60 acast.com The State of It https://www.thetimes.co.uk en News UK Politics,News,Westminster,Trump,Starmer,Patrick Maguire,Steven Swinford,Caroline Wheeler,Government,Parliament,Scandal The Times Real reporting from the coalface of British politics.


Join The Times and The Sunday Times’s political heavyweights Patrick Maguire, Steven Swinford and Gabriel Pogrund as they dig deep into the latest tea room tip offs, reveal insider conversations and bring analysis, authority and insight.


No party loyalty. No spin. Not hosted by some old politicians. Taking you into the real business of politics, from those who live it daily.

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

]]> Real reporting from the coalface of British politics.


Join The Times and The Sunday Times’s political heavyweights Patrick Maguire, Steven Swinford and Gabriel Pogrund as they dig deep into the latest tea room tip offs, reveal insider conversations and bring analysis, authority and insight.


No party loyalty. No spin. Not hosted by some old politicians. Taking you into the real business of politics, from those who live it daily.

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

]]> false Dan Box anna.covell@news.co.uk 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 times-daily-world-briefing https://rss.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/621f5d0f4892fde41624d4ac/1758518523558-c1d7432f-3f01-45e2-a3c5-4c0c8592e901.jpeg https://www.thetimes.co.uk The State of It https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 <![CDATA[Keir Starmer's fight with "reckless" striking doctors. And Labour's Zack Polanski problem]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:26:47 GMT 28:13 69cb978de8519e977f3f88c6 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/how-zack-polanski-plans-to-eat-labours-lunch 69cb978de8519e977f3f88c6 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 how-zack-polanski-plans-to-eat-labours-lunch full
  • Inside the negotiations between the government and the doctors' union, the BMA. Why is Keir Starmer putting himself front and centre of this rather than leaving it to his health secretary, Wes Streeting?
  • Even though the Green Party's spring conference this weekend descended into chaotic rows, their leader Zack Polanski has a plan to win over the unions, and it might just work. We have some exclusive words from him.
  • Scoop: what exactly is going wrong with the small boats talks between Britain and France?


    • Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

    Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>
  • Inside the negotiations between the government and the doctors' union, the BMA. Why is Keir Starmer putting himself front and centre of this rather than leaving it to his health secretary, Wes Streeting?
  • Even though the Green Party's spring conference this weekend descended into chaotic rows, their leader Zack Polanski has a plan to win over the unions, and it might just work. We have some exclusive words from him.
  • Scoop: what exactly is going wrong with the small boats talks between Britain and France?


    • Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

    Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Angela Rayner's next move and Morgan McSweeney's missing messages]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:51:00 GMT 30:42 69c29a6662f6c66afe0f955a true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/angela-rayners-next-move-and-morgan-mcsweeneys-missing-messa 69c29a6662f6c66afe0f955a 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 angela-rayners-next-move-and-morgan-mcsweeneys-missing-messa full
  • We reveal what happened when Morgan McSweeney lost his phone, and what it means for the Mandelson files.
  • As Angela Rayner looks like she's preparing to challenge Keir Starmer, other senior Labour MPs are jostling for position.
  • What is the government willing and able to do to help in the Strait of Hormuz? Spoiler: not much.
  • And as the questions about Britain's economy and place in the world get harder, are fewer Labour politicians interested in asking, let alone answering, them?


    • Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>
  • We reveal what happened when Morgan McSweeney lost his phone, and what it means for the Mandelson files.
  • As Angela Rayner looks like she's preparing to challenge Keir Starmer, other senior Labour MPs are jostling for position.
  • What is the government willing and able to do to help in the Strait of Hormuz? Spoiler: not much.
  • And as the questions about Britain's economy and place in the world get harder, are fewer Labour politicians interested in asking, let alone answering, them?


    • Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Why Starmer is happy to argue with Trump — and how he might help him over Iran Why Starmer is happy to argue with Trump — and how he might help him over Iran Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:15:33 GMT 25:51 69b92e87a28dd9d562e6f623 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/why-starmer-is-happy-to-argue-with-trump-and-how-he-might-he 69b92e87a28dd9d562e6f623 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 why-starmer-is-happy-to-argue-with-trump-and-how-he-might-he full
  • EXCLUSIVE: how the British government could intervene in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Is falling out with Donald Trump politically helpful for Keir Starmer?
  • What is the government likely to do about energy bills?
  • Angela Rayner is back and she's trying to reassure the City that everything would be fine if she were PM.


    • Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>
  • EXCLUSIVE: how the British government could intervene in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Is falling out with Donald Trump politically helpful for Keir Starmer?
  • What is the government likely to do about energy bills?
  • Angela Rayner is back and she's trying to reassure the City that everything would be fine if she were PM.


    • Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         The key to the Keir Starmer puzzle: bonus with How To Win An Election The key to the Keir Starmer puzzle: bonus with How To Win An Election Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT 19:23 69b14f1b94cfbd3a4539b911 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/how-to-win-and-election-x-the-state-of-it-bonus 69b14f1b94cfbd3a4539b911 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 how-to-win-and-election-x-the-state-of-it-bonus full What does Keir Starmer do all day? Who is now pulling the strings in Downing Street? And why is it all going so wrong? Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund speak to Hugo Rifkind about their updated edition of their book, Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer.


    Hugo Rifkind, presenter, Times Radio and How To Win An Election

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Picture credit: Russel Herneman


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk


    Times+ members can buy it here with a 20% discount https://timesbookshop.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     What does Keir Starmer do all day? Who is now pulling the strings in Downing Street? And why is it all going so wrong? Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund speak to Hugo Rifkind about their updated edition of their book, Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer.


    Hugo Rifkind, presenter, Times Radio and How To Win An Election

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Picture credit: Russel Herneman


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk


    Times+ members can buy it here with a 20% discount https://timesbookshop.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         How bad are the Mandelson files for Starmer? How bad are the Mandelson files for Starmer? Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:29:56 GMT 17:07 69b2c68391324664df6751e1 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/how-bad-are-the-mandelson-files-for-starmer 69b2c68391324664df6751e1 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 how-bad-are-the-mandelson-files-for-starmer full Keir Starmer is being accused of misleading MPs over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. How bad is it for the prime minister?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Keir Starmer is being accused of misleading MPs over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. How bad is it for the prime minister?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Oil and trouble for the British economy Oil and trouble for the British economy Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:15:23 GMT 28:07 69b03f9f57aaa944a98dd94b false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/oil-oil-toil-and-trouble 69b03f9f57aaa944a98dd94b 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 oil-oil-toil-and-trouble full While Keir Starmer may get some credit with the public for his response to the war in Iran, he's still stuck with its consequences: rising prices just when he'd said he was going to cut the cost of living. Meanwhile has Reform UK's response compromised its ability to campaign on the cost of living? Also, who is now wielding the power in Number 10?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     While Keir Starmer may get some credit with the public for his response to the war in Iran, he's still stuck with its consequences: rising prices just when he'd said he was going to cut the cost of living. Meanwhile has Reform UK's response compromised its ability to campaign on the cost of living? Also, who is now wielding the power in Number 10?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[How Starmer's Iran response alienates everybody]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:50:26 GMT 31:26 69a6c962e6002545b5b480b7 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/how-starmers-iran-policy-alienates-everybody 69a6c962e6002545b5b480b7 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 how-starmers-iran-policy-alienates-everybody full We take you inside the Iran discussions in Number 10. What do they reveal about Keir Starmer's thinking and about Labour's electoral predicament?

    And as polling suggests that two parties with 2% of MPs command 44% of the vote, does Labour have a coherent argument to coax voters away from the Green Party and Reform UK?

    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     We take you inside the Iran discussions in Number 10. What do they reveal about Keir Starmer's thinking and about Labour's electoral predicament?

    And as polling suggests that two parties with 2% of MPs command 44% of the vote, does Labour have a coherent argument to coax voters away from the Green Party and Reform UK?

