Politically
Politically is a BBC Radio 4 podcast featuring conversations with leading political figures. Guests reflect on their lives and careers in politics. The series offers personal insights into political decision-making and public service.
Episodes
Reflections: Series 1: Kenneth Clarke
The former Chancellor and Home Secretary Lord Clarke speaks to James Naughtie about his 50-year career at the top of British politics. They discuss his rows with Margaret Thatcher, his passion for Europe, how the country has changed during his life, and whether he ever regrets not getting the top job.Producer: Daniel Kraemer.
Reflections: Series 1: Valerie Amos
Baroness Amos takes James Naughtie behind the scenes of a career in the foreign office, Tony Blair's government, and the UN, and reflects on how to bring activism to the establishment.
Reflections: Series 1: George Robertson
Lord George Robertson talks to James Naughtie his journey from battling with the Scottish National Party as a Labour MP, to sitting across the table from Vladimir Putin as Secretary General of NATO.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Reflections: Series 1: Norman Fowler
Lord Norman Fowler talks to James Naughtie about battling to convince Margaret Thatcher on the importance of tackling the Aids crisis in the 80s and the failure of successive governments to reform the House of Lords.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Reflections: Series 2: Michael Portillo
In the first episode of a new series of Reflections, James Naughtie talks to former Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo about his zigzag career in politics. From his early days working for Margaret Thatcher, to his time as Defence Secretary, dramatic loss in what is still called the 'Portillo moment', and bid for the Conservative Party leadership, Portillo reflects candidly on his stren
Reflections: Series 2: Arlene Foster
Arlene Foster talks to James Naughtie about her career, which lead from a farm in Fermanagh to being First Minister of Northern Ireland, and holding the fate of Brexit in her hands.Producer: Daniel Kraemer.
Reflections: Series 2: Charles Clarke
The former Home Secretary reflects with Jim Naughtie on life at the heart of the Labour Party.What was it like to be at Neil Kinnock's side during Labour's wilderness years, running the Home Office on 7/7, and being sacked by Tony Blair? Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards
Reflections: Series 2: Mary Robinson
The former President of Ireland and UN human rights chief sits down with Jim Naughtie in Dublin to reflect on her career and why she remains a "prisoner of hope"Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Margaret Hodge
Michael Gove talks to Margaret Hodge about the importance of working with other parties.19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But off
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Peter Mandelson
Michael Gove talks to Peter Mandelson about the challenge of managing unpopularity.19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office c
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Amber Rudd
Michael Gove talks to Amber Rudd about how and why she chose to take stands of principle.19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But of
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Arlene Foster
Michael Gove talks to Arlene Foster about the challenge of managing schisms in her party.19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But of
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Humza Yousaf
Michael talks to Humza Yousaf about working out who you can trust and managing allies.19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But offic
Postwar: 1. The Rejection
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 2. Mr Churchill and Mr Attlee
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 3. The Beveridge Report
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 4. Public Opinion
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 5. The Soldiers' Election
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 6. Appealing to Women
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 7. The Labour Manifesto
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 8. Healthcare for All
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 9. Churchill's 'Gestapo' Broadcast
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 10. India and Empire
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 11. Homes for Heroes
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 12. Art, War and Propaganda
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 13. From Yalta to Potsdam
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 14. United Nations
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 15. Debt to America
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 16. The Result
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 17. A New Jerusalem?
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 18. Churchill: Lion in Winter
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 19. Post-postwar
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
Postwar: 20. What if?
