Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
Nick Robinson has a conversation with, not an interrogation of, the people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Wed, March 05, 2025
Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2
In the second, bonus instalment of this exclusive interview with the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak opens up about his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister, including how his relationship with Boris Johnson fell apart, why he regrets his "Stop the Boats" slogan and what comes next for someone who has become an elder statesman, aged 44. Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Joel Massey
Wed, March 05, 2025
The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One
An exclsuive in-depth interview with the Rishi Sunak. In this first instalment, the former prime minister tells stories from behind the scenes on the world stage explains why he thinks we must now cut welfare spending to fund defence. Sunak reflects on how a sense of duty - inspired by his Hindu faith - helped drive his political career, and reflects on how and why he ultimately led the Conservative Party to the worst electoral defeat in its history. Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Joel Massey
Fri, February 28, 2025
The Carla Denyer 2025 One
The co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales joins Nick for a conversation
Fri, February 21, 2025
The Heidi Alexander One
The Transport Secretary on Corbyn, Ukraine and growing up in Swindon Producer: Lauren Tavriger
Fri, February 14, 2025
The Charlie Taylor One
The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales on how he went from being a teacher at a school for kids with beahvioural problems, to being the leading voice on prison conditions. He tells stories of cheap suits, perspex windows, being the subject of offensive graffiti, and explains how he retains optimism. Producers: Lauren Tavriger and Daniel Kraemer
Fri, February 07, 2025
The Zia Yusuf One
Who is the 38-year-old, Muslim, second-generation immigrant chairman of Reform UK? Zia Yusuf joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to tell his story, lay out his party's path to power, and share his thoughts on Boris Johnson, Elon Musk, Suella Braverman and his boss, Nigel Farage. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, January 31, 2025
The Chris Philp One
The Shadow Home Secretary joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on mistakes of the last government, humility in opposition and his anger at the new government. Chris Philp also opens up about the impact of caring for his premature baby twins and what he has learned from success and failure in business. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, January 24, 2025
The Kim Leadbeater One
The Labour MP sits down with Nick to reflect on how she went from selling beds in her Yorkshire hometown, to being at the forefront of political debate, as the face of the campaign to legalise assisted dying, and how the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, helps explain the journey. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, January 17, 2025
The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One
The Chancellor reflects on her first six months in power and what lies behind her determination that she has "what it takes" to "turn things around". Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, December 06, 2024
The Nick Clegg One
Nick Robinson speaks to Sir Nick Clegg about life as Mark Zuckerberg's right hand man at Meta and the transition from Westminster to Silicon Valley. He responds to challenges on regulation of social media companies and issues a warning about the political power of Elon Musk. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, November 29, 2024
The Husam Zomlot One
The Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK reflects on a childhood in a Gaza refugee camp and how hope is what keeps him going. Update: This episode has been edited to remove a brief exchange suggesting that an interim finding by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found it plausible that genocide had been committed in Gaza. The ICJ actually decided that the Palestinians had a plausible right to be protected from genocide and we’re happy to make that clear.
Fri, November 22, 2024
The Daisy Cooper One
The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats reflects on her journey from campaigning as a child against nuclear weapons and scratchy jumpers, to being at the heart of the third-largest party in parliament. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, November 14, 2024
The Mark Rowley One
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner reflects on the decision to rejoin the UK's largest police force when it was in crisis. Sir Mark Rowley sits down with Nick Robinson to outline the challenges the Met faces under his leadership, as well as how he decided as a teenager that policing was his mission. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, November 08, 2024
The Darren Jones One
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury sits down with Nick to chart his rise to the heart of Starmer's government. How did a Bristol boy, whose parents sometimes went without meals to ensure he had food, end up at the Chancellor's side, in charge of the purse-strings of the government? Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, October 31, 2024
The Rupert Soames CBI One
How did Churchill's grandson end up at the top of British industry? Rupert Soames - Chair of the Confederation of British Industry - sits down with Nick Robinson to talk about this Labour government's first budget, which he claims did not offer enough "bang for the buck" Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Tue, October 22, 2024
The Kemi Badenoch for Leader One
What shaped the views and principles that Kemi Badenoch hopes will help her win the race to become next leader of the Conservative Party? Nick Robinson sits down with the former Business Secretary near the end of her party's leadership contest. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, October 18, 2024
The Matt Goodwin One
The academic and author Matt Goodwin sat down with Nick Robinson in the aftermath of the riots that spread across the UK in the summer, to discuss whether there are 'legitimate grievences' that lay behind the violence, or just 'hate-fuelled mob violence sparked by misinformation.
Fri, October 11, 2024
The Tzipi Hotovely One
The Israeli Ambassador sits down with Nick Robinson on the week of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack. They discuss what lies behind her worldview, the mindset of Israelis and the actions of her government.
Fri, October 04, 2024
The John Swinney One
The First Minister of Scotland sits down with Nick to reflect on his reluctant path to power. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, September 26, 2024
The Wes Streeting Health Secretary One
The Health Secretary sits down with Nick Robinson at the end of the Labour conference in Liverpool. Wes Streeting reflects on how his family role-models led him to become a political fighter, rebukes those who criticise him for being too gloomy about the NHS, and reveals why an Oasis classic was his kareoke song of choice at the previous night's party. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, September 19, 2024
The Mick Whelan One
Mick Whelan is General Secretary of Aslef, the union representing train drivers. He sits down with Nick on the week that his members voted overwhelmingly to accept a pay offer, bringing to an end two years of strike action. Whelan reflects on growing up in working class West London and being one of a number of 2nd-generation Irish immigrants who have become union leaders in the UK. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, September 13, 2024
The James Cleverly for Leader One
Why does the former Home Secretary believe he has 'outperformed everyone else on this leadership ticket by a country mile'? How did growing up as a mixed-race boy in London at the height of the National Front shape his politics? And what does the government need to do to improve integration in the UK?
Thu, September 05, 2024
The Karim Khan International Prosecutor One
The Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court sits down with Nick Robinson. Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Jonathan Brunert
Fri, July 26, 2024
The Liz Kendall One
Nick Robinson talks to the new Work and Pensions secretary about being at the centre of the Labour government's first row, taking on the scourge of worklessness and how her 2-year-old son is a cure for stress. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, July 19, 2024
The Robert Jenrick 2024 One
Robert Jenrick on what went wrong for the Conservative Party and how to turn it around
Fri, July 12, 2024
The Pat McFadden in Power One
Nick Robinson talks to the man at the heart of the new Downing Street government. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, May 24, 2024
The Caitlin Moran One
Bestselling author and columnist talks to Nick Robinson about why, after years of writing about women and girls, she decided to turn her attention to problems with boys and young men with her latest book "What About Men?" Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, May 17, 2024
The Victoria Atkins One
After a damning report into maternity services in England, the Health Secretary opens up about her own traumatic childbirth experience in the NHS. Victoria Atkins also speaks to Nick Robinson about a change of tone in dealings with doctors' unions, growing up as child of an MP and what she thought when Natalie Elphicke defected to Labour.
