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
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.
Sep 26, 2025 • 43min
Preparing Farage for Power: Danny Kruger on defecting to Reform UK
Danny Kruger, a former Conservative MP now with Reform UK, discusses his defection and the need for a revival of Christian conservatism. He shares insights on family values, community, and the political landscape, highlighting the challenges of immigration and integration. Kruger describes his personal journey to faith and how it shapes his political views. He urges for policies that promote family stability and critiques the divisive rhetoric in modern conservatism, all while preparing Reform UK for a potential government role.
Sep 17, 2025 • 42min
Lucy Powell: People have lost sense of Labour's values
Lucy Powell on why and how she was sacked by Keir Starmer, and why she now wants to be his Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Editor: Giles Edwards
Sep 12, 2025 • 37min
'Build Baby Build': The new housing secretary, Steve Reed
In this engaging discussion, Steve Reed, the newly appointed Housing Secretary, shares insights from his role in the whirlwind reshuffle that followed Angela Rayner's departure. He emphasizes the urgent need for 1.5 million homes to address the housing crisis and discusses the challenge of reconnecting Labour with voters through effective communication. Reed also tackles the complexities of housing development and the importance of inclusivity, all while navigating modern political dynamics. His personal anecdotes add depth to the conversation about rebuilding trust in politics.
21 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 50min
China, Russia and us: Tony Radakin on four years as Chief of the Defence Staff
In a candid exit interview, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK, shares insights from his tenure leading the armed forces. He discusses the shifting geopolitical landscape involving Russia, China, and North Korea, emphasizing the implications for global security. Radakin reflects on military responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the importance of decisive leadership, and the emotional toll on military personnel. He also touches on the urgent need for effective communication among world powers to prevent conflict.
17 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 34min
The Friedrich Merz One
Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union, dives into pressing geopolitical issues. He candidly addresses Trump's impact on Europe, the urgency of military reforms amid rising tensions with Russia, and the necessity for Germany to bolster its defense by 2029. Merz critiques the dynamics surrounding Brexit, especially missed opportunities for negotiation. He also emphasizes the need for legal reforms to tackle migration challenges and discusses evolving UK-Germany relations through sports, highlighting leadership styles past and present.
13 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 34min
The Josh Babarinde One
Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne and Justice Spokesperson, shares his inspiring journey from personal childhood trauma to reforming domestic abuse laws within just a year of entering Parliament. He reveals how a simple beer mat ignited his political passion. The conversation tackles the legal challenges surrounding domestic abuse and highlights the importance of community support. Babarinde also emphasizes the need for diverse political representation and the genuine drive behind advocating for victims, showcasing the impactful role of personal narratives in politics.
