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
Feb 21, 2025 • 42min
The Heidi Alexander One
The Transport Secretary on Corbyn, Ukraine and growing up in SwindonProducer: Lauren Tavriger
Feb 14, 2025 • 40min
The Charlie Taylor One
The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales on how he went from being a teacher at a school for kids with beahvioural problems, to being the leading voice on prison conditions. He tells stories of cheap suits, perspex windows, being the subject of offensive graffiti, and explains how he retains optimism.Producers: Lauren Tavriger and Daniel Kraemer
Feb 7, 2025 • 48min
The Zia Yusuf One
Who is the 38-year-old, Muslim, second-generation immigrant chairman of Reform UK?Zia Yusuf joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to tell his story, lay out his party's path to power, and share his thoughts on Boris Johnson, Elon Musk, Suella Braverman and his boss, Nigel Farage.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Jan 31, 2025 • 42min
The Chris Philp One
The Shadow Home Secretary joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on mistakes of the last government, humility in opposition and his anger at the new government.Chris Philp also opens up about the impact of caring for his premature baby twins and what he has learned from success and failure in business. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Jan 24, 2025 • 43min
The Kim Leadbeater One
The Labour MP sits down with Nick to reflect on how she went from selling beds in her Yorkshire hometown, to being at the forefront of political debate, as the face of the campaign to legalise assisted dying, and how the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, helps explain the journey.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Jan 17, 2025 • 35min
The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One
The Chancellor reflects on her first six months in power and what lies behind her determination that she has "what it takes" to "turn things around".Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Dec 6, 2024 • 50min
The Nick Clegg One
Nick Robinson speaks to Sir Nick Clegg about life as Mark Zuckerberg's right hand man at Meta and the transition from Westminster to Silicon Valley. He responds to challenges on regulation of social media companies and issues a warning about the political power of Elon Musk.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Nov 29, 2024 • 49min
The Husam Zomlot One
Husam Zomlot, the Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, shares his poignant experiences growing up in a Gaza camp. He reflects on the interplay of hope and despair within the Palestinian narrative, weaving personal stories of resilience amid conflict. Zomlot passionately discusses the complexities of genocide allegations and the moral responsibilities in international diplomacy. He emphasizes Britain's historical role and contemporary responsibilities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while highlighting a growing global solidarity for Palestine.
Nov 22, 2024 • 38min
The Daisy Cooper One
The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats reflects on her journey from campaigning as a child against nuclear weapons and scratchy jumpers, to being at the heart of the third-largest party in parliament.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Nov 14, 2024 • 44min
The Mark Rowley One
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, shares his journey back to the force during a time of crisis. He discusses the complexities of modern policing, including the impact of online extremism and the challenges of budget cuts. Rowley emphasizes the importance of community involvement in ensuring safety and outlines his efforts to rebuild public trust in the police. With insights into the unique demands of policing London, he highlights the need for reform and adequate resources to tackle contemporary issues.
