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 12:15pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.
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 12:15pm on Fridays or on BBC iPlayer. And you can listen on BBC Radio 4 on Saturdays at 17:30.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 4, 2018 • 47min
The James Graham One
The award-winning playwright on bringing politics to life, the magic of Hull, and why politicians are only human... plus, Nick's run-in with the Black Death.
Apr 27, 2018 • 38min
The Dawn Butler One
The Shadow Equalities Secretary on her experiences of racism in Parliament, dealing with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, and why she asks her constituents to pull their trousers up.
Apr 20, 2018 • 31min
The Tom Tugendhat One
The soldier turned politician on talking to your enemies, surviving in the battlefield and taking responsibility when things go wrong.
Apr 13, 2018 • 32min
The Jo Swinson One
The LibDem deputy leader says yes to an Easter egg but no to leading a new centre party, and also explains how she's changed her view on the best way to promote women in politics.
Mar 23, 2018 • 32min
The Matt Hancock One
The Culture Secretary on controlling the power of the internet giants, why he wants his own personal app and how to win a horse race
Mar 16, 2018 • 29min
The Brandon Lewis One
The Conservative Party chairman talks about popcorn, high street parking and whether he's too young to be a Tory
Mar 9, 2018 • 39min
The Keir Starmer One
Labour's Brexit Secretary discusses the ups and downs of his upbringing, his youthful attacks on 'reformist passivity' and how he let burglars steal his television
Mar 2, 2018 • 51min
The Jacob Rees-Mogg One
The leader of the Eurosceptics on the Tory backbenches talks about why the state should respect our individuality, when the gloves should come off in political debate and why we should keep personal morals separate from politics – and of course, Brexit.
Feb 23, 2018 • 41min
The Anna Soubry One
From her tough school days to her backbench battle against the Brexiteers, the former criminal barrister tells Nick why she doesn't scare easy, how Theresa May can take back control and what could make her leave the Conservative Party.
Feb 21, 2018 • 28min
Bonus Podcast: Cameron Years Episode 3
In this final part, Steve Richards explores the record of the coalition years, comparing David Cameron's approach with that of the current Prime Minister, Theresa May, also governing in a hung parliament. He examines other key aspects of the Cameron era such as his relationship with the media, his handling of the Scottish independence referendum, and his dramatic final days in office. What will David Cameron's legacy be and what are the lessons of his premiership?The series was produced by Leala Padmanabhan.
