Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Author: BBC Radio 4 Language: English Episodes: 100
Behind the headlines and soundbites, what really forms the convictions of those in power? On Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, the veteran BBC broadcaster sits down for a different kind of political dialogue. This isn't about rapid-fire questioning or chasing the day's news cycle. Instead, each episode offers an extended, thoughtful conversation with a single influential figure. You'll hear from prime ministers and protest leaders, cabinet members and campaigners, alongside voices from business, unions, and international politics. They all join Nick in the studio to explore a more personal question: what experiences, ideas, and beliefs actually shaped their political thinking? The result is a series of revealing portraits that go beyond policy to understand the person behind the public role. Produced by BBC Radio 4, this podcast provides a rare space for depth and reflection, allowing listeners to grasp the human motivations driving our political landscape. Tune in for conversations that are both relaxed and profoundly insightful, shedding light on how our world is shaped one perspective at a time.
Episodes
John Swinney: Trump, Independence and Scottish Troops in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:09
What is the Scottish First Minister's secret for getting Donald Trump's attention?Nick is in Edinburgh to sit down with John Swinney, at the start of a year of big elections across the UK, including for the Scottish Parl…
Kemi Badenoch: Shooting from the hip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:00
Why did the leader of the opposition call the chancellor 'spineless' and 'shameless'?Kemi Badenoch joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on what lay behind the personal and political debates around Budge…
Shabana Mahmood: Racism, Asylum and Me [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:07
Why is the Home Secretary warning against leaving space for "darker forces"?Shabana Mahmood sits down with Nick off the back of announcing sweeping changes to the asylum system in the UK.Why did she decide to quote expli…
'I'm preparing for government': Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:48
Can Plaid Cymru replace Labour as the party of power in Wales next year? Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party's leader, thinks so. Rhun ap Iorwerth joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to talk about how his parents' passio…
Life after Labour: Zarah Sultana on Palestine, Farage and 'Your Party' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:57
How a trip to the West Bank in her teens set the Coventry MP on a path into politics.Zarah Sultana joins Nick in the studio a few weeks before the launch of her new party with Jeremy Corbyn.In the interview, they discuss…
Gaza, Trump and me: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Driving through Gaza is like "driving through the ruins of Hiroshima, or Stalingrad, or Dresden"Tom Fletcher has been the United Nations humanitarian chief for almost a year and speaks to Nick two weeks into his organisa…