Thu, March 07, 2024
The Emma Little-Pengelly One
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister talks to Nick Robinson.
Thu, February 29, 2024
The Nigel Farage 2024 One
Nigel Farage tells Nick Robinson that "timing is everything" when it comes to deciding whether to return to frontline politics. Fresh off the plane from Florida, Farage talks about what he can learn from - and how he can defend - Donald Trump, as well as islamophobia, Liz Truss, and what he would do if prime minister Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Wed, February 21, 2024
The Mariana Mazzucato One
One of the world's most influencial progressive economists outlines her pitch to leaders across the world - and Starmer's Labour Party - to focus on ambitious 'missions' that can transform society for the better.
Fri, February 16, 2024
The Emma Runswick One
The Deputy Chair of the British Medical Association Council talks to Nick Robinson ahead of the latest round of junior doctor strikes. She defends the pay demands set out by doctors, tells the story of a life of activism, and opens up about the horrors of working in Covid wards at the height of the pandemic. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, February 08, 2024
The Shabana Mahmood One
The Shadow Justice Secretary and Labour's most senior Muslim MP reflects on Gaza, her faith and campaigning for Rishi Sunak's "geek vote" when they were at university Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Wed, February 07, 2024
Bonus episode: The Michelle O’Neill One - Revisited
Nick looks back at his 2021 conversation with the new First Minister of Northern Ireland
Thu, February 01, 2024
The Jeremy Hunt Chancellor One
Nick Robinson sits down with the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the dining room of No11 Downing Street. They discuss living nextdoor to the Sunaks, how much headroom he will have at the budget, and who he would invite to his dream dinner party
Thu, January 25, 2024
The Blair and Hague One
Sir Tony Blair and Lord William Hague sit down with Nick Robinson to discuss their vision for a new "national purpose". They reflect on facing each other across the dispatch box 25 years ago and how to deal with an unstable world Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, January 18, 2024
The Humza Yousaf One
The First Minister of Scotland sits down with Nick Robinson in Glasgow to reflect on his first ten months in power and how his family is dealing with the ongoing trauma of being caught up in the war in Gaza Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Wed, December 13, 2023
Introducing... When It Hits The Fan
Who's in the news for all the wrong reasons? David Yelland and Simon Lewis invite you to join them in the world of crisis managers and spin doctors as they watch the week's biggest PR disasters unfold.
Fri, November 24, 2023
The Ben Wallace 2023 One
The former Defence Secretary opens up about the impact of high-pressure government jobs on family relations and tells the behind-the-scenes story of the lead-up to the Ukraine War and his take on the “poison” in British politics.
Fri, November 17, 2023
The Kishwer Falkner One
Nick Robinson sits down with the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to discuss multiculturalism, transgender rights and challenging the UK government on its asylum policies.
Thu, November 09, 2023
The Michael Gove 2023 One
Nick Robinson sits down with the Levelling Up Secretary for an in-depth conversation about what lies behind his drive for reform, having first joined the cabinet 13 years ago. They also reflect on community tensions in the UK as a result of war in the Middle East, what the Home Secretary has said about protests, and what Nadine Dorries has written about him Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Fri, November 03, 2023
The Pat McFadden One
Labour's campaign chief talks to Nick Robinson about how to deal with divisions with in the party, communities and families on events in the middle east. And how has he become the "great survivor" of the party, from working as Tony Blair's backroom fixer in the 90s to running Labour's election campaign?
Thu, October 26, 2023
The Michelle Donelan One
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology talks to Nick Robinson about the UK's AI summit and how the world can balance protection against AI's dangers and harnessing it for good. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Sat, October 21, 2023
The Radek Sikorski One
Poland's former foreign minister talks to Nick Robinson about his journey from rebelling against communist rule as a child, living in exile in the UK, being a leading diplomat, and his party on the brink of returning to power after 8 years
Fri, October 13, 2023
The Nick Gibb One
The Schools Minister tells Nick Robinson how his single-minded curriculum reform has kept him in his job for 10 of the last 13 years, and how his sexuality might have limited his career prospects Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, October 05, 2023
The Roger Hallam One
The co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, now behind the scenes in Just Stop Oil, challenges Nick Robinson to emotionally engage with the reality of climate change and take a stand against global inaction
Thu, September 28, 2023
The Keir Starmer 2023 One
The Leader of the Opposition sets out his vision for getting Labour back into government Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, September 21, 2023
The Ed Davey Party Leader One
The Liberal Democrat leader talks to Nick Robinson about caring for his disabled son, the value of coalitions in politics and why the prime minister's net zero strategy 'hands the future to China' Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Wed, September 13, 2023
The Theresa May One
Nick Robinson talks to former prime minister Theresa May about why she wants to call out abuses of power, what went wrong after Brexit and growing up as a vicar's daughter. Producer: Daniel Kraemer
Thu, September 07, 2023
The Paul Nowak One
Nick Robinson talks to the boss of the TUC ahead of hosting his first Congress in his hometown of Liverpool, what it was like working with ministers during Covid and why we need a national conversation on tax
Thu, June 29, 2023
The Anas Sarwar One
Nick Robinson has a conversation with, not an interrogation of, the people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Fri, June 23, 2023
The George Freeman One
The Science minister talks to Nick Robinson about how his troubled childhood instilled conservative values from a young age and the challenge of dealing with buccaneering tech billionaires
Sat, June 17, 2023
The Lord Finkelstein One
Lord Daniel Finkelstein talks to Nick Robinson about what it is like preparing Conservative leaders for PMQs and how having two refugee parents shaped his politics of 'moderation'
Fri, June 09, 2023
The Louise Casey One
Baroness Louise Casey has become one of the most influencial non-politicians in the UK. She tells Nick Robinson why it all started with a passion for homelessness and what might be next on her list.
Fri, June 02, 2023
The Peter Kyle One
How does a politician with the reading age of an 8-year-old operate as a Shadow Cabinet member?
Fri, May 26, 2023
The Feargal Sharkey One
The former Undertones frontman tells Nick how his youth in Derry during the Troubles led him to becoming one of the most prominent environmental campaigners in Britain today.
Thu, May 18, 2023
The Stephen Flynn One
The SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, on what he will demand in the event of a hung Parliament, and how living with a disability shaped his politics.
Thu, May 11, 2023
The Penny Mordaunt One
Penny Mordaunt reveals the secret to holding that sword throughout the Coronation, whether she’s planning another tilt at the Conservative leadership and being PM, and why culture wars may not be such a good idea for her party.
