Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales and former London Assembly member, talks about his whirlwind rise and political ambitions. He reflects on Jewish identity and why he now criticises Israel. He explains storytelling in politics, his ‘Zackonomics’ plan for wealth redistribution and climate action, and his shift from hypnotherapy to high-stakes public life.

Andrew Griffith, Conservative MP and former Sky CFO turned Number 10 adviser, advocates business-friendly reform. He discusses how wars and global shocks hit firms, why politicians rush to regulate after crises, the role of business experience in politics, net zero as voluntary action, and working with Rupert Murdoch at Sky. Short, sharp takes on incentives, red tape and restoring opportunity.

Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee with a legal background in international law. She discusses UK limits on action against Iran and the importance of respecting laws of war. She reflects on the JCPOA’s collapse, her family’s UN peacekeeping roots, and how Labour should reconnect with voters amid Green gains.

Omid Djalili, British-Iranian comedian and actor known for stand-up and film roles, reflects on protesting Iran, diaspora activism and calls for targeted action. He recalls growing up in London’s Iranian community, performing under scrutiny and choosing roles and gigs carefully. He also discusses revolution history from Berlin to Czechoslovakia and why he monitors and amplifies protest footage online.

Beeban Kidron, filmmaker turned crossbench lawmaker known for award-winning films and tech campaigning. She recounts living with Greenham Common protesters and making Bridget Jones. She focuses on regulating tech to protect children, product-safety rules for platforms, threats to democracy from online radicalisation, and why Britain must stand up to Silicon Valley.

Nigel Farage, British politician and broadcaster who led UKIP and now leads Reform UK, explains why he re-entered politics. He discusses Britain's perceived decline, national identity and who counts as "our own people." He covers immigration, tougher law enforcement and lessons from Trump for preparing to govern.

James Graham joined Nick in the political thinking studio in late January, ahead of a this year's TV adaptation of his play Dear England.What did Gareth Southgate get right about national identity?What advice does the playwright have for Keir Starmer on storytelling?And why is it important that people continue to go to the theatre?Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Ged Sudlow and Hal Haines Editor: Giles Edwards

How did the world heavyweight champion end up running a city of 3 million people in wartime?Vitali Klitschko joins Nick from the Ukrainian capital in the midst of a Russian campaign to descimate the city's energy infrastructure.He talks about what peace could look like, the lessons he learned from living under Soviet rule as a child, and why he decided to abandon a lucrative life in the US to enter Ukrainian politics. Senior producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Ged Sudlow Editor: Giles Edwards

What happens when US Vice President Vance goes drinking with Angela Rayner & David Lammy?The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary knows America better than probably anyone else around the cabinet table. And in this interview he reflects at length on the state of the world and the significance of the US president's Greenland threats.David Lammy gives an impassioned defence against critics who question his friendship with Vice President J D Vance and reflects on his life's journey from Tottenham to Harvard. He also discusses the ongoing row over jury trial reforms, potential upcoming by-elections, and Keir Starmer government's storytelling.Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Sound: Hal Haines and Chris Murphy Editor: Giles Edwards

The National Education Union's general secretary on banning social media, strikes and raceDaniel Kebede says he is "completely aligned" with Kemi Badenoch on social media policy but warns that the Labour government is on a "collision course" with teachers over pay and conditions. Why does a former minister describe him as "disarming" while the press brand him as "militant" and a "hardened protester"?Nick also presses Kebede on the blocking of a Jewish Bristol MP from visiting a school, past comments about Israel, and whether taxpayers can afford further pay rises for teachers.Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Flora Murray Sound: Stephen Pontin Sound mixing: Robin Schroder Editor: Giles Edwards