    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         The end of the Labour party as a going concern in electoral politics? The end of the Labour party as a going concern in electoral politics? Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:53:44 GMT 19:25 699eefc27156d508740307c0 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/the-end-of-the-labour-party-as-a-going-concern-in-electoral 699eefc27156d508740307c0 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 the-end-of-the-labour-party-as-a-going-concern-in-electoral full The end of Britain’s political duopoly now looks complete, as Labour suffers a catastrophic by-election defeat to the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Reform comes second, while the Tories lose their deposit with just 2% of the vote. Keir Starmer is now a prisoner of the left, and Britain is undergoing a tectonic realignment of its electoral politics.



    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The end of Britain’s political duopoly now looks complete, as Labour suffers a catastrophic by-election defeat to the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Reform comes second, while the Tories lose their deposit with just 2% of the vote. Keir Starmer is now a prisoner of the left, and Britain is undergoing a tectonic realignment of its electoral politics.



    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Ukraine extra: burner phones and lost children Ukraine extra: burner phones and lost children Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:18:14 GMT 15:32 699ee65e7156d5087400c11b false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/ukraine-extra-burner-phones-and-lost-children 699ee65e7156d5087400c11b 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 ukraine-extra-burner-phones-and-lost-children full Join Caroline as she visits Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Burner phones to make sure the Russians don't track them as they travel in on a train called the Bravery Express. A meeting with the first lady, and with a woman who was captured and held in a forced labour camp. Kyiv is a busy, modern city where some residents have to find tents to get heating and electricity.


    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Join Caroline as she visits Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Burner phones to make sure the Russians don't track them as they travel in on a train called the Bravery Express. A meeting with the first lady, and with a woman who was captured and held in a forced labour camp. Kyiv is a busy, modern city where some residents have to find tents to get heating and electricity.


    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         A by-election reckoning — and unexploded bombs everywhere A by-election reckoning — and unexploded bombs everywhere Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:39:43 GMT 31:52 699dc424e1bc21d2ec92a741 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/a-by-election-reckoning-and-unexploded-bombs-everywhere 699dc424e1bc21d2ec92a741 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 a-by-election-reckoning-and-unexploded-bombs-everywhere full Three separate scandals have raised serious questions over Keir Starmer's judgement. It's empowered Labour MPs who were once written off as cranks. And with many files still to come out, the questions will keep on coming.

    Meanwhile, the PM is selling the idea that the Gorton and Denton by-election is a two-horse race between Reform UK and Labour, but will voters believe him when the Green Party is campaigning hard on Gaza? Also, is parliament fit for purpose on the subject of the royal family?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Three separate scandals have raised serious questions over Keir Starmer's judgement. It's empowered Labour MPs who were once written off as cranks. And with many files still to come out, the questions will keep on coming.

    Meanwhile, the PM is selling the idea that the Gorton and Denton by-election is a two-horse race between Reform UK and Labour, but will voters believe him when the Green Party is campaigning hard on Gaza? Also, is parliament fit for purpose on the subject of the royal family?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Gabriel Pogrund speaks out on Labour Together scandal Gabriel Pogrund speaks out on Labour Together scandal Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:18:30 GMT 39:09 69949de91774b22d5ad1d048 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/labour-together-tried-to-smeer-me 69949de91774b22d5ad1d048 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 labour-together-tried-to-smeer-me How the Labour Party set private investigators on a journalist full The Labour Together scandal is the latest storm threatening to capsize the government - and Gabriel has been right at the heart. For the first time, he describes what happened when a Labour think tank set private investigators on a journalist. Their secret report falsely accused Gabriel of acting as a Russian agitator and "grotesquely subverted" his faith in an attack on his and his colleagues' reporting in The Sunday Times.


    Hosts:

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Dan Box


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The Labour Together scandal is the latest storm threatening to capsize the government - and Gabriel has been right at the heart. For the first time, he describes what happened when a Labour think tank set private investigators on a journalist. Their secret report falsely accused Gabriel of acting as a Russian agitator and "grotesquely subverted" his faith in an attack on his and his colleagues' reporting in The Sunday Times.


