Red Box Politics Podcast

The Times Red Box Podcast

Matt Chorley brings you politics without the boring bits

  • 30 minutes 53 seconds
    Trump Mocks Starmer (Again)

    The US President mocks Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at an Easter event at the White House. Does Macron's response reflect growing anger in Europe over Iran?


    Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. They also discuss why teachers are turning to the Green Party, Reform UK's pension policy. and why a new deal with the EU could change the name of marmalade.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 April 2026, 1:45 pm
  • 32 minutes 22 seconds
    Trump's 'Stone Age' Threat

    As Donald Trump threatens to send Iran “back to the Stone Age”, Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times columnists Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum to unpack the history and significance of that phrase.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 April 2026, 1:42 pm
  • 33 minutes 46 seconds
    How Is Britain Handling Trump's Taunts?

    Keir Starmer has largely ignored several rhetorical attacks against the UK from The White House, should King Charles' state visit be cancelled to send a message?


    Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 April 2026, 1:16 pm
  • 35 minutes 5 seconds
    The Battle For Big Ideas

    With Labour and The Tories parties losing ground to populists - have centrist parties run out of ideas, or just politicians who can sell them? 


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Fraser Nelson.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 March 2026, 2:25 pm
  • 34 minutes 19 seconds
    Energy Shock Leaves Starmer Powerless

    Keir Starmer is calling energy bosses into Downing Street to discuss how to limit the economic impact of the war in Iran - but what options does he have?


    Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 March 2026, 1:58 pm
  • 29 minutes 45 seconds
    Has Trump Run Out Of Options?

    Donald Trump insists peace talks with Iran are going “very well” - but is also considering deploying more troops to the region. Does he have a strategy, or is he running out of options?


    Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 March 2026, 2:43 pm
  • 31 minutes 40 seconds
    Starmer's Fuel Fiction

    The government has railed against "profiteering" by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, but evidence suggests there hasn't been any - are ministers guilty of needlessly kicking the private sector?


    Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 March 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 42 minutes 9 seconds
    PMQs: It's Ed Miliband's Decision


    Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 March 2026, 2:49 pm
  • 29 minutes 11 seconds
    Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?

    The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government?


    Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 March 2026, 3:11 pm
  • 36 minutes 13 seconds
    Trump, The Cost Of Living And Corbyn In Cuba

    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. 


    Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba? 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 March 2026, 2:37 pm
  • 32 minutes 39 seconds
    The Global Energy Crisis

    As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world’s biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the government to step in, and can the country afford it?


    Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 March 2026, 2:45 pm
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