Fri, March 10, 2023
The Suella Braverman One
In the week the government introduced tough, controversial new rules on stopping illegal immigrants entering the UK, Nick Robinson talks to the home secretary, Suella Braverman, about her father's journey to Britain while fleeing persecution in Kenya, how her mum's admiration for Margaret Thatcher introduced her to the Conservative Party and how she, as the wife of a Jewish man, feels when people compare her policies with those of 1930s Germany.
Fri, March 03, 2023
The Lee Anderson One
Nick Robinson talks to the Conservative Party's deputy chairman, Lee Anderson, about following his father's lead in becoming a miner, how he went from admiring Tony Benn and Arthur Scargill to being deputy chairman of the Conservatives and whether his new job is forcing him to be more diplomatic when talking about issues such as migration and poverty.
Fri, February 24, 2023
The Kwajo Tweneboa One
Nick Robinson talks to the housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa about his own experience of poor social housing and his father's death, how he harnessed the power of social media to become a powerful voice in Westminster and whether he fancies a go at elected politics himself.
Fri, February 17, 2023
The Steve Reed One
Nick Robinson talks to the shadow justice secretary, Steve Reed, about why the collapse of a factory that employed most of his family led to him joining the Labour Party, how being mugged at knifepoint helped inform his new approach to antisocial behaviour and why he thinks the parentsof young offenders should be sent to mandatory parenting classes.
Fri, February 10, 2023
The Iain Anderson One
Nick Robinson talks to the influential lobbyist and new chair of Stonewall, Iain Anderson, about how the case of Isla Bryson has brought gender politics to the top of the news agenda and how he thinks the heat can be taken out of the debate. Anderson, a lifelong Conservative who founded the lobbying firm Cicero and ran Ken Clarke's leadership campaigns, talks candidly about why he's now moving away from his political roots.
Fri, February 03, 2023
The Mary Bousted One
Nick Robinson talks to the joint general secretary of the National Education Union, Mary Bousted, about how her headteacher father inspired a passion for education, why she quit her job as an English teacher and whether, in a week of widespread teacher strikes, she can see the current crisis coming to an end anytime soon.
Fri, January 27, 2023
The Tony Danker One
Nick Robinson talks to the director general of the Confederation of British Industry, Tony Danker. They discuss what it was like to grow up in a Jewish family in Belfast during 'The Troubles', why he chose to join the Treasury three weeks after Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008 and how his calls for post-Brexit Britain's economy to grow more led to ministers accusing him of talking the country down.
Fri, January 20, 2023
The Sharon Graham One
The leader of the Unite union gives a frank and engaging interview to Nick Robinson. She defends the new wave of strikes by ambulance workers, sets out how under her leadership Unite is 'following the money' to target bad employers and explains why Keir Starmer's Labour party is a 'bad tribute act' to Tony Blair and reveals she was threatened by former colleagues when she began an investigation into 'potential criminality' within the union. She tells stories from her early life, including how she led a walkout of silver service restaurant staff aged just 17 in a protest over pay.
Mon, December 05, 2022
The Liz Truss's Big Gamble One
A bonus episode, as Nick tells the extraordinary inside story of how Liz Truss gambled her premiership on a dramatic challenge to decades of orthodoxy.
Fri, November 25, 2022
The Bridget Phillipson One
Nick Robinson talks to Labour's shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, about her mum standing up to the people that burgled their house, her grandad's love of books sparking her passion for education and how she ended up as an extra on Byker Grove.
Fri, November 18, 2022
The Clare Moriarty One
Nick Robinson talks to the chief executive of Citizens Advice, Clare Moriarty, about her and her family's long history with the civil service, how she coped with having cancer while running the Brexit department and what more the government needs to do to help people suffering in the cost of living crisis.
Fri, November 11, 2022
The Carla Denyer One
Nick Robinson talks to the Green Party's co-leader, Carla Denyer, about discovering grassroots campaigns at sixth form, declaring Europe's first climate emergency and why she chooses to wear both a red and white poppy.
Fri, November 04, 2022
The Gillian Keegan One
Nick Robinson talks to the new education secretary, Gillian Keegan, about leaving school at 16 to work in a car factory, the time Derek Hatton bought her a glass of champagne and why sometimes cabinet ministers should just admit it when they don't know something.
Fri, October 28, 2022
The Angela Rayner Deputy Leader One
Nick Robinson talks to Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, about how her own experience of poverty has shaped her views on the cost of living crisis, her relationship with Labour's leader Keir Starmer and whether working class politicians need to shout louder about their roots.
Mon, October 24, 2022
The Rishi Sunak PM One - From the Archives
Nick Robinson revisits his interview with the new prime minister, Rishi Sunak, from late 2019. The then-chief secretary to the treasury discussed working in his mother’s pharmacy, why he chose to vote Leave and his knowledge of The Force
Fri, October 21, 2022
The David Frost One
Nick Robinson talks to Conservative peer David Frost, the former chief Brexit negotiator, about Boris Johnson's potential return as Prime Minister, the downfall of Liz Truss and how he went from foreign office diplomat to Brexit architect
Fri, October 14, 2022
The Lisa Nandy Levelling Up One
Nick Robinson talks to Lisa Nandy, the shadow levelling up secretary, about preparing for government, the political lessons she's learned from football and whether she disagrees with Keir Starmer's stance on strikes.
Fri, October 07, 2022
The Paul Johnson One
Nick Robinson talks to Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, about attacks from the left and right on so-called economic orthodoxy, how to stay impartial during moments of political turbulence and what his self-proclaimed nerdy teenage self would make of his career now.
Fri, September 30, 2022
The Kit Malthouse One
Nick Robinson talks to the new education secretary, Kit Malthouse, about growing up in Liverpool, battling Labour students at university and his priorities for education in England.
Fri, September 23, 2022
The Jeremy Corbyn One
Nick Robinson talks to former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn about how he became a socialist, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and whether he'll be allowed to stand again as a Labour candidate.
Sat, September 17, 2022
The Christopher Steele One
Nick Robinson talks to Christopher Steele, the author of the 'Trump-Russia dossier'. They discuss his time as an intelligence officer in the Soviet Union, how he became an overnight public figure and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Sat, September 17, 2022
The Christopher Steele One
Nick Robinson talks to Christopher Steele, the author of the the 'Trump-Russia dossier'. They discuss his time as an intelligence officer in the Soviet Union, how he became an overnight public figure and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Fri, September 09, 2022
10/09/2022
Nick Robinson has a conversation with, not an interrogation of, the people who shape our political thinking about what shaped theirs.
Mon, September 05, 2022
The Liz Truss One - Revisited
Nick Robinson revisits his interview with the new prime minister, Liz Truss, from July 2018. The then-chief secretary to the treasury discusses her transition from Lib Dem to Conservative, her plans for a low-tax, small state UK and comparisons with Mrs Thatcher.