    Hosts:

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Dan Box


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Wes Streeting bottles it and Labour's left grabs the steering wheel]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:05:57 GMT 30:06 698b44c25fc77c9327849e82 true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/hes-absolutely-effing-bottled-it 698b44c25fc77c9327849e82 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 hes-absolutely-effing-bottled-it full Listen to what Labour ministers and MPs are saying about their colleagues in a week of chaos in Westminster.

    The prime minister thought it was all over for him this weekend, but a scrambled rearguard action has left him looking stronger than he has for some time. But to survive, Keir Starmer may now have no choice but to move leftwards. And there's much worse to come when the Mandelson files are released.

    Meanwhile, has Wes Streeting missed his moment to challenge the prime minister?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Audio credit: Sky News


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Listen to what Labour ministers and MPs are saying about their colleagues in a week of chaos in Westminster.

    The prime minister thought it was all over for him this weekend, but a scrambled rearguard action has left him looking stronger than he has for some time. But to survive, Keir Starmer may now have no choice but to move leftwards. And there's much worse to come when the Mandelson files are released.

    Meanwhile, has Wes Streeting missed his moment to challenge the prime minister?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Audio credit: Sky News


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Bonus episode: Epstein tried to befriend me Bonus episode: Epstein tried to befriend me Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:39:22 GMT 28:37 6983925b1976ad1237e64e34 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/bonus-episode-epstein-tried-to-befriend-me 6983925b1976ad1237e64e34 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 bonus-episode-epstein-tried-to-befriend-me full A guest slot to give you a taste of our new podcast, The State of It: USA. Give it a go and please subscribe.



    His enemies were hoping that Donald Trump would come out badly from the Epstein files, but he hasn't. Gerry argues that the scandal is a parable about modern capitalism, and remembers the time Jeffrey Epstein tried and failed to make friends with him. Katy tells the inside story of her interview with Peter Mandelson.

    Also, what can we expect when the Clintons testify to the Epstein investigation? And what does President Trump mean when he says "nationalise the vote"?


    Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times

    Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     A guest slot to give you a taste of our new podcast, The State of It: USA. Give it a go and please subscribe.



    His enemies were hoping that Donald Trump would come out badly from the Epstein files, but he hasn't. Gerry argues that the scandal is a parable about modern capitalism, and remembers the time Jeffrey Epstein tried and failed to make friends with him. Katy tells the inside story of her interview with Peter Mandelson.

    Also, what can we expect when the Clintons testify to the Epstein investigation? And what does President Trump mean when he says "nationalise the vote"?


    Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times

    Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         How the Mandelson scandal threatens Starmer How the Mandelson scandal threatens Starmer Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:38:17 GMT 30:10 6981ed5b13c1477af21ac5f1 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/how-the-mandelson-scandal-blew-up 6981ed5b13c1477af21ac5f1 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 how-the-mandelson-scandal-blew-up full The extraordinary emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein could constitute the biggest scandal since the Profumo affair. Lord Mandelson has quit the Lords but it's a bit more complicated than that, and the prime minister still has a lot of firefighting to do.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The extraordinary emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein could constitute the biggest scandal since the Profumo affair. Lord Mandelson has quit the Lords but it's a bit more complicated than that, and the prime minister still has a lot of firefighting to do.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Bonus episode: Flying to China with the PM Bonus episode: Flying to China with the PM Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:57:41 GMT 19:12 6979e5350507f71624799d19 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/bonus-episode-flying-to-china-with-the-pm 6979e5350507f71624799d19 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 bonus-episode-flying-to-china-with-the-pm full Bonus episode.

    Join Caroline and Steve on the plane with the prime minister. Why did he end speaking to journalists from a loo? What's it like to travel with a PM? And how can Starmer balance concerns about espionage and human rights with the UK's business interests?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Bonus episode.

    Join Caroline and Steve on the plane with the prime minister. Why did he end speaking to journalists from a loo? What's it like to travel with a PM? And how can Starmer balance concerns about espionage and human rights with the UK's business interests?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Lose this by-election and all hell breaks loose Lose this by-election and all hell breaks loose Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:31:14 GMT 35:33 697892d04366b0662dad92af false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/lose-this-by-election-and-all-hell-will-break-loose 697892d04366b0662dad92af 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 lose-this-by-election-and-all-hell-will-break-loose full We reveal what MPs are saying about the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. It creates a new D-Day for Keir Starmer: 26th February.

