Claim OwnershipPolitical Thinking with Nick Robinson
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Description
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 12:30pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.
If you enjoy Political Thinking, then we think you’ll also like another podcast from Today. It’s called Radical with Amol Rajan and you can listen here on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
286 Episodes
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Lucy Powell on why and how she was sacked by Keir Starmer, and why she now wants to be his Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Editor: Giles Edwards
Steve Reed was given the job of Housing Secretary as the result of crisis, after the resignation of his close friend Angela Rayner.But he has been part of the inner circle preparing Keir Starmer's rise to power from the beginning, having recruited the man who ended up as the prime minister's Chief of Staff.In this interview, he gives Nick a behind-the-scenes account of coming to power and the "whirlwind" of an emergency reshuffle.They also discuss how to reconnect with the voters, putting up flags and who he'll have to fight to succeed in building the homes that Labour has promisedProducer: Daniel Kraemer
Researcher: Chloe Desave
Sound editing: Hal Haines
Editor: Giles Edwards
1An exclusive exit interview with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin on the week he steps down as the UK's military chief.Radakin's time as head of the armed forces was dominated by responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.As he leaves, he is adamant that the UK is "safe" and that the war has been a "disaster" for Putin.He also talks about the recent show of military strength in China and what it was like serving four UK prime ministers.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Researcher: Lauren Tavriger
Studio Manager: Gareth Jones
Editor: Giles Edwarnds
The German Chancellor speaks candidly about Trump's attitude to Europe, war on the continent, and the future relationship BritainProducer: Daniel Kraemer
Researcher: Chloe Desave
Editor: Giles Edwards
The Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson managed to persuade ministers to change domestic abuse law within a year of being elected to parliament. Josh Babarinde tells Nick how his own childhood experience spurred him on to push for reform. He also explains how a beer mat persuaded him to join the Liberal Democrats.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
After some of the most tumultuous days of his premiership, Keir Starmer sits down with Nick in Downing Street, to reflect on a year in power. In a wide-ranging interview, the prime minister defends his style of leadership, while taking responsibility for the setbacks.He also opens up about losing his brother last year and his personal relationship with President TrumpProducers: Daniel Kraemer, Leela Padmanabhan and Chloe Desave
A Republican Congressman outlines the values that lie behind his conservative politics.Scott Perry is the Representative for Pennsylvania's 10th District, a Trump ally, an Iran hawk who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and a veteran, who flew combat missions in Iraq before turning his attention to politics.He joins Nick down the line from Washington DC, in the aftermath of his President's decision to drop bombs on Iran. Perry tells the story of how he went from growing up in a household with no electricity or running water, to being elected to the "most important deliberative body on the planet".
The Trade Minister explains how a penalty shootout played a role in his government appointment.Douglas Alexander has the same job that he had 20 years ago in Tony Blair's government. He reflects on how the world has changed in that time, and his motivation for returning to politics after a humiliating defeat in 2015.
The Shadow Chancellor sets out his vision for a more "thoughtful" politics and faces up to the challenge of winning the argument before the next general election.Sir Mel Stride reveals what he admires about his opposite number, Rachel Reeves, and why a world war two commander is one of his political heroes.He also has a warning about what the British economy would look like under Nigel Farage. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
How does it feel to be held up as the 'anti-Trump' by progressives across the globe?Jacinda Ardern was prime minister of New Zealand for 6 years and is now committed to promoting empathy and kindness in world leadership. She joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on her unexpected rise to power and being described as a 'global pinup for progressive values'.She also opens up about how growing up in a Mormon family prepared her for politics and reveals what she told Donald Trump in the aftermath of the murder of 51 people in a mosque in New Zealand in 2019.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
After 15 years as a member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on how a career at the top of sport prepared her for the world of politics.The crossbench peer speaks to Nick about what she sees as a dangerous relationship between benefit reforms and legalising assisted dying.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Reform UK’s deputy leader reflects on a year of political success, a privileged upbringing and the cabinet job he’s eyeing upProducer: Daniel Kraemer
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, former president Joe Biden sits down with Nick Robinson for an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House.He issues a stark warning about the future of the western alliance and criticises his successor’s approach to foreign policy.In this extended interview, Biden also reflects on his decision to drop out of the 2024 election and the state of democracy in the US.Producers: Kirsty MacKenzie, Daniel Kraemer and Daniel Macadam
Editor: Giles Edwards
In the second, bonus instalment of this exclusive interview with the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak opens up about his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister, including how his relationship with Boris Johnson fell apart, why he regrets his "Stop the Boats" slogan and what comes next for someone who has become an elder statesman, aged 44.Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Joel Massey
An exclsuive in-depth interview with the Rishi Sunak. In this first instalment, the former prime minister tells stories from behind the scenes on the world stage explains why he thinks we must now cut welfare spending to fund defence.Sunak reflects on how a sense of duty - inspired by his Hindu faith - helped drive his political career, and reflects on how and why he ultimately led the Conservative Party to the worst electoral defeat in its history.Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Joel Massey
The co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales joins Nick for a conversation
The Transport Secretary on Corbyn, Ukraine and growing up in SwindonProducer: Lauren Tavriger
The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales on how he went from being a teacher at a school for kids with beahvioural problems, to being the leading voice on prison conditions. He tells stories of cheap suits, perspex windows, being the subject of offensive graffiti, and explains how he retains optimism.Producers: Lauren Tavriger and Daniel Kraemer
Who is the 38-year-old, Muslim, second-generation immigrant chairman of Reform UK?Zia Yusuf joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to tell his story, lay out his party's path to power, and share his thoughts on Boris Johnson, Elon Musk, Suella Braverman and his boss, Nigel Farage.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
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Wonderful!
oxbridge or nothing... dads friend in the city had a job lined up for me.... the entitlement he prides himself on says alot about industry hes in.
this made me miss David Liddington
Many thanks, JohnK
For goodness sake. We are in the middle of a labour party election and you still persist with interviewing tory politicians. What's the matter with you? Oh yes, you are a tory too
I'm sorry Nick, I love the podcast but I can't listen to Ms Piddock. And she's from my neck of the woods!!
I fundamentally disagree with most things Ken Clarke says but, like George Galloway, he is eloquent,funny and always worth listening to.
come on Nick, forget that you were a member of the Tory party and interview some non Tory politicians
Great interview of a man with true Scots courtesy and formidable intellect with the steel to back it up. He made the correct decision about Boris, pilloried or not.
Steve Baker is a scary megalomaniac
Gave up listening to this, unfortunately it appears to have become another BBC vehicle for bashing Brexit
the best leader and prime minister we never had. great stuff
The best political podcast, hands down. Insightful, human, and sometimes very funny. I didn't realise I liked Nick Robinson until I listened to this!
m. v
Very insightful. We all have a tallent! Thank you
Good God man, he's not the messiah
Enjoyable and. Informative
As a white middle aged man I have found the last three guests a challenging listen! On occasion I found myself acknowledging some of the points made but in equal measure I could see my believes at the opposite end of the spectrum. If nothing else they are informative and challenging!
Sublime informal political interviews with a tie off, sleeves rolled up style from the best political interviewer of a generation.
Thoughtful and thought provoking. Keep it coming!