Thu, July 21, 2022
The Rishi Sunak One - Revisited
Nick Robinson revisits his interview with Rishi Sunak from November 2019. The then-chief secretary to the treasury discusses working in his mother’s pharmacy, why he chose to vote Leave and his knowledge of The Force
Thu, July 21, 2022
The Liz Truss Foreign Secretary One - Revisited
Nick Robinson revisits his interview with Liz Truss from December 2021. The foreign secretary discusses facing down Russia on the global stage, the way we view British history and comparisons with Mrs Thatcher
Fri, July 08, 2022
The Johnson Succession One
With Boris Johnson having resigned as Conservative leader, Nick Robinson takes a look through the Political Thinking archives, to see what has shaped the thinking of the men and women hoping to become the UK’s next prime minister
Fri, July 01, 2022
The David Lammy Shadow Foreign Secretary One
Nick Robinson talks to the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, about loneliness, belonging and Britain's place in the world
Wed, June 22, 2022
The Martin Lewis One
Nick Robinson talks to the journalist and founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, about his love of numbers, the cost of living crisis and his application to become a crossbench peer
Fri, June 17, 2022
The Naomi Long One
Nick Robinson talks to Naomi Long, the leader of the Alliance Party and Northern Ireland's Justice Minister, about growing up during the Troubles, the ongoing implications of Brexit and her decision not to identify as nationalist or unionist
Fri, June 10, 2022
The Yvette Cooper One
Nick Robinson talks to Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, about immigration policy, being a working mum in politics and Labour's chances of winning back power.
Fri, June 03, 2022
The Sara Khan One
Nick Robinson talks to the government's social cohesion adviser, Dame Sarah Khan, about her efforts to counter extremism and the upcoming review of the Prevent counter-terror strategy
Fri, May 27, 2022
The Mick Lynch One
Nick Robinson speaks to Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT, about his union's planned strike action this summer
Fri, May 20, 2022
The Nimco Ali One
Nick Robinson speaks to Nimco Ali, the government's adviser on violence against women and girls about her campaigning on female genital mutilation, calls for street harassment to be made a crime and her friendship with Carrie Johnson.
Fri, May 13, 2022
The Nadine Dorries One
Nick Robinson speaks to the Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries MP about her efforts to clean up social media, her upbringing in Liverpool, and being a bestselling author. Producer: Jack Fenwick.
Fri, January 28, 2022
The Jacob Rees-Mogg Leadership Crisis One
Nick Robinson talks to Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg about the Prime Minister's survival, cake, dead cats and banned words
Fri, January 21, 2022
The Steve Baker One
Nick Robinson talks to Conservative MP Steve Baker about the PM, the pandemic and parachutes
Fri, January 14, 2022
The Gary Neville One
Nick Robinson talks to Gary Neville about his footballing career, the state of English football and his own political ambitions
Fri, January 07, 2022
The Wes Streeting One
The Shadow Health Secretary on bouncing back after illness, living with Covid and his connection to Christine Keeler
Sat, January 01, 2022
The 2022 New Year Special One
Nick Robinson reviews the highlights of Political Thinking in 2021 including interviews with leading politicians and public figures
Mon, December 27, 2021
The Ed Balls Christmas Special One
The former Cabinet Minister on his passion for cooking, dancing, documentary-making and his previous career in politics.
Fri, December 17, 2021
The Katharine Birbalsingh One
The Chair of the Social Mobility Commission on why she ‘came out’ as a conservative, the purpose of education and the perils of smartphones
Fri, December 10, 2021
The Liz Truss Foreign Secretary One
The Foreign Secretary on the ‘network of liberty’, those Mrs Thatcher-styled photoshoots and being too busy to hold Christmas parties
Fri, December 03, 2021
The Chris Bryant One
The Chair of the Commons Standards Committee on upholding the rules, being gay and why he could never have been 007
Fri, November 26, 2021
The Keir Starmer Opposition Leader One
The Labour leader on his family, the migrant boats crisis and why Boris Johnson makes him angry
Fri, October 01, 2021
The Nick Carter One
The Chief of the Defence Staff discusses the lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, and being kicked out of his school's cadet force for playing golf.
Fri, September 24, 2021
The Rachel Reeves One
The Shadow Chancellor on learning from Labour’s defeats, playing aggressive chess and that ‘boring snoring’ Tweet
Fri, September 17, 2021
The Sajid Javid Health Secretary One
The Health Secretary on the reshuffle, health inequalities after the pandemic and a missing pair of scissors
Fri, September 10, 2021
The Jeffrey Donaldson One
The DUP leader on his fear of further unrest in Northern Ireland, what he learned from Boris Johnson and the Mountains of Mourne
Fri, September 03, 2021
The Tom Tugendhat Afghanistan One
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair on shame, Afghanistan and Global Britain
Fri, June 25, 2021
The Oliver Dowden One
The Culture Secretary on culture wars, suburban values, football heritage and treading the boards
Fri, June 18, 2021
The Alok Sharma One
The COP26 President on the ‘decisive decade’ to tackle climate change, why Swampy runs Britain’s boardrooms and being Mr Boring
Fri, June 11, 2021
The Gordon Brown One
The former Prime Minister on tips for chairing the G7, footballers taking the knee and ‘not being silent’ on Scotland’s future
Fri, June 04, 2021
The Ed Miliband Reunion One
The Shadow Business Secretary and former Labour leader on thinking ‘big’, standing against his brother and emergency-charging his electric car
Fri, May 28, 2021
The Christina McAnea One
The Unison General Secretary on Red Clydeside, the art of negotiation and words of advice for Labour
Fri, May 21, 2021
The Kate Forbes One
The Scottish Finance Secretary on growing up in India, her faith and how another independence referendum will be fought
Fri, May 14, 2021
The Rachel de Souza One
The Children’s Commissioner on tackling failing schools, online safety and knowing your Aristotle
Fri, May 07, 2021
The Len McCluskey Election Special One
The Unite General Secretary on Labour’s electoral woes, Starmer’s ‘failure’ and the politics of football
Fri, April 30, 2021
The Jonathan Reynolds One
The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary on Labour’s ‘vast’ challenge, having an autistic child and why he would like to run Sunderland FC
Fri, April 23, 2021
The Justin Welby One
The Archbishop of Canterbury on being involved in politics, how leaders today are more moral than their predecessors, the need for reconciliation, and why he likes The West Wing
Fri, April 16, 2021
The Alistair Carmichael One
The longest-serving LibDem MP on the benefits of island life, why beef farming in Shetland shouldn’t be stopped by fears over global warming, working with Tories, and the perils of nationalism
Thu, April 08, 2021
The Jeane Freeman One
Scotland’s Health Secretary on her journey from communism via Labour to the SNP; why she says Alex Salmond is not fit to hold office; and what went wrong in Scotland’s care homes over covid
Thu, April 01, 2021
The Nadhim Zahawi One
The vaccines minister on fleeing Iraq, losing and making money, the role of entrepreneurs in vaccine development, and Shakespeare.
