Politically

BBC Radio 4

NEW in Politically: Reflections Conversations with leading political figures in which they reflect on their lives in politics.

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  1. Reflections: Series 3: John Kerry

    EPISODE 1

    Reflections: Series 3: John Kerry

    James Naughtie talks to former US Secretary of State John Kerry about his life and political career. At his home in Massachusetts, which he represented in the United States Senate for close to 30 years, Kerry discusses his experiences as a naval officer in Vietnam, how he felt the pull of politics, and what he attempted to achieve. Reflecting on the 2004 presidential election campaign, where he was the Democrat nominee against President George W. Bush, Kerry says it was the first 'fake news election'. In four years as President Obama's Secretary of State, Kerry travelled more than a million miles around the world, and he discusses his experiences negotiating the Iran Nuclear Deal, the decision not to strike Syria, and his friendship with Benjamin Netanhayu. And on domestic politics, Kerry has some striking advice for his party after losing the 2024 presidential election. Producer: Giles Edwards

    38 min
  2. Reflections: Series 3: Diane Abbott

    EPISODE 2

    Reflections: Series 3: Diane Abbott

    Elected to parliament in 1987, Diane Abbott was the first black female MP and is known as the 'Mother of the House'. In a conversation with James Naughtie recorded in May 2025, the passionate left-winger reflects on rebellion, her relationship with Jeremy Corbyn, the 2023 controversy that led to her year-long suspension from the Labour party, her experience of sexism and racism and her political longevity. Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

    29 min
  3. Reflections: Series 3: Malcolm Rifkind

    EPISODE 3

    Reflections: Series 3: Malcolm Rifkind

    Edinburgh-born former lawyer Sir Malcolm Rifkind was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1974. A former Defence and Foreign Secretary, he served continuously as a minister for 18 years under Margaret Thatcher and John Major. In conversation with James Naughtie, he looks back on his relationship with the 'Iron Lady', meeting Mikhail Gorbachev, the poll tax controversy, Tory Brexit wars and the personal side of political life. Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

    29 min
  4. Reflections: Series 3: Steve Baker

    EPISODE 4

    Reflections: Series 3: Steve Baker

    Steve Baker was a pivotal figure in the Brexit turmoil that engulfed the Conservatives. Becoming an MP in 2010 order to help achieve Britain's severance from the European Union, he came to prominence as chair of an influential group of Eurosceptic rebels who helped bring down the prime ministership of Theresa May. Having lost his seat in the general election of 2024, the former Royal Air Force engineer talks to James Naughtie about how to organise a rebellion, his Christian faith, the state of the Conservative party and the toll political life took on his mental health. Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

    29 min
See All Season 5 (4)

4.6
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

NEW in Politically: Reflections Conversations with leading political figures in which they reflect on their lives in politics.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Episodes
    40
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Politically

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