PMQs: Starmer Swerves Mandelson Questions
Politics Unpacked
Anna Covell
4.1 • 1.4K Ratings
🗓️ 18 March 2026
⏱️ 41 minutes
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Summary
Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime Minister's evasive responses.
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | PMQ's unpacked on Times Radio, unpacking the politics and cutting through the crossfire. |
| 0:07.3 | And cartwheeling into the studio, just the latest exile from Donald Trump's America. |
| 0:11.5 | It's the Sunday Times' brand new deputy political editor, Lara Spirit. Hello, Laura. How are you? |
| 0:16.1 | Yeah, are you loving being back? I'm loving being back. Really? Yeah. It's really fun. |
| 0:21.3 | This is a great country. |
| 0:22.7 | Washington was fun. |
| 0:24.1 | Washington was also great. I've just been very spoiled, yeah. But it is lovely. Look outside. It's so nice. Do you like all countries, Lara? I think you probably do. Yeah, I probably do. Yeah. There are a few countries I've been to that I've actively disliked. |
| 0:35.8 | Go on, which are they? |
| 0:37.0 | I'm sure they're not listening. |
| 0:38.2 | I did go to Belarus once. |
| 0:39.4 | That's such a safe answer. |
| 0:40.6 | Do you think it's... There are a few countries I've been to that I've actively disliked. Go on, which are they? I'm sure they're not listening. |
| 0:38.2 | I did go to Belarus once. |
| 0:39.4 | That's such a safe answer. |
| 0:40.6 | Do you think it's... |
| 0:41.2 | We are also joined by the comedian and statistician. I can't say that word. Andy Zaltzman. Hello, Andy. Hello, Hugo. How are you? I'm very well, thanks. What are your feelings on Belarus? |
| 0:51.8 | Belarus? |
| 0:52.2 | Well, they're not a major |
| 0:53.6 | cricketing force. |
| 0:54.7 | I'm actually no interest in them whatsoever. |
| 0:56.8 | Look, you do the cricket stats thanks. What are your feelings on Belarus? Belarus? Well, they're not a major cricketing force. |
| 0:54.6 | I'm actually no interest in them |
... |
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