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
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.
9 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.
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.
29 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 47min
The Keir Starmer Prime Minister One
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK and leader of the Labour Party, reflects on his first year in power from Downing Street. He discusses the intricacies of leadership, taking responsibility for setbacks while highlighting his commitment to welfare reform and evidence-based policies. Starmer opens up about coping with personal loss and the impact it has on his public role. He shares insights on immigration control, the balance of political duties and family, and how his love for football shapes his competitive spirit.
Jun 27, 2025 • 31min
Trump's America: The Scott Perry One
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".
Jun 20, 2025 • 43min
The Douglas Alexander One
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.
Jun 13, 2025 • 38min
The Mel Stride One
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
Jun 3, 2025 • 34min
The Jacinda Ardern One
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