Fri, January 29, 2021
The Kwasi Kwarteng One
The new Business Secretary on whether he’s changed his mind on Thatcherite economics, his ‘Sunday’ name, views of Empire, and the quality of Nick’s interview research
Thu, January 21, 2021
The Michelle O'Neill One
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein leader discusses the likely impact of Joe Biden, her Irish Republican childhood and fighting covid
Fri, January 15, 2021
The Mark Sedwill One
The former Cabinet Secretary on handling crises, the end of the Trump era and speaking frankly to Boris
Fri, January 08, 2021
The Kate Bingham One
The former head of the Vaccine Taskforce on finding a vaccine, getting caught in the political crossfire and whether the UK can be ‘world-beating’
Fri, December 18, 2020
The Jake Berry One
The Conservative MP on a year of heartbreak, his friendship with the PM and his ambitions for the North
Fri, December 11, 2020
The Kate Green One
The Shadow Education Secretary on her despair at Jeremy Corbyn, abolishing Eton and reforming the honours system.
Fri, December 04, 2020
The Steve Rotheram One
The Liverpool Metro Mayor discusses his city’s image, Hillsborough, class politics, and why he did he a deal with Boris Johnson but won’t shake his hand
Fri, November 27, 2020
The Kemi Badenoch One
The Equalities Minister on redefining Black History Month, racial inequality and her love for Mrs Thatcher
Fri, October 02, 2020
The Siân Berry One
The Green Party co-leader on her childhood love of wildlife, taking on 4x4s and whether the Greens can change politics
Fri, September 25, 2020
The Simon Coveney One
The Irish Foreign Minister on his Anglo-Irish roots, the prospects for a Brexit deal and taking his centenarian grandmother to Lords
Fri, September 18, 2020
The George Eustice One
The Environment Secretary on the spirit of Poldark, answering questions for David Cameron and the price of fish fingers.
Fri, September 11, 2020
The Anneliese Dodds One
The Shadow Chancellor on her Presbyterian roots, being a student protestor and whether she’s prepared to say ‘no’
Fri, September 04, 2020
The Douglas Ross One
The new Scottish Conservative leader on football refereeing, his unusual knowledge of cattle and whether he can stop a second independence referendum
Fri, July 24, 2020
The Layla Moran One
The LibDem leadership contender discusses the meaning of liberalism, the threat of fat-shaming, and the common humanity of being stardust but not necessarily pansexual
Fri, July 17, 2020
The Thérèse Coffey One
The Work and Pensions Secretary on her Liverpudlian roots, applying science to politics, dealing with the rise in unemployment and her passion for karaoke
Fri, July 10, 2020
The Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds One
Labour's shadow home secretary on his village with seven MPs, the collective spirit of the Welsh valleys, what Michael Foot told him as a teenager, and his golfing name
Fri, July 03, 2020
The Mark Regev One
Israel's former ambassador to the UK on arguing his country's case, why he doesn't like being called 'silver-tongued', why he changed his name, and his reasons for optimism
Fri, June 26, 2020
The Neil Ferguson One
The leading epidemiologist on how science and politics can best work together, being forced to resign from a government committee, and his media nickname of 'Professor Lockdown'
Fri, June 19, 2020
The Robert Buckland One
The Justice Secretary on loneliness in politics, kneeling, how courts respond to covid, and why there is no such thing as 'normal' - plus he demonstrates his love of music
Fri, June 12, 2020
The Maro Itoje One
The leading England rugby player on racism, Black Lives Matter, statues, finding middle ground, the diversity of Harrow School, and being impressed by Keir Starmer
Fri, June 05, 2020
The Arlene Foster One
Northern Ireland's First Minister on what happened to her family during the Troubles, her discussions with Boris Johnson over Brexit, and what she's missed most during lockdown
Fri, May 29, 2020
The Jonathan Sumption One
The former Supreme Court justice on why lockdown is 'despotic', being a libertarian, not being a politician, what Lord Hutton's inquiry got wrong and what Keith Joseph got right
Fri, May 22, 2020
The Jeremy Hunt covid one
Jeremy Hunt talks about making mistakes, learning from Asia, his dispute with the junior doctors, and the trials of family life
Fri, May 15, 2020
The Mark Drakeford One
Wales's First Minister on tackling the virus, working with Boris & digging the allotment
Thu, May 07, 2020
The Richard Horton One
The editor of the Lancet discusses problems in the relationship between science and politics, why he thinks the lockdown must go on, and whether he is really a headline chaser.
Mon, April 06, 2020
The new Keir Starmer one
Labour's new leader Keir Starmer talks about his background, upbringing, legal career and core values (in an interview recorded in 2018)
Fri, March 13, 2020
The Rosena Allin-Khan One
The Labour deputy leadership candidate and doctor on being prepared for coronavirus, why she chose politics and that Love Actually video
Fri, March 06, 2020
The Rebecca Long-Bailey One
The Labour leadership candidate on her Mancunian roots, why she didn't go into politics straight away and raising her eyebrows
Fri, February 28, 2020
The Ian Murray One
The Labour deputy leadership candidate on uniting Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, saving Hearts FC and why Labour has to recover in Scotland if it is ever to win in Westminster again
Mon, February 17, 2020
The Inside Story of Election 19 One
A bonus episode, with Anne McElvoy's behind-the-scenes documentary about the 2019 election
Fri, February 07, 2020
The What Does Boris Johnson Really Think One
Pragmatist, libertarian or cakeist? Heathite or Trumpesque? Nick explores what drives the political views of Boris Johnson.
Fri, January 31, 2020
The Nigel Farage Brexit Day One
The leading Brexit campaigner on the lessons he learnt as a City trader, what he thought of the 1975 referendum, and how he changed the 2019 election
Thu, January 30, 2020
The Andy Street One
The Mayor of the West Midlands on his passion for HS2, why he nearly became a social worker and encouraging mavericks
Thu, January 23, 2020
The Nicky Morgan One
The Culture Secretary on why she went from Remainer rebel to Boris loyalist, her decision to quit frontline politics and the uncertain future of the BBC
Fri, January 17, 2020
The Lisa Nandy One
The Labour leadership candidate on her Liberal Grandfather, Marxist Dad, reviving towns and a love of Britney
Fri, December 20, 2019
The Ben Wallace One
The Defence Secretary on getting the MoD's house in order, how he discovered a ticking bomb and why Boris Johnson is a 'left-wing Tory'
Sat, December 07, 2019
The Prime Ministerial Debate One
A special edition with audio of Boris Johnson v Jeremy Corbyn, plus Nick's reflections after the debate
Wed, December 04, 2019
The General Election One with Bartley and Hancock
Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Bartley reveals why an encounter with David Cameron led him into politics, while Health Secretary Matt Hancock discusses his loyalty to Boris Johnson and why he keeps his mobile phone at bay
Wed, November 27, 2019
The General Election One with Gwynne and Curtice
Labour's campaign coordinator Andrew Gwynne discusses mental health, Waspi women and darts commentary, while John Curtice talks about exit polls and haircuts
Thu, November 21, 2019
The General Election One with Price and Cherry
Plaid Cymru's Adam Price and the SNP's Joanna Cherry on their personal journeys into politics and their ambitions for an independent Wales and Scotland
Thu, November 14, 2019
The General Election One with Tice and Ummuna
Chukka Ummuna and Richard Tice on big political risks, loyalty and election high stakes.
