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


    • Aug 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 1,761 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

    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.

    The Chancellor's ‘Impossible Trilemma'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 33:33


    With a £50 billion gap in the public finances, it is looking increasingly difficult for Rachel Reeves to avoid raising taxes.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will The UK-France Migrant Deal Cut Through?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 31:47


    The government's 'one-in, one-out' migrant deal with France is coming into force - but can the public be persuaded by technocratic solutions? And should Neil Kinnock stop advising Rachel Reeves to raise taxes?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Times columnists James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farage's Growing Entourage

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 35:20


    Reform UK's new justice adviser doesn't agree with everything Nigel Farage says - does it matter? And can Farage keep tabs on his growing entourage? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Not So Silly Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 32:44


    August is supposed to be a quiet time for politics but the Prime Minister has an array of thorny issues to contend with - from Heathrow's expansion plan, to foreign criminals and the fact that no one wants to name their baby after him.Harry Wallop unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Phil Tinline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PM's "Knee-Jerk Reaction" On Palestine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 33:39


    Top lawyers are warning Starmer he'll be breaking international law if he follows through with the recognition of a Palestinian State, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move a "knee jerk reaction" - does she have a point ?Geoff Norcott is joined by Claire Cohen and Matthew Parris to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's Palestine Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 31:42


    Israel has criticised Keir Starmer's plan to recognise a Palestinian state if conditions do not improve in Gaza, but many of the Prime Minister's MPs will feel he didn't act quickly enough. Has the PM had a change of heart or is this just gesture politics?Geoff Norcott unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's Advice To Starmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 32:57


    On his visit to Scotland, President Trump gave Keir Starmer his unsolicited advice for how to beat Nigel Farage at the next election - but should the Prime Minister listen to him?Michael Binyon is joined by Sarah Ditum and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A MAGA British Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 35:58


    Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf course today, where the president's love of Scotland has sparked talk of a 'MAGA British summer'. But on the domestic front, the prime minister has some thorny issues to contend with.Michael Binyon unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    donald trump scotland acast maga keir starmer turnberry british summer charlotte ivers michael binyon
    Battle With The BMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 30:25


    Keir Starmer has appealed in The Times directly to doctors not to strike - but is this falling on deaf ears? And how does this bode for Labour's future relations with the unions? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Thangam Debbonaire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Badenoch's Chainsaw Conservatives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 29:48


    Kemi Badenoch says the chainsaw-wielding president of Argentina would be “the template” for her government - could could she be Britain's answer to Javier Milei?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Britain "Fraying"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 32:14


    Keir Starmer has warned Britain is "fraying at the edges" and urgent action on immigration is needed to avoid a repeat of last summer's riots. But is this the worst it's been? Robert Crampton and Phil Tinline join Ed Vaizey to unpack the politics of the day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Reshuffles, Reform & JD Vance's Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 32:43


    Kemi Badenoch is using the last day before the Commons recess to launch a reset of her leadership of the Conservative Party, while Nigel Farage is gearing up to spend his summer talking about crime. Plus: What will JD Vance get up to in the Cotswolds? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farage's Summer Of Crime

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 32:53


    Reform UK's leader launches a six-week summer crime campaign, promising to deport criminals to prisons in El Salvador and halve crime overall. Could he deliver it?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afghan Data Leak: "Cock-up Or Conspiracy"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 32:02


    As more revelations about the Afghan data leak continue to come out, who will take the blame? And is an urgent inquiry needed to unpack the failings? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Persistent Knobheadery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 31:43


    Keir Starmer has suspended four of his MPs over repeated breaches of party discipline, or as one party source described it to the Times, “persistent knobheadery”. Was this a ruthless or desperate move from Starmer?Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: Don't Mention The Data Leak

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 42:02


    Keir Starmer said Conservative ex-ministers have serious questions to answer over the Afghanistan data leak at the start of Prime Minister's Questions. But after that, no one seemed to want to mention it.Patrick Maguire unpacks the action with Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund and former Conservative cabinet minister Sir David Lidington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Melania, Billionaires And The Power Of Pessimism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 29:02


    Patrick Maguire is unpacking the politics of the day, asking James Marriott and Libby Purves whether Melania Trump changed the US president's mind over Putin, whether we should mourn the departure of billionaires, and why pessimism can be a force for good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tax Rises: The Question Of The Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 35:33


    What is a "working person" and who is on a "modest income"? Government ministers are pressed to say who could face higher taxes, as expectation mounts that the chancellor will have to act in the Autumn.Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with The Times' Seb Payne and Carol Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sick Note Britain?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 29:30


    GPs are being told to stop handing out so many sick notes as part of the government's efforts to get more people back to work. And why are women turning to Reform?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    "Washed-up Tories" Defecting to Reform

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 31:46


    Former Conservative Chairman Jake Berry is the second ex-Tory minister to defect to Reform this week, but is this working in Nigel Farage's favour?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Tim Montgomerie and Zoe Strimpel to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: 'Flirting' With A Wealth Tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 39:24


    Keir Starmer reiterated his tax pledges at PMQs as Kemi Badenoch accused him of 'flirting' with a wealth tax. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Jon Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Starmer and Macron Stop the Boats?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 26:23


    Keir Starmer is hoping to use the French President's visit as a chance to talk migration, but will they reach a deal? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times Columnists James Marriot and Sarah Ditum to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Another Labour Rebellion Looms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 31:23


    The government could be facing another backbench rebellion, this time over its plans to reform special needs support. Why aren't the 'Starmtoopers' as loyal as the Prime Minister hoped?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can A New Left-Wing Party Succeed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 34:43


    A year after Labour's landslide election victory, how serious is the threat to Keir Starmer from a new left-wing party led by Zarah Sultana and (possibly) Jeremy Corbyn?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of day with Michael Binyon and Latika Bourke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Reeves Move On From 'Tough Day'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 31:24


    Keir Starmer says the Chancellor is going nowhere, but have the very public tears of Rachel Reeves left the impression of a government in crisis as it approaches its first birthday?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PMQs: "She Looks Traumatised"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 44:36


    Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and questions over her future, that dominate.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Labour's Welfare Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 31:35


    Despite last week's U-turn, Keir Starmer still faces a backbench rebellion over welfare. Is it particularly difficult for a Labour Prime Minister to cut benefits?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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