    On Labour's left wing, it's Operation Stop Streeting.

    Meanwhile, the prime minister's off to China but can he make the case to voters that getting closer to China will make everyone feel better off?

    And Gabriel reveals something startling about Starmer's recent phone call with Donald Trump.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     We reveal what MPs are saying about the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. It creates a new D-Day for Keir Starmer: 26th February.

    On Labour's left wing, it's Operation Stop Streeting.

    Meanwhile, the prime minister's off to China but can he make the case to voters that getting closer to China will make everyone feel better off?

    And Gabriel reveals something startling about Starmer's recent phone call with Donald Trump.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Widespread bafflement and anger Widespread bafflement and anger Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:25:45 GMT 35:39 696f818ef66127afddb51f17 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/widespread-bafflement-and-anger 696f818ef66127afddb51f17 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 widespread-bafflement-and-anger full The extraordinary tale of how the Chagos deal went down in Number 10.

    Plus, how long can Keir Starmer maintain his softly, softly approach to Donald Trump?

    With the news that China's mega embassy has been approved, we hear about Gabriel's attempts to get his hands on a note sent by Boris Johnson to the Chinese embassy. And who else is heading into the arms of Reform UK?



    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The extraordinary tale of how the Chagos deal went down in Number 10.

    Plus, how long can Keir Starmer maintain his softly, softly approach to Donald Trump?

    With the news that China's mega embassy has been approved, we hear about Gabriel's attempts to get his hands on a note sent by Boris Johnson to the Chinese embassy. And who else is heading into the arms of Reform UK?



    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[No one likes us, we don't care]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:14:08 GMT 37:28 696668ec0b081bb8b9183c52 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/no-one-likes-us-we-dont-care 696668ec0b081bb8b9183c52 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 no-one-likes-us-we-dont-care full Keir Starmer's sending mixed messages to his MPs: warm words but ice cold briefings about any leadership machinations. Can the two positions co-exist?

    Gabriel gives the inside story of the scoop that could lead to the departure of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford.

    And has Reform hit a ceiling?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Keir Starmer's sending mixed messages to his MPs: warm words but ice cold briefings about any leadership machinations. Can the two positions co-exist?

    Gabriel gives the inside story of the scoop that could lead to the departure of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford.

    And has Reform hit a ceiling?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Starmer, Farage and your monthly bills Starmer, Farage and your monthly bills Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:58:27 GMT 31:23 695d215ac592cd577dc751b4 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/starmer-farage-and-your-monthly-bills 695d215ac592cd577dc751b4 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 starmer-farage-and-your-monthly-bills full Starmer wants to win over voters on the cost of living but can he make a convincing case, especially when Nigel Farage is planning to campaign on the same issue? Meanwhile the mood in the Labour Party remains bleak. Will Wes Streeting move against Keir Starmer? It surely can’t go on like this…or can it? Plus, in a new world order, there’s only so long you can sit on the fence.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Starmer wants to win over voters on the cost of living but can he make a convincing case, especially when Nigel Farage is planning to campaign on the same issue? Meanwhile the mood in the Labour Party remains bleak. Will Wes Streeting move against Keir Starmer? It surely can’t go on like this…or can it? Plus, in a new world order, there’s only so long you can sit on the fence.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Get ready for a wild year in Westminster Get ready for a wild year in Westminster Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 30:43 6942a22c2ddaba3da192d6d7 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/get-ready-for-a-wild-year-in-westminster 6942a22c2ddaba3da192d6d7 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 get-ready-for-a-wild-year-in-westminster full Hold onto your hats for a year that promises plenty of political drama.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Hold onto your hats for a year that promises plenty of political drama.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[The State of It's Christmas Awards]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT 33:44 6939a49fa9d003889cfdb55e false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/the-state-of-its-christmas-awards 6939a49fa9d003889cfdb55e 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 the-state-of-its-christmas-awards full Political moment of the year? Civil war of the year? And who or what gets The Actual State of It Award? 2025 offered rich pickings for our inaugural Christmas awards.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Political moment of the year? Civil war of the year? And who or what gets The Actual State of It Award? 2025 offered rich pickings for our inaugural Christmas awards.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Who will move first: Streeting or Burnham? Who will move first: Streeting or Burnham? Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:49:10 GMT 29:07 694016a280257c9e35e54b5b false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/who-will-move-first-streeting-or-burnham 694016a280257c9e35e54b5b 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 who-will-move-first-streeting-or-burnham full Senior Labour figures say a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership could come as early as next month. But who will move first? Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are all on manoeuvres.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Senior Labour figures say a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership could come as early as next month. But who will move first? Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are all on manoeuvres.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Angela Rayner's main character energy]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:18:40 GMT 35:50 69380cb34a9751f83d7c4d7e false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/angela-rayners-main-character-energy 69380cb34a9751f83d7c4d7e 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 angela-rayners-main-character-energy full Angela Rayner turned down a chance to appear on I'm a Celebrity because she wasn't done with politics. Will she return to cabinet or make a bid for the leadership herself? Patrick has been told what she really thinks of the idea of a pact with Wes Streeting.

