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Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

BBC Radio 4 312 episodes Nov 6, 2026

Nick Robinson talks to people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs. Each episode features an in-depth conversation with someone who is shaping our politics, including politicians, campaigners, business and union leaders, and international figures. The interviews are extended and relaxed, delving into their past and how it shaped their worldview. New episodes drop on Fridays on BBC Sounds, and are also available on BBC Two and BBC Radio 4.

Episodes

'People are scared to talk about Islamist extremism': Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy
'People are scared to talk about Islamist extremism': Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy Nov 6, 2026 37:16 Nick Timothy was called the 'most powerful man in Britain' when he was Theresa May's aide in Downing Street.He now sits in Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet, not only responsible for responding to Justice policies around prisons and probabtion, but tasked with looking into what he sees as an "existential threat" posed by Islamist extremism in the UK.In this conversation, he answers the backlash over
Andy Haldane: Burnham's former adviser gives the Budget 4 out of 10
Andy Haldane: Burnham's former adviser gives the Budget 4 out of 10 Oct 29, 2026 38:15 The President of the British Chambers of Commerce on his role as friend and critic of the new prime minister.Andy Haldane made his name as the "maverick" and "radical" Chief Economist at the Bank of England.Many thought he'd be brought into Andy Burnham's Downing Street as an adviser, but he opted to stay on the outside.He sits down with Nick the day after the Budget to reflect on some encouraging
'We can't leave it to tech bros and oligarchs': AI minister Kanishka Narayan
'We can't leave it to tech bros and oligarchs': AI minister Kanishka Narayan Oct 23, 2026 39:14 From a childhood in India, to a new seat at Andy Burnham's cabinet table: what has shaped the man who is now tasked with shaping the UK's response to the world of AI?How did Kanishka Narayan go from sleeping on the floor in his family's one-bed flat in Cardiff, to Eton and Silicon Valley?Why does he think the UK can have an outsized voice on the world stage when it comes to global AI cooperation?
Suella Braverman: 'I'm not imposing my idea of Englishness on anyone else'
Suella Braverman: 'I'm not imposing my idea of Englishness on anyone else' Oct 16, 2026 36:39 "I played it nicely in government. I should have been harder.'That is the reflection of the former Home Secretary, now Reform UK's education spokesperson, on her time at the top of government.Suella Braverman joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio, having sparked a row after saying "of course I'm not English" on Question Time.She explains what she actually meant and why she thinks accusations
Tom Watson: Don't bow to 'mob rule' on Palantir
Tom Watson: Don't bow to 'mob rule' on Palantir Oct 9, 2026 40:25 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 wo
We're failing the next generation: Alan Milburn on getting young people into work
We're failing the next generation: Alan Milburn on getting young people into work Sep 30, 2026 39:41 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 o
'Can you not hear their rage?': Film-maker Paul Greengrass
'Can you not hear their rage?': Film-maker Paul Greengrass Sep 24, 2026 40:43 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
"Weakness is provocative": Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat on the UK's role in the world
"Weakness is provocative": Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat on the UK's role in the world Sep 18, 2026 40:43 Tom Tugendhat on Trump's diplomacy, the Afghanistan withdrawal and being sanctioned by ChinaDoes 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
Angela Rayner on her return to the top table: 'It’s good to give people a second chance'
Angela Rayner on her return to the top table: 'It’s good to give people a second chance' Sep 11, 2026 45:03 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 reorganisa
"It's not a purge!" Kemi Badenoch on forging a future for her party
"It's not a purge!" Kemi Badenoch on forging a future for her party Jul 23, 2026 35:59 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
'Our donors are brave people': Reform's Robert Jenrick on wealth, power, and the establishment
'Our donors are brave people': Reform's Robert Jenrick on wealth, power, and the establishment Jul 17, 2026 39:26 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
We've got a plan: Louise Haigh on her journey back to power
We've got a plan: Louise Haigh on her journey back to power Jul 9, 2026 42:03 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 W

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