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Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

BBC Radio 4 312 Episodes Jul 9, 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

We've got a plan: Louise Haigh on her journey back to power Jul 9, 2026 2523 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
The Treasury was in denial: John Healey on why he resigned as defence secretary Jul 6, 2026 1731 In his first interview since resigning from Keir Starmer's government, the former Defence Secretary John Healey talks about the threats we face, his hopes for a Burnham government, and why he thinks the Treasury is in denial.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson
What went wrong for Starmer: Morgan McSweeney gives his side of the story Jul 2, 2026 3917 In his first ever interview, the Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney lifts the lid on winning power, dealing with Trump, and how project Starmer fell apart.Producer: Hannah Wilkinson.
'A bad start even before he starts' - Welsh First Minister on why trouble's brewing with Burnham Jun 26, 2026 2044 The new First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth on what Wales really wants, why Reform surged in the Senedd election, and how working as a nightclub bouncer will help him deal with Andy Burnham.
From Downing Street... to California Governor? Former Tory adviser Steve Hilton on making the Golden State great again Jun 19, 2026 1922 Former Tory adviser and candidate for California Governor Steve Hilton on the frustrations that drove his political journey and why he believes the Golden State can turn red.
'We need some daydreaming': lawyer Theodor Meron on surviving the Holocaust, and issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant Jun 12, 2026 1869 International lawyer and judge Theodor Meron on issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, and how daydreaming helped him to survive the Holocaust.This episode has been subject to a Corrections and Clarifications note: https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications
Why Starmer will survive: The Attorney General on human rights, small boats, and his ‘dogged’ friend the Prime Minister Jun 5, 2026 2152 The Attorney General Richard Hermer speaks to Nick about small boats, his most controversial cases, and why his old friend Keir Starmer can survive a leadership challenge.
“Inequalities don’t happen by accident” Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson on trans rights, Islamophobia, and why equality still matters May 29, 2026 2164 Chair of the equalities watchdog, Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, on sex and gender, the right to protest, and doing one of the hardest jobs in Britain.
'What the hell are we doing?' Wes Streeting on his promise to young people, resigning from government, and wanting to be PM May 21, 2026 3176 Labour leadership contender and former health secretary Wes Streeting on what prompted his resignation, the challenges of being a working class politician, and his wealth tax plan.
Why the PM has to go: Miatta Fahnbulleh on being the first minister to break with Starmer May 15, 2026 2959 The former Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, who was the first Minister to resign from Keir Starmer's government after the elections, discusses reaching breaking point, who should lead Labour now, and why she's terrified of where politics is going.She also talks about her experience as a civil servant working with Conservative Ministers, and why her children are her toughest critics.Senior P
'It's been a whirlwind': Zack Polanski on storytelling, Zionism and Zackonomics Mar 20, 2026 3242 Few people have done more to shape politics in recent months than the Green Party Leader in England and Wales, Zack Polanski. In his Political Thinking debut, he tells Nick Robinson about his 'whirlwind' journey since becoming leader, saying that becoming PM is now 'in his mind' . He talks about his upbringing and Jewish identity and why he has now become a prominent critic of Israel. He explains
From Sky boss to Number 10: Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith Mar 13, 2026 2397 Andrew Griffith on why government sometimes has to say 'no' and why Rupert Murdoch was the "best boss".The Shadow Business Secretary was once the youngest Chief Financial Officer of any major British company, when he worked at Sky, before becoming an MP an joining Boris Johnson's team in Downing Street. Senior Producer: Daniel Kraemer Producer: Flora Murray Editor: Giles Edwards

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