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
The Charlie Taylor One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
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, p…
The Zia Yusuf One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:06
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 Bori…
The Chris Philp One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:50
The Shadow Home Secretary joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on mistakes of the last government, humility in opposition and his anger at the new government.Chris Philp also opens up about the impact o…
The Kim Leadbeater One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:32
The Labour MP sits down with Nick to reflect on how she went from selling beds in her Yorkshire hometown, to being at the forefront of political debate, as the face of the campaign to legalise assisted dying, and how the…
The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:30
The Chancellor reflects on her first six months in power and what lies behind her determination that she has "what it takes" to "turn things around".Producer: Daniel Kraemer
The Nick Clegg One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:24
Nick Robinson speaks to Sir Nick Clegg about life as Mark Zuckerberg's right hand man at Meta and the transition from Westminster to Silicon Valley. He responds to challenges on regulation of social media companies and i…
The Husam Zomlot One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:47
The Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK reflects on a childhood in a Gaza refugee camp and how hope is what keeps him going.Update: This episode has been edited to remove a brief exchange suggesting that an interim…
The Daisy Cooper One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:04
The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats reflects on her journey from campaigning as a child against nuclear weapons and scratchy jumpers, to being at the heart of the third-largest party in parliament.Producer: Daniel…
The Mark Rowley One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner reflects on the decision to rejoin the UK's largest police force when it was in crisis.Sir Mark Rowley sits down with Nick Robinson to outline the challenges the Met faces under his l…
The Darren Jones One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:13
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury sits down with Nick to chart his rise to the heart of Starmer's government.How did a Bristol boy, whose parents sometimes went without meals to ensure he had food, end up at the Chance…