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
How to tell England’s story: James Graham, playwright [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:29
James Graham joined Nick in the political thinking studio in late January, ahead of a this year's TV adaptation of his play Dear England.What did Gareth Southgate get right about national identity?What advice does the pl…
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv: From boxing to politics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:43
How did the world heavyweight champion end up running a city of 3 million people in wartime?Vitali Klitschko joins Nick from the Ukrainian capital in the midst of a Russian campaign to descimate the city's energy infrast…
David Lammy: The old world order isn't coming back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:39
What happens when US Vice President Vance goes drinking with Angela Rayner & David Lammy?The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary knows America better than probably anyone else around the cabinet table. And in thi…
The union leader who agrees with the Tory leader: Daniel Kebede [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:53
The National Education Union's general secretary on banning social media, strikes and raceDaniel Kebede says he is "completely aligned" with Kemi Badenoch on social media policy but warns that the Labour government is on…
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…