    Also, Keir Starmer's plan for turning things around – and the bear traps on the path ahead.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: The Liz Truss Show


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Angela Rayner turned down a chance to appear on I'm a Celebrity because she wasn't done with politics. Will she return to cabinet or make a bid for the leadership herself? Patrick has been told what she really thinks of the idea of a pact with Wes Streeting.

    Also, Keir Starmer's plan for turning things around – and the bear traps on the path ahead.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: The Liz Truss Show


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         The stench of decay coming from Downing Street The stench of decay coming from Downing Street Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:04:36 GMT 28:20 692d8759ae85fa87bd605d10 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/the-stench-of-decay-coming-from-downing-street 692d8759ae85fa87bd605d10 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 the-stench-of-decay-coming-from-downing-street full The budget gave Labour MPs a lift but for how long? They're already getting uneasy, and some members of the cabinet are so cross that they're proactively ringing The Times. Also, Patrick reminisces about his weekend at the Your Party conference...and Brexit makes a comeback.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The budget gave Labour MPs a lift but for how long? They're already getting uneasy, and some members of the cabinet are so cross that they're proactively ringing The Times. Also, Patrick reminisces about his weekend at the Your Party conference...and Brexit makes a comeback.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Bonus Episode: Labour's economics-free budget]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:40:37 GMT 28:46 6926f8ea30ebd386484e211f false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/bonus-budget-briefing 6926f8ea30ebd386484e211f 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 bonus-budget-briefing full The dust has settled on Rachel Reeves’s budget. What does it really mean for the country? Is there any real economics behind it? And is it politically fatal for Labour? Tune in to our bonus episode recorded live in Westminster.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times

    Mehreen Khan, economics editor, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     The dust has settled on Rachel Reeves’s budget. What does it really mean for the country? Is there any real economics behind it? And is it politically fatal for Labour? Tune in to our bonus episode recorded live in Westminster.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times

    Mehreen Khan, economics editor, The Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Starmer and Reeves's reverse Midas touch]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:57:05 GMT 31:54 6924683c635983fa8fbfd277 true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/starmer-and-reevess-reverse-midas-touch 6924683c635983fa8fbfd277 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 starmer-and-reevess-reverse-midas-touch full Rachel Reeves may have appeased Labour MPs but at what cost? We exclusively reveal just how bad relations are between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. We also discuss whether recent allegations against Nigel Farage are a big problem for him, and the political fall-out from Gabriel's story that West Midlands Police acted on false intelligence when they banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa game.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: Times Radio


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Rachel Reeves may have appeased Labour MPs but at what cost? We exclusively reveal just how bad relations are between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. We also discuss whether recent allegations against Nigel Farage are a big problem for him, and the political fall-out from Gabriel's story that West Midlands Police acted on false intelligence when they banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa game.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: Times Radio


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Mahmood vs the liberal luminaries Mahmood vs the liberal luminaries Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:07:38 GMT 39:13 691c42037cf1b7ec45ae44d2 true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/electoral-suicide-or-a-slow-bleed 691c42037cf1b7ec45ae44d2 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 electoral-suicide-or-a-slow-bleed full Shabana Mahmood brings Blue Labour values to the Home Office, but can the human rights lawyer in Keir Starmer hold the line? Also, after last week's episode unleashed chaos in Westminster, we look at the anatomy of a briefing war and the chancellor's sudden u-turn on income tax. And today's scoop: how the Corbynite left is eating itself while Zack Polanski is eating their lunch.


