Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

BBC Radio 4

4.6 (2.4K)
POLITICS
UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Nick Robinson has a conversation with, not an interrogation of, the people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.

1 DAY AGO

The Josh Babarinde One

The Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson managed to persuade ministers to change domestic abuse law within a year of being elected to parliament. Josh Babarinde tells Nick how his own childhood experience spurred him on to push for reform. He also explains how a beer mat persuaded him to join the Liberal Democrats. Producer: Daniel Kraemer

34 min
4 JUL

The Keir Starmer Prime Minister One

After some of the most tumultuous days of his premiership, Keir Starmer sits down with Nick in Downing Street, to reflect on a year in power. In a wide-ranging interview, the prime minister defends his style of leadership, while taking responsibility for the setbacks. He also opens up about losing his brother last year and his personal relationship with President Trump Producers: Daniel Kraemer, Leela Padmanabhan and Chloe Desave

47 min
27 JUN

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".

31 min
20 JUN

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.

43 min
13 JUN

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

38 min
3 JUN

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

34 min
30 MAY

The Tanni Grey-Thompson One

After 15 years as a member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on how a career at the top of sport prepared her for the world of politics. The crossbench peer speaks to Nick about what she sees as a dangerous relationship between benefit reforms and legalising assisted dying. Producer: Daniel Kraemer

41 min
23 MAY

The Eluned Morgan One

The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey. Producer: Daniel Kraemer

46 min

See All (283)

Nick Robinson

Host

4.6

out of 5

2,384 Ratings

Love it

26/09/2024

Carte1s

Nick is simply the best interviewer. A great show with an array of interesting subjects. One of my favourite dog walking podcasts
Racheal from accounts

18 Jan

walley26

Shame not to ask why her why her MP’s credit card was suspended if she’s apparently so frugal. Overspend of 4,000 of taxpayers money wasn’t it Racheal
Privately educated Nick

17 Jan

BrynJJ

Privately educated Nick can’t quite imagine a world in which people take their home-made tuppaware packed lunch into work with them. He seems fascinated and somewhat appalled at the notion as he looks down from his lofty interviewer chair. Come on Nick, dial down the privilege a tad.
Earth Shattering

30/12/2023

Paulezvous

Extraordinarily thought-provoking by Roger Hallam. I think the "house is on fire; act don't analyse" argument is hard to disagree with, but it did feel repeatedly that Nick Robinson just couldn't get away from "your protests make us late for work" mindset, and his remark about Hallam not being able to convince his daughter was an unbelievably petulant and cheap shot; and just wrong: since when did our kids become perfect arbiters of what's right, youth doesn't equate to wisdom. Mr Robinson has done us a significant service by being the first to interview Mr Hallam on the beleaguered BBC for 3 years, apparently, and I think the power of what Hallam had to say is what we need to listen to and act on. Perhaps the BBC could "market" this conversation in 3 or 4 of its channels so that a large number of people hear it and can consider the message.