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 13, 2023 • 42min
The Nick Gibb One
Nick Gibb, the Schools Minister, discusses his long tenure in education, the importance of phonics in teaching children to read, the government's approach towards supporting transgender individuals in schools, the safety concerns of Reinforced Autoclaved Concrete (RAC) in school buildings, media sensationalism and unfair treatment of policy decisions, the importance of consistency of policy for long-term change, and the challenges of delivering on political promises in a changing landscape.
Oct 5, 2023 • 51min
The Roger Hallam One
The co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, now behind the scenes in Just Stop Oil, challenges Nick Robinson to emotionally engage with the reality of climate change and take a stand against global inaction
Sep 28, 2023 • 45min
The Keir Starmer 2023 One
Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, discusses his vision for getting Labour back into government. They explore historical election results, express anger towards disrespect, discuss NHS reform and the challenges of life in the public eye. They reflect on a haunting photograph, the benefits of being mistaken for prime minister, and the shift in mindset to establish a clear image as a potential prime minister.
Sep 21, 2023 • 39min
The Ed Davey Party Leader One
The Liberal Democrat leader talks to Nick Robinson about caring for his disabled son, the value of coalitions in politics and why the prime minister's net zero strategy 'hands the future to China'Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Sep 13, 2023 • 58min
The Theresa May One
Former Prime Minister Theresa May discusses the abuse of power in politics, the Hillsborough tragedy, the need for swift action in healthcare, the challenges of Brexit, domestic and international abuse of power, breaking Covid rules, and the importance of serving the powerless
Sep 7, 2023 • 34min
The Paul Nowak One
Nick Robinson talks to the boss of the TUC ahead of hosting his first Congress in his hometown of Liverpool, what it was like working with ministers during Covid and why we need a national conversation on tax
Jun 29, 2023 • 35min
The Anas Sarwar One
Nick Robinson has a conversation with, not an interrogation of, the people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Jun 23, 2023 • 34min
The George Freeman One
The Science minister talks to Nick Robinson about how his troubled childhood instilled conservative values from a young age and the challenge of dealing with buccaneering tech billionaires
Jun 17, 2023 • 40min
The Lord Finkelstein One
Lord Daniel Finkelstein talks to Nick Robinson about what it is like preparing Conservative leaders for PMQs and how having two refugee parents shaped his politics of 'moderation'
Jun 9, 2023 • 43min
The Louise Casey One
Baroness Louise Casey has become one of the most influencial non-politicians in the UK. She tells Nick Robinson why it all started with a passion for homelessness and what might be next on her list.
