Bonus: 2025 in conversations from The Interview

Dec 24, 2025

Guest

Shabana Mahmood

Guest

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Guest

Chris Wright

Join Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, as he boldly challenges climate change narratives and advocates for a shift back to reliable energy sources like nuclear and fusion. Hear Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud share his unique strategy against al-Shabaab while fighting for national unity amidst Somaliland’s independence push. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood proposes a radical reform of the UK asylum system, emphasizing deterrence and temporary refugee status—offering a fresh perspective on a contested issue.

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INSIGHT

Renewables Haven't Moved The Needle

Chris Wright argues decarbonisation via current renewables has been costly and produced little global energy share despite massive subsidies.
He predicts major emissions reductions will come from natural gas, a nuclear fission renaissance and fusion within decades.

INSIGHT

Framing Climate Debate As Open Dialogue

Wright dismisses claims of accelerating extreme weather and disputes scientific takedowns of his report as 'cherry picked' media behaviour.
He frames the debate as public dialogue against 'cancel culture' and scientific orthodoxy.

ADVICE

Prioritise Affordability Over Rapid Mandates

Do prioritise affordable, reliable energy over rapid mandates that raise costs and push industry abroad.
Wright urges governments to avoid policies that triple electricity prices without materially cutting emissions.

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2025 on The Interview

In 2025, the BBC launched The Interview, bringing you the best conversations from across the BBC. People shaping our world from all over the world.

This special episode for The Documentary features three of the most compelling conversations from The Interview across the year. Senior politicians are held to account by experienced BBC journalists, who also bring a unique and personal insight to the conversation, with a behind-the-scenes take on each encounter that took place.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s controversial challenge to climate orthodoxy was the subject of his conversation with the BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt. Like his boss President Trump, Secretary Wright believes the threat from climate change is exaggerated, and the rush to decarbonisation by renewables has been an expensive mistake. In an interview with BBC presenter Paul Njie, Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud defends his efforts to tackle the terrorist insurgency in his country. And he stands firm in the face of demands for independence from the northern region of Somaliland - the unity of Somalia, he says, is sacrosanct. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out her plans for a radical reform of the UK asylum system in a conversation with the BBC’s Nick Robinson. It makes for an uncompromising message for those trying to enter Britain illegally. Thank you to the all the teams across the BBC who have helped us make The Interview throughout 2025. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Lucy Sheppard Producers: Ben Cooper, Clare Williamson, Farhana Haider, Lucy Sheppard Editors: Justine Lang and Nick Holland Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.