    Warning: offensive language


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: Parliament Live, Times Radio


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Shabana Mahmood brings Blue Labour values to the Home Office, but can the human rights lawyer in Keir Starmer hold the line? Also, after last week's episode unleashed chaos in Westminster, we look at the anatomy of a briefing war and the chancellor's sudden u-turn on income tax. And today's scoop: how the Corbynite left is eating itself while Zack Polanski is eating their lunch.


    Warning: offensive language


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: Parliament Live, Times Radio


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Have a go if you think you're hard enough]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:19:39 GMT 33:00 691306e0cb5f8761fb9d06b8 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/have-a-go-if-you-think-youre-hard-enough 691306e0cb5f8761fb9d06b8 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 have-a-go-if-you-think-youre-hard-enough full We reveal how the prime minister intends to fight a leadership challenge that he now sees as inevitable. Meanwhile the chancellor plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap to appease some Labour MPs, even though there are no votes in it. And why are phrases like 'carpet bombing' and 'harassment' being applied to Steve's reporting style?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     We reveal how the prime minister intends to fight a leadership challenge that he now sees as inevitable. Meanwhile the chancellor plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap to appease some Labour MPs, even though there are no votes in it. And why are phrases like 'carpet bombing' and 'harassment' being applied to Steve's reporting style?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[If you're going to raise taxes, why not just say so?]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:39:15 GMT 34:14 6909cb596ec9ad274a10cf69 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/if-youre-going-to-raise-taxes-why-not-just-say-so 6909cb596ec9ad274a10cf69 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 if-youre-going-to-raise-taxes-why-not-just-say-so full Before the election, Rachel Reeves said she wasn't going to raise taxes on working people. Well, guess what? It looks like that's exactly what she's about to do. We reveal the measures the treasury is considering. And even the Labour whips are talking about a spring leadership challenge. Could a former leader make a comeback? And is Keir Starmer's Terminator demeanour helping or hindering him?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Before the election, Rachel Reeves said she wasn't going to raise taxes on working people. Well, guess what? It looks like that's exactly what she's about to do. We reveal the measures the treasury is considering. And even the Labour whips are talking about a spring leadership challenge. Could a former leader make a comeback? And is Keir Starmer's Terminator demeanour helping or hindering him?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Has Starmer gone woke? Has Starmer gone woke? Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:39:03 GMT 31:49 6900efa56ec4f3ea1b00cedb false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/has-starmer-gone-woke 6900efa56ec4f3ea1b00cedb 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 has-starmer-gone-woke full In this half-term special, Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire tackle the week’s heavyweight political stories. Gabriel lifts the lid on a capital S scoop from his morning's round of whatsapping, and Patrick explores what Plaid Cymru’s triumph in Caerphilly means for Labour and Reform? And has Keir Starmer really gone woke?


    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     In this half-term special, Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire tackle the week’s heavyweight political stories. Gabriel lifts the lid on a capital S scoop from his morning's round of whatsapping, and Patrick explores what Plaid Cymru’s triumph in Caerphilly means for Labour and Reform? And has Keir Starmer really gone woke?


