Podcast appearances and mentions of Hugo Rifkind

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Award-winning Times columnist, Times Radio presenter, author, and star of The News Quiz on the BBC, Hugo Rifkind takes us behind the scenes of his working life and beyond, assesses the challenges of taking on populism, gives us his take on immigration levels, and rates Nigel Farage's chances of making it to Number 10. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu and Hugo Rifkind to unpack bin workers strikes in Birmingham, pop stars popping to the stars, talks of tariffs, steeling oneself in Scunthorpe, and how Toby took his carvery one step too far.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Christina Riggs, Eve Delaney and Ben Pope. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Coordinator: Beanna Olding Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs continues, two members of his administration - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro - have traded blows about free trade. And, are the wealthy leaving London?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on all imports to the US, although Britain gets off (relatively) lightly. Is this an example of a 'Brexit bonus'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Ian Smith, Laura Lexx and Hugo Rifkind as they unpack Trump and Putin in talks in Saudi Arabia, the solutions to prison overcrowding, and the Welsh solution for parliamentary empty promises.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Simon Alcock, David Duncan, Laura Major, Christina Riggs and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production.