Thu, November 07, 2019
The Lindsay Hoyle One
The new Speaker on how he'll be different from his predecessor, his Lancastrian roots and the roll call of his 'political' pets
Thu, October 31, 2019
The Laura Pidcock One
Labour's shadow employment rights spokesperson discusses class politics, friends and enemies, and the commentariat
Fri, October 25, 2019
The Robert Jenrick One
The Housing Secretary on sleeping rough, owning homes, the Grenfell inquiry - and being the youngest cabinet minister
Fri, October 18, 2019
The Sadiq Khan One
London's Mayor on the benefits of boxing, why it's good to be friends with Tories, and his arguments with Donald Trump
Fri, October 11, 2019
The Rishi Sunak One
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury on why the Wirral meeting may go down in history, loosening the purse strings and his knowledge of The Force
Thu, October 03, 2019
The Grant Shapps One
The Transport Secretary on planning for a no deal Brexit, using a spreadsheet to back Boris Johnson and why he's grateful to Ronald McDonald
Fri, September 27, 2019
The Ken Clarke One
The Father of the House on whether he still wants the top job, the politics of discord and finding relaxation through jazz
Thu, September 19, 2019
The Stephen Kinnock One
The Labour MP on being the son of a party leader, the husband of a prime minister, a difficult encounter with the Russian police, and why his colleagues should back a Brexit deal
Fri, September 13, 2019
The Jon Trickett One
The Shadow Commons Leader on how a conversation with his grandfather sparked his political ambition and why Labour shouldn't turn its back on Leave voters
Thu, September 05, 2019
The Alistair Burt One
The rebel Tory MP on the experience of being purged, how the Conservative Party is changing, and why Jacob Rees-Mogg should sit up straight in the Commons
Fri, July 26, 2019
The Ian Blackford One
The SNP's Westminster leader discusses strategy at PMQs, parliamentary manoeuvres over Brexit, and how to deal with a procedural fankle or a political stramash
Thu, July 18, 2019
The William Hague One
The former Foreign Secretary on why he thinks Parliament will prevent a no-deal Brexit, the threat to the Union and why he has no desire to return to frontline politics
Thu, July 11, 2019
The Harriet Harman One
The longstanding campaigner for women's rights on why the next Labour leader and the next Commons Speaker must be women, her plans for a podcast, and why she now talks to Tories
Fri, July 05, 2019
The Philip Hammond One
The Chancellor on blocking a no-deal Brexit, spreading muck, the benefits of being dull, and the 'bizarre' feeling of finding himself on the far left of the Conservative party
Fri, June 28, 2019
The Ed Davey One
The Liberal Democrat leadership contender on why liberalism has a future (despite President Putin's comments), his call for a government of national unity and why he wants his homework back from Ed Balls
Fri, June 21, 2019
The Steve Barclay One
The Brexit Secretary on his Lancastrian roots, the 'challenges' facing the new PM and his days as a scrum-half
Fri, June 14, 2019
The David Lidington One
The Deputy Prime Minister on doing PMQs, the Tory leadership battle and the dreaded 3am phone call, plus some Elizabethan history and a re-enactment of University Challenge
Fri, June 07, 2019
The Tory Leadership Campaign One
Nick reviews what contenders have said about their background and values on the Political Thinking podcast
Fri, May 31, 2019
The Jeremy Hunt One
The Foreign Secretary on his inner toughness, the biggest jolt he's received while in the cabinet, the genius of Japan, and how to have fun dancing the lambada - plus a taste test
Sun, May 26, 2019
The Michael Gove One
The Environment Secretary on why he's running to be prime minister, how being adopted as a boy has influenced his thinking, and whether he can really be trusted.
Thu, May 23, 2019
The Helle Thorning-Schmidt One
The former Danish PM offers advice on life after office, dealing with populists and whether she wants to run the EU
Fri, May 17, 2019
The Stella Creasy One
The Labour MP on her mum's career advice, campaigning against payday lending and trying to avoid the Pythonesque giant foot of Brexit.
Fri, May 10, 2019
The Sajid Javid One
The Home Secretary explains how as a son of an immigrant bus driver he defied advice to become a banker and cabinet minister - but where will his ambitions take him next?
Fri, May 03, 2019
The Rory Stewart One
The new International Development Secretary on his pitch for the top job, the climate change 'emergency' and the joy of walking
Fri, April 26, 2019
The Alastair Campbell One
The People's Vote campaigner on dealing with depression, admiring Bill Clinton's speaking style and why Labour will be 'marmalized' at the European elections unless it commits to a second referendum
Thu, April 18, 2019
The Jed Mercurio One
The writer of Line of Duty and Bodyguard explains his approach to writing with authenticity about politics, the police and the NHS
Fri, April 12, 2019
The Steve Baker One
The Conservative Eurosceptic MP on righteous anger, herding tigers, not surrendering and why he's a left wing free marketeer
Thu, April 04, 2019
The Geoffrey Cox One
The Attorney General on the 'difficult birth' of Brexit, talking to Corbyn and why 'April is the cruellest month'
Fri, March 29, 2019
The Oliver Letwin One
A former Thatcherite with a record of gaffes, is he now usurping the role of prime minister or has he become a Mr. Fixit taking responsibility to tackle a national crisis?
Fri, March 22, 2019
The Greg Clark One
The Business Secretary on why Theresa May's address to the nation 'wasn't a great success', finding common ground on Brexit and whether his name is actually Greg.
Fri, March 15, 2019
The Esther McVey One
The former Cabinet Minister on deciding to back May's deal, ensuring a 'dignified' exit for the PM and her Liverpudlian roots.
Fri, March 08, 2019
The Gavin Williamson One
The Defence Secretary on why the Prime Minister should go 'on and on', speaking plain Yorkshire and why he kept a tarantula.