    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         The tepid bath of managed decline The tepid bath of managed decline Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:38:31 GMT 34:19 68f5fcd680f2667740219f02 true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/reevess-reckoning-and-a 68f5fcd680f2667740219f02 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 reevess-reckoning-and-a full A two-scoop episode. We reveal one of the controversial measures coming in next month's budget. And there's trouble ahead for the UK's most senior official. Both stories raise questions about the government's grip on the levers of power.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     A two-scoop episode. We reveal one of the controversial measures coming in next month's budget. And there's trouble ahead for the UK's most senior official. Both stories raise questions about the government's grip on the levers of power.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Picture credit: Getty Images


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Is that a dungeon you're planning? ]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:01:00 GMT 35:14 68ed2105ef7cfb1e140789de false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/muddling-through-on-the-world-stage 68ed2105ef7cfb1e140789de 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 muddling-through-on-the-world-stage full Is Tony Blair his own nation state? Did the security minister mislead the House? And what's lurking in the basement of the proposed Chinese embassy? We also hear about Patrick's road trip with Nigel Farage and why the Speaker rang Caroline to say "hello, Mrs Angry".


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Audio credit: 1942 British Council Film Collection

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Is Tony Blair his own nation state? Did the security minister mislead the House? And what's lurking in the basement of the proposed Chinese embassy? We also hear about Patrick's road trip with Nigel Farage and why the Speaker rang Caroline to say "hello, Mrs Angry".


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Audio credit: 1942 British Council Film Collection

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Badenoch woos WhatsApp plotters Badenoch woos WhatsApp plotters Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT 36:37 68e4d777de9a2a62c4fc0fd1 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/badenoch-woos-whatsapp-plotters 68e4d777de9a2a62c4fc0fd1 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 badenoch-woos-whatsapp-plotters full We have details about a secret WhatsApp group of MPs who are tempted to move against Kemi Badenoch sooner rather than later. At the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, there's plenty of manoeuvring and existential angst, and you can also hear Patrick Maguire singing along to Tiffany at a 100th birthday disco for Margaret Thatcher.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     We have details about a secret WhatsApp group of MPs who are tempted to move against Kemi Badenoch sooner rather than later. At the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, there's plenty of manoeuvring and existential angst, and you can also hear Patrick Maguire singing along to Tiffany at a 100th birthday disco for Margaret Thatcher.


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         <![CDATA[What ministers won't say in public]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:53:00 GMT 40:51 68dd0dbd597bc7d53fe634e1 true https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/can-keir-starmer-survive 68dd0dbd597bc7d53fe634e1 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 can-keir-starmer-survive full Welcome to The State of It, coming to you from Liverpool where the Labour Party is finishing its annual conference. Keir Starmer's team seem happy after his leader's speech, but what are his MPs really saying about him? Was he wise to call Nigel Farage a racist? How will Rachel Reeves balance the books in November's budget? Oh, and which cabinet ministers excelled at last night's karaoke?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Welcome to The State of It, coming to you from Liverpool where the Labour Party is finishing its annual conference. Keir Starmer's team seem happy after his leader's speech, but what are his MPs really saying about him? Was he wise to call Nigel Farage a racist? How will Rachel Reeves balance the books in November's budget? Oh, and which cabinet ministers excelled at last night's karaoke?


    Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

    Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

    Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

    Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times


    Producer: Euan Dawtrey

    Executive producer: Molly Guinness

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>         Introducing...The State of It Introducing...The State of It Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:01:00 GMT 1:42 68d10dc22cf15c8db04290f6 false https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/introducingthe-state-of-it 68d10dc22cf15c8db04290f6 3b497baf-71cb-4c27-ae5a-f1e801822221 introducingthe-state-of-it Real politics, not boring old pundits trailer Real reporting from the coalface of British politics. Join The Times and The Sunday Times’s political heavyweights Steven Swinford, Caroline Wheeler, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund as they give you the latest tea room tip offs, reveal insider conversations and bring analysis, authority and insight.

    No party loyalty. No spin. Not hosted by some old politicians. Taking you into the real business of politics, as only those who live it can.

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>     Real reporting from the coalface of British politics. Join The Times and The Sunday Times’s political heavyweights Steven Swinford, Caroline Wheeler, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund as they give you the latest tea room tip offs, reveal insider conversations and bring analysis, authority and insight.

    No party loyalty. No spin. Not hosted by some old politicians. Taking you into the real business of politics, as only those who live it can.

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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

    ]]>