The Times Red Box Podcast

As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about Reform's rise in the polls?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch continues her scattergun approach to questioning Keir Starmer, jumping from the Chagos Islands deal to voice coaches to drilling for oil in the North Sea.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Marcus Brigstocke.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is this the president showing the world just how favorable complying with his terms can be? 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 new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a politician?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the book's author Patrick Maguire, and Lara Spirit  Pre-order a copy of 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer' at timesbookshop.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Times Radio focus group of 2025, we find out whether voters who backed Labour at the general election are suffering from buyer's remorse.Hugo Rifkind is joined by pollster James Johnson, of JL Partners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch goes on the offensive over the government's plans for growth, but Keir Starmer thinks she's going to be 'the next lettuce'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Lucy Porter.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has rejected advice to widen the definition of extremism, but how can it stop attacks from angry "loners" like in Southport?Plus, why is Ed Miliband hiring a vanity photographer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 45 minutes on the phone, and Donald Trump saying Keir Starmer is "a very good person", the transatlantic relationship seems to be on solid ground. But is it in the PM's best interests to cosy up to the US President?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer, Nigel Farage has called for an apology after he was accused of spreading fake news. But is he just politicising the attack?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.Matthew argues that liberals are going soft on Donald Trump, and it's time for them to stiffen their spines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of "educational vandalism" over his plans for schools. Who came out on top, and do some in Labour think she's got a point? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the comedian Athena Kugblenu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer denied a 'cover-up' after his government was accused of withholding information about the Southport killer, did he get it wrong?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump returns as U.S. president after one of the most extraordinary election comebacks in modern history, but what will Trump part two look like? Will he smile or frown on Keir Starmer and the UK? Will his tariffs hurt Britain? And why have Suella Braverman and Liz Truss been invited to the inauguration? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Jane Mulkerrins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has positioned himself as pro-Europe and anti-Trump. Can he appeal to the urban voters that Labour may lose as they pick their fight with the Tories and Reform? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Alys Denby.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a fragile ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, is this a peek into Donald Trump's new world order?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch questions Keir Starmer about the state of the economy and his support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Patrick Maguire, Lara Spirit and comedian Geoff Norcott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chancellor shrugs off calls to resign after Keir Starmer is pressed about her future. Is there really any chance of her losing her job, and should the prime minister do a better job of defending her?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to grow the economy in the long-term, but may still have to cut spending - how will the party react?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.