logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
36m 2s

Rishi in the dock: Covid and Rwanda

THE TIMES
About this episode

With no fewer than five separate Tory factions meeting to discuss whether or not to back the government on its revised Rwanda policy, Rishi Sunak finds himself fighting for his political reputation on two fronts: immigration and his handling of the pandemic.

Yesterday, he faced the Covid inquiry. Our parliamentary sketch writer, Tom Peck, tells Manveen that Sunak may have survived the legal cross-examination, but his political fate is sealed.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Find out how to listen to our bonus episodes - 'Inside the newsroom': https://thetimes.co.uk/bonuspodcasts

Guest: Tom Peck, parliamentary sketch writer for The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Email us: storiesofourtimes@thetimes.co.uk


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

Up next
Today
The prison chief linked to organised crime - the Sunday Story
Bobby Cunningham was 31 when he became Head of Security at Wandsworth Prison, Britain’s most notorious jail, where he was tasked with fighting corruption. The Sunday Times's Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund reveals his dealings with organised crime.This podcast was brought to you ... Show More
38m 35s
Yesterday
Inside the Church of England's 'sex cult' - the Saturday Story
Chris Brain, the leader of a Church of England ‘sex cult’ known s the Nine O'Clock Service, has been found guilty of 17 charges of indecent assault, three decades after its collapse. Why did the Church fail to learn lessons from the scandal?This podcast was brought to you thanks ... Show More
33m 39s
Aug 22
The Brit standing up to China - can Starmer save Jimmy Lai
Pro-democracy campaigner, media mogul and British citizen Jimmy Lai has been imprisoned in China for five years and on trial for two. As the closing statements are made, what will happen to one of China’s most prominent critics? And can the UK government - or Donald Trump - step ... Show More
29m 30s
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
Democracy, Diplomacy, Discourse with S. Jaishankar
In this episode of The Morning Brief podcast, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar talks about his role in the elections, Biden’s “xenophobic” remark, terror elements in Canada, problems in Pakistan and Myanmar, his critique of Nehru’s foreign policy and what OTT series he is ... Show More
34m 57s
Jun 2024
Electioncast: Sunak and Labour's Final Sunday Pitch
On today’s episode, Laura talks with Paddy and Henry about her interview with Rishi Sunak this morning, in which the PM came out fighting once again.Labour’s campaign chief Pat McFadden was also on her show. They discuss why it was him, and not Keir Starmer.You can join our Newsc ... Show More
30m 21s
Nov 2023
A Thanksgiving Treat: The NPR Politics Podcast Quiz
In this edition of the podcast, originally only available to NPR Politics Podcast+ supporters, Tamara Keith and Ron Elving quiz one lucky listener on the month that was in political news. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and editor/correspondent Ron El ... Show More
12m 6s
Jan 2024
Yemen strikes: The political fallout
We look at how Westminster is reacting to the US and UK airstrikes in Yemen.Laura and Paddy discuss why the UK got involved, Sunak’s decision not to ask Parliament first, and Labour backing the military action. Laura’s got Sir Keir Starmer on her BBC One show on Sunday, and the S ... Show More
32m 24s
Nov 2023
A Week is a Long Time in Politics
Eight shadow ministers have resigned or were sacked from Labour’s frontbench after voting for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. And new foreign secretary David Cameron makes his first visit to Ukraine.Adam and Chris talk over the huge political stories of the week wi ... Show More
34m 41s
Jun 2024
Electioncast: Argy Bargy in Basildon and Billericay
Today, the election campaign quietened down as political figures took part in D-Day commemoration events.Adam, Chris and Laura discuss Lord Cameron’s visit to Normandy, how candidate selection works - and the rush to find candidates in some areas, as well as the Green Party’s NHS ... Show More
31m 4s
Dec 2023
Rishi Sunak's Nightmare Before Christmas
While Rishi Sunak gives evidence to the Covid inquiry, at Westminster his MPs are debating whether to back his Rwanda policy. Can he find a way out of his nightmare before Christmas, and save his premiership? Matt is joined by three wise experts to look at the options. Plus: Tom ... Show More
49m 7s
Dec 2023
Rwanda plan reignites Tory civil war
Infighting has erupted once again within the Tory ranks over Rishi Sunak’s last-minute treaty with Kigali and emergency legislation to save his Rwanda removals plan. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Jim Pickard to explain what’s happened and discuss ... Show More
29m 20s
Jun 2024
Meme to Maverick: The Rise of Brand Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi's comeback in India's blockbuster general elections defied every exit poll and expert prediction. Once the target of the ruling party and its IT cell’s jokes, Gandhi walked across the country..literally..twice..into many more hearts than people had given him credit f ... Show More
24m 12s
Jun 2024
Tracking The Leaders On Tour
The party leaders have been on the campaign trail day in, day out - but what seats have they been visiting, and what does it tell us about the kind of campaign they're fighting? Matt looks at whether an appearance by Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer can help swing a seat, and speaks t ... Show More
51m 10s