Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

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

Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the UK, shares candid reflections on his time in office, shaped by his Hindu faith. He discusses the severe electoral defeat of the Conservative Party and his call for welfare cuts to boost defense spending. Sunak opens up about the weight of leadership during national crises, the importance of personal accountability, and the challenges of navigating complex diplomatic tensions with NATO and Russia. He also highlights how his identity and values influence his political vision.