Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
BBC Radio 4
Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Each episode of Political Thinking features an in-depth conversation with someone who is shaping our politics. The people who run our country (and those who want to), campaigners, business and union leaders, and people who run other countries. All of them join Nick in the studio, not for a news-y interrogation, but for an extended and relaxed conversation, delving into their past and how it shaped their worldview.
New episodes drop on Fridays on BBC Sounds. You can also watch them on BBC Two at 12:30pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.If you enjoy Political Thinking, then we think you’ll also like another podcast from Today. It’s called Radical with Amol Rajan and you can listen here on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Each episode of Political Thinking features an in-depth conversation with someone who is shaping our politics. The people who run our country (and those who want to), campaigners, business and union leaders, and people who run other countries. All of them join Nick in the studio, not for a news-y interrogation, but for an extended and relaxed conversation, delving into their past and how it shaped their worldview.
New episodes drop on Fridays on BBC Sounds. You can also watch them on BBC Two at 12:30pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.If you enjoy Political Thinking, then we think you’ll also like another podcast from Today. It’s called Radical with Amol Rajan and you can listen here on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
Jordan Bardella: The 30-year-old populist hoping to be France's next president
Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old leader of France's National Rally party and a potential presidential candidate, discusses his rise in politics and the transformation of his party. He addresses immigration and its cultural impact, emphasizing stricter controls while rejecting accusations of racism. Bardella connects with Donald Trump's patriotic movement and critiques European leaders. He reveals his personal journey shaped by immigrant roots and advocates for prioritizing French nationals in social policies. Bardella also discusses collaborations with Nigel Farage and positions on Russia and Ukraine.
Nov 28, 2025 • 46min
Kemi Badenoch: Shooting from the hip
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 Budget Day.How can she emulate Margaret Thatcher's regeneration of the Conservative Party?How did anger help drive her into politics? And why do her kids wish she still worked at McDonald's?Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Research: Chloe Desave
Editor: Jonathan Brunert
Sound: Ged Sudlow and Andrew Mills
Nov 20, 2025 • 49min
Shabana Mahmood: Racism, Asylum and Me
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 explicit racial abuse in the House of Commons? And how does she intend to avoid "ceding the territory of asylum to the far right"?The Home Secretary reflects on how her Muslim faith plays a part in her job and sense of public service. And she reflects on the "humiliation" of the Downing Street briefing chaos.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Research: Chloe Desave
Sound: Ged Sudlow and Hal Haines
Editor: Jonathan Brunert
Nov 14, 2025 • 39min
'I'm preparing for government': Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru and Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, dives into the intricacies of Welsh identity and the political landscape in Wales. He shares how his upbringing shaped his civic nationalism and discusses Plaid Cymru’s ambitions to challenge Labour's dominance. Rhun also touches on the importance of the Welsh language, the complexities of devolution, and his vision for an independent Wales. With a nod to his musical past, he humorously reflects on his anti-monarchy teenage band, adding a personal touch to his political narrative.
Nov 7, 2025 • 48min
'I like it when people underestimate me': Lib Dem leader Ed Davey
Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, shares insights on political strategy and public policy. He argues that liberal values remain vital and discusses the risks of electoral reform, cautioning against giving Reform UK too much power. Davey talks about his personal journey balancing family challenges, including caring for his disabled son, with his political ambitions. He passionately defends climate initiatives and outlines plans for processing migration while aiming to reclaim patriotism in leadership. Humorously, he embraces the underestimation of him in politics.
Oct 31, 2025 • 48min
Life after Labour: Zarah Sultana on Palestine, Farage and 'Your Party'
Zarah Sultana, an independent MP and former Labour member, shares her journey into politics shaped by a life-changing trip to the West Bank. She discusses her new left-wing party with Jeremy Corbyn, emphasizing its need to address austerity and working-class anger. Sultana critiques NATO, advocates for a single democratic state in Palestine, and warns against the rise of figures like Nigel Farage. Balancing ambition with humility, she likens her party's goals to iconic bands, revealing her passion for politics while enjoying football and pop music in her downtime.
Oct 24, 2025 • 49min
Gaza, Trump and me: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher
In this conversation, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations humanitarian chief, shares gripping insights into the devastation in Gaza, likening it to the ruins of Hiroshima. He reflects on the emotional toll of humanitarian work and the importance of seeing aid trucks reach families in need. Fletcher discusses his experiences advising UK prime ministers and emphasizes the hands-on nature of diplomacy. He addresses challenges in reforming the UN and managing complex international relations while maintaining a commitment to the urgent humanitarian response.
Oct 17, 2025 • 42min
Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking
The Shadow Energy Minister has transformed her party's approach to climate policy.In this extended conversation, Claire Coutinho sets out what changed her mind on net zero, a shift that has brought her into fierce debates with her opposite number, Ed Miliband. She also shares her feelings about what she calls a rising "ethno-nationalism" on the right of British politics, as well as her reaction to her colleague Robert Jenrick's comments about Birmingham. Nick asks how she ended up being sacked by Nigella Lawson, and sets up a future dinner party with Miliband. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Research: Chloe Desave
Sound: Jed Sudlow and Andy Mills
Editor: Jonathan Brunert
Oct 10, 2025 • 45min
Free Speech Tsar: Arif Ahmed on how to avoid the 'abyss' of political violence
How do you protect and police freedom of speech on campus and in society?Arif Ahmed is a Cambridge Philosopher who is now responsible for enforcing new freedom of speech rules on universities, colleges and students.He took office at a time when there is particular focus on a vexed question: where the boundary should lie between free speech - which should be protected - and speech that threatens, intimidates and leaves people feeling unsafe, which can and should be restricted.He talks to Nick about why he ended up so passionate about this subject, and warns of society falling into an "abyss" of political violence.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Research: Chloe Desave
Sound: Ged Sudlow and Fiona Fairmaner
Editors: Giles Edwards and Leela Padmanabhan
12 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 44min
Bridget Phillipson on life as education secretary
Bridget Phillipson, the British Education Secretary and Labour deputy leadership candidate, shares insights from her personal journey overcoming poverty, influencing her commitment to education and child welfare. She discusses the urgent need to combat child poverty through policies like free school meals and advocates for removing the two-child benefit cap. Bridget emphasizes the importance of early years support and maintaining the choice between vocational routes and university, while also addressing political challenges and her vision for unity within Labour.
