Podcast
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
Hosted by BBC Radio 4 · EN
Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs. Each episode of Political Thinking features an in-depth conversation with someone who is shaping our politics. The people who run our country (and those who want to), campaigners, business and union leaders, and people who run other countries.
All of them join Nick in the studio, not for a news-y interrogation, but for an extended and relaxed conversation, delving into their past and how it shaped their worldview. New episodes drop on Fridays on BBC Sounds. You can also watch them on BBC Two at 12:15 pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"It's not a purge!" Kemi Badenoch on forging a future for her party
Today00:35:59Summary readyAs the Burnham era dawns, the Leader of the Opposition on why it's time to transform her party, what would get her round the table with the new Prime Minister - and the people who believed in her when no one else did. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
Summary'Our donors are brave people': Reform's Robert Jenrick on wealth, power, and the establishment
6d ago00:39:26Summary readyAs the country reels from the death of Reform's Ann Widdecombe, the party's Treasury Spokesman discusses the threat to politicians, debates whether calling politicians racists and traitors is dangerous, and explains why the ‘cosy club’ of politics is in for a shock.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
SummaryWe've got a plan: Louise Haigh on her journey back to power
2w ago00:42:03Summary readyThe former Transport Secretary, sidelined by Keir Starmer, reveals she's been working with Burnham on a plan for government for at least a year, and has already seen the prospective Prime Minister make tough decisions. Also - bringing hope back to politics, navigating an exotic bird auction, and playing football in the House of Commons chamber. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Crossed Wires Festival in her home town of Sheffield.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
SummaryThe Treasury was in denial: John Healey on why he resigned as defence secretary
2w ago00:28:51Summary readyIn his first interview since resigning from Keir Starmer's government, the former Defence Secretary John Healey talks about the threats we face, his hopes for a Burnham government, and why he thinks the Treasury is in denial.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
SummaryWhat went wrong for Starmer: Morgan McSweeney gives his side of the story
3w ago01:05:17Summary readyIn his first ever interview, the Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney lifts the lid on winning power, dealing with Trump, and how project Starmer fell apart.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson.
Summary'A bad start even before he starts' - Welsh First Minister on why trouble's brewing with Burnham
4w ago00:34:04Summary readyThe new First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth on what Wales really wants, why Reform surged in the Senedd election, and how working as a nightclub bouncer will help him deal with Andy Burnham.
SummaryFrom Downing Street... to California Governor? Former Tory adviser Steve Hilton on making the Golden State great again
Jun 1900:32:02Summary readyFormer Tory adviser and candidate for California Governor Steve Hilton on the frustrations that drove his political journey and why he believes the Golden State can turn red.
Summary'We need some daydreaming': lawyer Theodor Meron on surviving the Holocaust, and issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant
Jun 1200:31:09Summary readyInternational lawyer and judge Theodor Meron on issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, and how daydreaming helped him to survive the Holocaust.This episode has been subject to a Corrections and Clarifications note: https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications
SummaryWhy Starmer will survive: The Attorney General on human rights, small boats, and his ‘dogged’ friend the Prime Minister
Jun 500:35:52Summary readyThe Attorney General Richard Hermer speaks to Nick about small boats, his most controversial cases, and why his old friend Keir Starmer can survive a leadership challenge.
Summary“Inequalities don’t happen by accident” Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson on trans rights, Islamophobia, and why equality still matters
May 2900:36:04Summary readyChair of the equalities watchdog, Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, on sex and gender, the right to protest, and doing one of the hardest jobs in Britain.
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