Fri, March 01, 2019
The Tobias Ellwood One
The Defence Minister on escaping 'Carry On Brexit', Britain's place in the world and the personal impact of terrorism
Fri, February 22, 2019
The Luciana Berger One
The Independent MP on the trauma of leaving Labour, the stresses of facing anti-Semitism and the difficult process of forging a new political force
Fri, February 15, 2019
The Gloria De Piero One
The Labour MP on why she dreamed of going to Skegness, the importance of listening to Leave voters and why her colleagues need to keep the faith.
Fri, February 08, 2019
The Jonathan Ashworth One
The Shadow Health Secretary on coming to terms with his Dad's alcoholism, his fears over Brexit and why he's a Croslandite and not a Corbynite
Fri, February 01, 2019
The Sir Graham Brady One
The Chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee on delaying Article 50, championing grammar schools and where he keeps his safe.
Fri, January 25, 2019
The David Miliband One
David discusses Davos, his refugee parents, the case for another referendum, the future of British politics, and where he feels at home.
Fri, January 18, 2019
The Nick Boles One
The Conservative MP on his plan to block a no-deal Brexit, why his time in Parliament may be up and why he now lives every moment.
Fri, January 04, 2019
The Personal is Political One
Nick reflects on what the personal interviews from the podcast over the last year reveal about the state of today's politics
Fri, December 21, 2018
The David Gauke One
The Justice Secretary on slaying unicorns, why he might quit the Cabinet and his overnight stay in prison.
Fri, December 14, 2018
The Hilary Benn One
The Chair of the Brexit Committee on Theresa May's options, why he disagreed with his father's views on Europe and the art of keeping a diary
Fri, December 07, 2018
The Justine Greening One
The former cabinet minister on being a Rotherham Tory, breaking the class ceiling, why resigning from government preserved her self-respect, and the case for another referendum
Thu, November 29, 2018
The James Brokenshire One
The Communities Secretary on his former life as a voiceover artist, dealing with cancer and his role in negotiating the Northern Ireland backstop.
Fri, November 23, 2018
The Diane Abbott One
The Shadow Home Secretary on why she's sure Brexit will happen next spring, how working at the Home Office got her into politics and why her staff persuaded her to talk about the online abuse she's received.
Fri, November 16, 2018
The Mayday One
Behind the scenes on a day of turmoil, Nick explains all via banter with his colleagues, Jacob Rees Mogg, a shouting numismatist and a well-informed schoolgirl.
Fri, November 09, 2018
The Damian Hinds One
The Education Secretary on why we need to 'buckle up' as Brexit approaches, asking for more than 'little extras' for schools and why he used to carry a guitar pick in his pocket.
Fri, November 02, 2018
The Shaun Bailey One
The Conservative candidate for Mayor of London on his Jamaican mum, getting racist abuse from MPs and attending his first political meeting after a fight with a drug dealer.
Fri, October 26, 2018
The John McDonnell One
The Shadow Chancellor on whether the profit motive is moral, how he's now careful with his language, and why he became a Marxist not a priest.
Fri, October 19, 2018
The Amber Rudd One
The former Home Secretary on why civil servants let her down over Windrush, why she wants her old job back and the making of Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Thu, October 11, 2018
The Sir John Major One
The former PM on soapbox politics, why Universal Credit needs to change, dealing with his 'Maastricht bastards' and his sympathy for Theresa May.
Fri, October 05, 2018
The David Davis One
The former Brexit Secretary on his Communist grandfather, how sugar turned him into a Eurosceptic and why he blames Philip Hammond for problems in the Brexit negotiations.
Fri, September 28, 2018
The Andy Burnham One
The Mayor of Greater Manchester on why he blames social media for losing to Jeremy Corbyn and growing up in Manchester but never losing his Merseyside roots.
Fri, September 21, 2018
The Vince Cable One
The LibDem leader discusses spasms, how racism affected his family, his respect for Blair and Brown, the prospects for liberalism, and his future career - as a novelist
Fri, September 14, 2018
The Len McCluskey One
The Unite leader on the dangers of the gig economy, why he wouldn't weep if Tony Blair left the Labour Party, his enduring love of poetry and the end of a friendship.
Fri, September 07, 2018
The Tony Blair One
Tony Blair on his fears about how Labour has changed, his hopes on how Brexit could be stopped, and what it's like being followed all the time by bodyguards
Fri, August 31, 2018
Political Thinking returns next week
Nick Robinson looks forward to a momentous autumn.
Fri, August 24, 2018
Bonus podcast: Could the PM have a Brummie accent?
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers over the summer break, Chris Mason presents an edition of Archive on 4 about the accents of politics and the politics of accents. Political Thinking returns next week.
Fri, August 17, 2018
Bonus podcast: Corbyn’s Labour Episode 3
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers over the summer break, Iain Watson presents the final episode in the Radio 4 series, ‘The Long March of Corbyn’s Labour’. He examines how the party has been transformed into a mass movement and whether it can maintain momentum. Political Thinking will return in September.
Fri, August 10, 2018
Bonus podcast: Corbyn’s Labour Episode 2
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers over the summer break, the FT’s George Parker presents the second episode in the Radio 4 series, ‘The Long March of Corbyn’s Labour’. He explores Labour’s approach to the economy and how far reaching its policies will be. Political Thinking will return in September.
Fri, August 10, 2018
Bonus podcast: Corbyn’s Labour Episode 2
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers over the summer break, the FT’s George Parker presents the second episode in the Radio 4 series, ‘The Long March of Corbyn’s Labour’. He explores Labour’s approach to the economy and how far reaching its policies will be. Political Thinking will return in September.
Fri, August 03, 2018
Bonus podcast: Corbyn’s Labour Episode 1
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers over the summer break, Steve Richards presents the first episode in the Radio 4 series, ‘The Long March of Corbyn’s Labour’. He examines the year since the general election and looks at how Jeremy Corbyn has changed as leader. Political Thinking will return in September.
Wed, July 25, 2018
The Nia Griffith One
The Shadow Defence Secretary on learning Polish, how the classroom prepared her for frontline politics and Labour's wrangling over anti-Semitism.
Fri, July 20, 2018
The Liz Truss One
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury on why she's a 'freedom fighter', her penchant for British cheese and why any deal on Brexit 'doesn't bind future parliaments'.
Fri, July 13, 2018
The Andrea Leadsom One
The Commons Leader on backing Brexit, being baffled by Boris, being badmouthed by Bercow, boosting babies' brains and branding Big Ben.
Thu, July 05, 2018
The Dominic Raab One
The Housing Minister on ticking all the diversity boxes, coping with a divided household over the World Cup and negotiating the "rocky bridge" towards Brexit.