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for somethi
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
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 l
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 pe
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 engi
Ten Years After Brexit: 1. The Economy
It is 10 years since the Brexit referendum. In this series Alex Forsyth, a BBC correspondent who’s covered Brexit from both Brussels and Westminster, looks at what impact the decision to leave the EU has had on various aspects of public and political life.The effect of leaving the EU on the economy has been one of the most contested aspects of Brexit . From dire warnings about multi-billion pound
Ten Years After Brexit: 2. Trade
During the Brexit referendum, the Leave campaign argued that exiting the EU would allow the UK to sign more lucrative independent trade deals with other nations. Remainers warned that leaving the single market and customs union would increase friction with the EU, our nearest and largest trading partner. What can we say about Brexit's impact on UK trade, five years on from leaving the single marke
Ten Years After Brexit: 3: Immigration
The debate on immigration was at the heart of the Brexit referendum, and sparked strong emotions from both Leave and Remain voters. Those who voted for Brexit saw it as an opportunity to ‘take back control’ of the country’s borders and, by implication, lower immigration. But in the years immediately after Brexit, the country saw its highest ever levels of net migration. Did Brexit fail in its prom
Ten Years After Brexit: 4: Northern Ireland
When the UK voted to leave the EU, Northern Ireland became one of the most contentious aspects of the Brexit negotiations. The prospect of a border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland threatened to undermine the Good Friday agreement, and resurfaced divisions about Irish reunification. Although the Windsor Framework was eventually introduced in 2023, the political and economic unc
Ten Years After Brexit: 5: The Union
When Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016, politicians in Scotland and Wales hoped that the UK’s departure would mean more freedom for their governments over national matters. But in the decade since, uneasy constitutional questions have surfaced. Is devolution compatible with strengthened Westminster parliamentary sovereignty? And has Brexit deepened support for independence amongst the devolved
Ten Years After Brexit: 6: Regulatory Freedom
Claims of a ban on bendy bananas came to symbolise what many Brexiteers saw as a fundamental problem with the EU - burdensome bureaucracy and onerous regulation that stifled UK business and innovation. The Brexit campaign leant heavily on the notion that reclaiming sovereignty, ditching so-called red-tape imposed by Brussels and setting its own rules would unleash the UK’s potential. So in realit
Ten Years After Brexit: 7: Science and Academia
The UK's membership within the EU meant that when it came to science and academia, the UK and EU were close collaborators. In both sectors, close ties meant that countries could share funding, innovation, research and people without friction. But after Brexit, the UK was removed from many of the research and funding frameworks, and the end of freedom of movement restricted researchers and students
Ten Years After Brexit: 8: Fishing and Farming
The UK's fishing and farming industries were at the core of Brexiteer's arguments for regaining British sovereignty over our land and produce. For many in the industries and the areas where they worked, the EU's fishing and farming frameworks had long been a source of frustration and a symbol of wider disillusions with the EU project. Why did the two industries resonate so deeply with voters? And
Ten Years After Brexit: 9: Impact on Europe
In the decade since the Brexit referendum, much has been said about the effect the decision to leave had on the UK. But what is the view from Europe? What did the EU make of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, and how have they adapted in the years since? Alex Forsyth speaks to Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group, and Jannike Wachowiak, a Research Assistan
Ten Years After Brexit: 10: Impact on Politics
There’s no doubting just how divisive Brexit was. Whatever side of the debate you sat on, the strength of feeling ran high. It split opinion, ruptured political parties and toppled Prime Ministers. In the years after the referendum the country watched while Westminster was dominated by intense wrangling , and much of Whitehall’s bandwidth was focused on Brexit. New political identities emerged - l
Reflections: Series 4: Jerry Brown
The former Governor of California oversaw the world's fifth largest economy for sixteen years, ran three times for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, and over the course of his public life has known every president from John F. Kennedy to Donald Trump.In this interview with James Naughtie, Jerry Brown reflects on the importance of limits in the Jesuitical and Buddhist tr
Reflections: Series 4: Jeremy Hunt
The former Chancellor reflects with James Naughtie on tough choices and political resurrection.Jeremy Hunt held four Cabinet jobs - including almost six years as Health Secretary, and then Foreign Secretary under Theresa May. After he was defeated by Boris Johnson in their battle for the Conservative leadership, he thought his ministerial career was over, only to be called back by Liz Truss after
Reflections: Series 4: Caroline Lucas
The former Green Party leader speaks to James Naughtie about her years in Parliament, and how it feels to see her party thrive just as she stands down.In fourteen years, Caroline Lucas never held ministerial office and so had to find other ways to exercise power and influence. She discusses working with others, listening to people you disagree with, and getting arrested for your beliefs.Producers:
Reflections: Series 1: Welcome to… Politically
Welcome to Politically, BBC Radio 4’s home for insightful, inside takes on how politics and power really work.The clips are taken from:Surviving Politics with Michael Gove
Reflections
Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Trailer
19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with
Postwar: Trailer
David Runciman tells the story of one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Listen on BBC Sounds from Monday 9 Jun 2025
