuss his new book - On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel, Hamas and the Future of the West. He argues that the future of the Western world is at stake in the Israel-Gaza war, and discusses Donald Trump's plan to create a "riviera of the Middle East". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Washington, War and WhatsApp Etiquette

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 30:35


    Rachel Reeves is in Washington attempting to get a US trade deal over the line, while Donald Trump's special envoy has arrived in Moscow to hold peace talks with Putin. And why was half of Westminster added to a WhatsApp chat? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Sarah Vine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump 'In Cahoots' With Putin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 31:50


    After Donald Trump criticises Volodymyr Zelensky's approach to peace talks, does a deal look further away than ever? Plus, why does former defence secretary Grant Shapps say Trump is "in cahoots" with Vladimir Putin?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: He Doesn't Have The Balls

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 41:28


    MPs are back from recess which means the return of PMQs Unpacked. Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer whether he's changed his mind on how to define a woman.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Lara Spirit, Theo Usherwood and comedian Jon Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer Breaks Silence On Trans Ruling

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 35:16


    Politics is back after recess, and Keir Starmer has finally responded to the Supreme Court ruling over the definition of a woman. Has it helped politicians answer some difficult questions? And could former Cameron adviser Steve Hilton be the next Governor of California?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Modernising Pope

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 27:01


    Following the death of Pope Francis, our columnists discuss the relationship between faith and politics, and the role of modern religious leaders.Plus, should MPs and peers allow Donald Trump to address Parliament?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and David Runciman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farage, Oak Trees, And The Problem With LinkedIn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 32:30


    Have we all lost the plot over an oak tree in North London? Will Nigel Farage force the government to rethink drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea? And is it time to give LinkedIn a rest?Harry Wallop is joined by Carol Lewis and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer Risks Trade Stand-Off With Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 31:44


    The government insists it won't have to choose between trade with Donald Trump's America and the European Union, but can the prime minister continue the tricky balancing act? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Defining A Woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 34:41


    The contentious issue of gender identity is back in the spotlight, following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on legal definition of woman - but how will this impact politics in Britain? Could Labour lose votes by becoming too gender critical? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Too Cosy With China?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 28:28


    The Government's move to seize control of British Steel has highlighted the extent of Chinese involvement in the UK's critical infrastructure - is the UK too cosy with China? Plus, our columnists reveal their favourite hymns. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Save British Steel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 32:45


    The future of British Steel hangs in the balance, after Parliament was dramatically recalled over the weekend to pass emergency legislation to keep the UK's last blast furnaces open - but was it neglect or sabotage?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tit-For-Tat Trade War

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 32:14


    As the US and China continue their economic tit-for-tat, the UK is told that even a trade deal may not spare it from 10% tariffs. Can anyone win Trump's trade war?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump Dumps Tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 35:02


    About 13 hours after they came into force, President Trump announced a 90-day pause for his reciprocal tariffs everywhere - except China. Has Trump been intimidated? And will the UK ever get a trade deal? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Lara Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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