Fri, June 29, 2018
The Dominic Grieve One
The former Attorney General on his Anglo-French roots, efforts to stop a 'no deal' Brexit and challenging the actions of spooks
Fri, June 22, 2018
The Tommy Sheppard One
The SNP MP on when indyref2 might come, why his party walked out of the Commons and how he was knocked out of MasterChef
Thu, June 14, 2018
The Tom Watson One
Labour's Deputy Leader on how losing weight has lifted his 'brain fog', his fears when confronting Rupert Murdoch, and how he could now be 'taken out' by a former friend
Fri, June 08, 2018
The Andrew Adonis One
The Labour peer and self-proclaimed 'Remoaner' on why he thinks Brexit should be stopped, his ambition to become an MP and losing contact with his mother.
Fri, May 25, 2018
The Shakira Martin One
NUS President on how further education saved her, not wanting to sound like a politician (without denying political ambitions) and why it's polite to use jazz hands.
Fri, May 18, 2018
The Angela Rayner One
Labour's education spokesperson on being poor but not being "a scumbag", and whether she might become leader, plus London-centric politics, shoes and the Royal Wedding
Fri, May 11, 2018
The David Lammy One
The campaigning Labour MP on politicians standing up to "their bloody electorates", taking on the establishment over Grenfell and Windrush and how singing changed his life.
Fri, May 04, 2018
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.
Fri, April 27, 2018
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.
Fri, April 20, 2018
The Tom Tugendhat One
The soldier turned politician on talking to your enemies, surviving in the battlefield and taking responsibility when things go wrong.
Fri, April 13, 2018
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.
Fri, March 23, 2018
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
Fri, March 16, 2018
The Brandon Lewis One
The Conservative Party chairman talks about popcorn, high street parking and whether he's too young to be a Tory
Fri, March 09, 2018
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
Fri, March 02, 2018
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.
Fri, February 23, 2018
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.
Wed, February 21, 2018
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.
Wed, February 14, 2018
Bonus Podcast: Cameron Years Episode 2
Part Two focuses on David Cameron's mission to modernise and transform the Conservative party and its thinking, exploring ideas such as the Big Society, the major shake-up of education and health policy, social reforms such as same-sex marriage and the ambition to make the party more environmentally conscious. We examine the impact of the financial crisis and "austerity" on the Cameron governments. We ask whether there is such a thing as "Cameronism" and we assess the success of David Cameron's mission to make the Conservatives more diverse and representative of modern Britain.
Fri, February 09, 2018
The Paris Lees One
The journalist and transgender rights activist talks about growing up trans and why the way media debates trans issues makes her angry.
Wed, February 07, 2018
Bonus podcast: Cameron Years Episode 1
In a bonus podcast for Political Thinking subscribers, Steve Richards presents a series looking back at David Cameron's dramatic years in power. Part one explores the issue of Europe which overwhelmed his premiership.
Fri, February 02, 2018
The Sam Gyimah One
The new Universities minister talks about the importance of free speech on campus, growing up in Ghana, being Oxford president and life as David Cameron's bag carrier.
Fri, January 26, 2018
The Jess Phillips One
The straight-talking Brummie talks feminism, why pragmatism trumps principle and her unlikely friendship with Jacob Rees-Mogg
Fri, January 19, 2018
The James Cleverly One
The new Conservative Deputy Chairman recalls his parents' sacrifices, explains why it's ok to want to be PM and reveals how he relaxes with his toy soldiers.
Fri, January 12, 2018
The Ian Hislop One
The Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You stalwart Ian Hislop talks about being a sceptic but not a cynic, his admiration for the Victorians' political energy and why the Eye's satirical journalism matters.
Fri, January 05, 2018
The Emily Thornberry One
From schoolgirl ragamuffin to queen of sass, the Shadow Foreign Secretary tells Nick how life’s challenges have forged her, and the benefits of singing. Will she perform for us?
Fri, December 15, 2017
The Unusual George Osborne One
George Osborne turns the tables and achieves his long-standing ambition - to interview Nick. Does he get his own back?
Fri, December 08, 2017
The Peter Tatchell One
The human rights activist talks about the long fight for LGBT equality, the importance of debate and free speech, and why love drives his campaigning.
Fri, December 01, 2017
The Dan Hannan One
The politician who some credit as the man behind Brexit tells Nick why it wasn't about immigration, how the British sometimes fail to appreciate what they have and why the UK should look to Switzerland as inspiration.
Fri, November 24, 2017
The Armando Iannucci One
The comedy brain behind The Thick of It, Veep and The Death of Stalin talks with Nick about the importance of language in politics, why comedy needs to be more like journalism and which one of them was the bigger teenage political trainspotter.
Fri, November 17, 2017
The Frances O'Grady One
The TUC leader tells us what the Remain campaign got wrong, why we were happiest in the 1970s, and what she does with her lunch break. But does she forgive Nick for using Uber?
Fri, November 10, 2017
The Chuka Umunna One
Can he block Brexit? Is he a Remaniac? Does he really think Jeremy Corbyn is like Harold Wilson? Why didn't he run for Labour leader? And is he happy to be a backbencher?
Fri, November 03, 2017
The Caroline Lucas One
How patriarchy works in Parliament, why her party's vision of a green economy is more radical than Jeremy Corbyn's, and when it's sometimes just too tough to go vegan.
Fri, October 27, 2017
The Rob Halfon One
Rob Halfon MP tells Nick why Conservatives need to radically reconnect with the people
Fri, October 20, 2017
The GO'D One
Gus O'Donnell, former top civil servant, on cabinet disunity and the problems of Brexit
Fri, October 13, 2017
The Ed Miliband One
Ed Miliband tells Nick his big ideas and wonders if he should have been a redder Ed.
Fri, October 06, 2017
The Ruth Davidson One
Nick discusses the implications of Theresa May's conference speech with Ruth Davidson
Fri, September 29, 2017
The Jon Lansman One
Jon Lansman talks to Nick about where Momentum could be taking the Labour party.
Sat, June 03, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 03 Jun 2017
Students, polls and politicians - with less than a week to polling day
Sat, May 27, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 27 May 2017
George Osborne on the power of the press, Jacqui Smith on dealing with terrorism.
Sat, May 20, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 20 May 2017
Class politics or Blue Labour? Nick talks to Owen Jones and Maurice Glasman.
Sun, May 14, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 13 May 2017
What makes a good campaign manifesto - and how can pledges lead to future problems?
Sat, May 06, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 6 May 2017
Nick examines election spending and looks at strategic options for the party campaigns
Sun, April 30, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 30 April 2017
Nick reflects on the media coverage of the campaign and talks to the writer Paul Mason.
Sat, April 22, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 22 Apr 2017
Nick Robinson reflects on his interview with Theresa May and talks to William Hague
Sun, April 16, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 16 April 2017
Is the NHS sustainable? Nick Robinson discusses whether it needs more money and reforms.
Sun, April 09, 2017
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson 9 April 2017
Is globalisation dead? Nick Robinson discusses its pros, cons and future prospects.
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