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Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
Podcast

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

330
40

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 12:15 pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.

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 12:15 pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.

330
40

Tom Watson: Don't bow to 'mob rule' on Palantir

The former deputy Labour leader has been criticised for joining the controversial tech firm, Palantir, as it tries to persuade ministers not to cut off a huge NHS contract. How did the man who railed against Rupert Murdoch's media empire and Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook end up working for a Silicon Valley tech giant? Tom Watson accepts he's at the centre of a 'media storm', partly due to the firm's work with the Israel Defence Forces, and faces questions over the efficacy of Palantir's NHS software. He also reveals why he chose to stand down from the House of Commons before the start of the 2019 election campaign. -------- Send us your thoughts, reactions, questions and suggestions to politicalthinking@bbc.co.uk Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 3 days
0
0
8
40:25

We're failing the next generation: Alan Milburn on getting young people into work

The man tasked with tackling youth worklessness joins Nick at the Labour conference in Liverpool. Alan Milburn has looked into the whites of the eyes of the prime minister and the chancellor, and believes they are on board with his upcoming 'manifesto for change,' aimed at solving the 'NEETs' crisis: young people not in education, employment or training. The veteran of the Blair cabinet is now one of the most powerful people behind the current government, and tells Nick how his own background inspired his passion for the subject. -------- Send us your thoughts, reactions, questions and suggestions to politicalthinking@bbc.co.uk Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 1 week
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0
6
39:41

'Can you not hear their rage?': Film-maker Paul Greengrass

The British director reflects today's political and social mood in his new film, The Uprising, about the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Paul Greengrass tells Nick how the rage that led to the revolt in medieval England is similar to what he sees in society and politics today. He charts his journey from growing up in Gravesend, through documentary making for World in Action, to Hollywood stardom with the Jason Bourne films -------- Send us your thoughts, reactions, questions and suggestions to politicalthinking@bbc.co.uk Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Andrew Mills and Fiona Fairmaner Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 2 weeks
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0
6
40:43

"Weakness is provocative": Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat on the UK's role in the world

Tom Tugendhat on Trump's diplomacy, the Afghanistan withdrawal and being sanctioned by China Does the Shadow Foreign Secretary think Trump's remarks on Ireland and the Falkland Islands are serious? Why does he think China and Russia see the UK as 'not serious' And which language is the best to have an argument in? -------- Send us your thoughts, reactions, questions and suggestions to politicalthinking@bbc.co.uk Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: James McNaughton-Brown and Hal Haines Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 3 weeks
1
0
6
40:43

'It's good to give people a second chance': Angela Rayner on her return to the top table

The Housing Secretary joins Nick for the first episode of a new series of Political Thinking. Angela Rayner talks about the change of character, personality and politics in Downing Street under new leadership. She opens up about how it felt to "lose the confidence of the people" after being accused of not paying the tax she owed. And she defends her decision to halt a huge local government reorganisation that had been started by her predecessor. -------- Send us your thoughts, reactions, questions and suggestions to politicalthinking@bbc.co.uk Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Ged Sudlow and Andrew Mills Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 1 month
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0
5
45:03

"It's not a purge!" Kemi Badenoch on forging a future for her party

As the Burnham era dawns, the Leader of the Opposition on why it's time to transform her party, what would get her round the table with the new Prime Minister - and the people who believed in her when no one else did. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
Politic and economy 2 months
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0
6
35:59

'Our donors are brave people': Reform's Robert Jenrick on wealth, power, and the establishment

As the country reels from the death of Reform's Ann Widdecombe, the party's Treasury Spokesman discusses the threat to politicians, debates whether calling politicians racists and traitors is dangerous, and explains why the ‘cosy club’ of politics is in for a shock. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
Politic and economy 2 months
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0
7
39:26

We've got a plan: Louise Haigh on her journey back to power

The former Transport Secretary, sidelined by Keir Starmer, reveals she's been working with Burnham on a plan for government for at least a year, and has already seen the prospective Prime Minister make tough decisions. Also - bringing hope back to politics, navigating an exotic bird auction, and playing football in the House of Commons chamber. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Crossed Wires Festival in her home town of Sheffield. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
6
42:03

The Treasury was in denial: John Healey on why he resigned as defence secretary

In his first interview since resigning from Keir Starmer's government, the former Defence Secretary John Healey talks about the threats we face, his hopes for a Burnham government, and why he thinks the Treasury is in denial. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
6
28:51

What went wrong for Starmer: Morgan McSweeney gives his side of the story

In his first ever interview, the Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney lifts the lid on winning power, dealing with Trump, and how project Starmer fell apart. Producer: Hannah Wilkinson.
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
7
01:05:17

'A bad start even before he starts' - Welsh First Minister on why trouble's brewing with Burnham

The new First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth on what Wales really wants, why Reform surged in the Senedd election, and how working as a nightclub bouncer will help him deal with Andy Burnham.
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
5
34:04

20/06/2026

Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
6
32:01

'We need some daydreaming': lawyer Theodor Meron on surviving the Holocaust, and issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warr

International lawyer and judge Theodor Meron on issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, and how daydreaming helped him to survive the Holocaust.
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
6
31:09

06/06/2026

Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
6
35:52

30/05/2026

Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
5
36:04

23/05/2026

Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
9
52:56

Why the Prime Minister has to go: Miatta Fahnbulleh on being the first minister to break with Starmer

The former Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, who was the first Minister to resign from Keir Starmer's government after the elections, discusses reaching breaking point, who should lead Labour now, and why she's terrified of where politics is going. She also talks about her experience as a civil servant working with Conservative Ministers, and why her children are her toughest critics. Senior Producer: Hannah Wilkinson Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Jack Wilfan Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 5 months
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0
8
49:19

'It's been a whirlwind': Zack Polanski on storytelling, Zionism and Zackonomics

Few people have done more to shape politics in recent months than the Green Party Leader in England and Wales, Zack Polanski. In his Political Thinking debut, he tells Nick Robinson about his 'whirlwind' journey since becoming leader, saying that becoming PM is now 'in his mind' . He talks about his upbringing and Jewish identity and why he has now become a prominent critic of Israel. He explains his strong opposition to the war in Iran. He describes his plans to transform the capitalist model with a revolution based on 'Zackonomics'. And, asked about his earlier career as a hypnotherapist, he admits to 'cringing' when reminded that he once participated in a trial to help a woman increase her breast size. Producers: Leela Padmanabhan and Flora Murray Editor: GIles Edwards
Politic and economy 6 months
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0
12
54:02

From Sky boss to Number 10: Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith

Andrew Griffith on why government sometimes has to say 'no' and why Rupert Murdoch was the "best boss". The Shadow Business Secretary was once the youngest Chief Financial Officer of any major British company, when he worked at Sky, before becoming an MP an joining Boris Johnson's team in Downing Street. Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 7 months
0
0
8
39:57

'We cannot have chaos': Emily Thornberry on the law of war and Labour's struggles

The Foreign Affairs Committee Chair on Iran, Trump's 'asteroid of awfulness' and the 'grief' she felt after being dropped by Starmer. Emily Thornberry tells Nick about how her father's career as a UN peacekeeper helped shape her commitment to the ideals of international law. She also has frank views about what her party needs to do to stem the rise of the Green Party. Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Jack Wilfan Editor: Giles Edwards
Politic and economy 7 months
0
0
10
41:53
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