'A bad start even before he starts' - Welsh First Minister on why trouble's brewing with Burnham

From Downing Street... to California Governor? Former Tory adviser Steve Hilton on making the Golden State great again

Jun 19, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Steve Hilton, the former key adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron who is now running as a Republican candidate for Governor of California. The discussion explores Hilton’s remarkable political evolution, tracing his journey from the architect of "compassionate conservatism" and the "hug a hoodie" era in the UK to becoming a prominent media figure and a supporter of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement in the United States. Hilton rejects the idea that his shift in perspective represents a fundamental change in his core beliefs. Instead, he frames his political trajectory as a pragmatic response to the failures of global economic policies that have stagnated wages for the working class. Throughout the interview, Hilton emphasizes his commitment to decentralizing power, criticizing bloated government bureaucracies, and advocating for what he calls "positive populism." He also addresses his policy goals for California, centering his campaign on affordability and addressing the state’s high costs of living and energy. The conversation offers a candid look at how personal experiences, including his upbringing as the son of Hungarian refugees, shaped his enduring skepticism of government authority.

'We need some daydreaming': lawyer Theodor Meron on surviving the Holocaust, and issuing Netanyahu’s arrest warrant

Jun 12, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, the host sits down with Theodore Meron, a renowned human rights lawyer and former president of the UN war crimes tribunals. Now ninety-six, Meron reflects on his extraordinary life, beginning with his survival of the Holocaust as a child in Poland. He recounts the harrowing loss of his family and the critical role that daydreaming played in helping him maintain his sanity and hope during those darkest years. The discussion pivots to Meron’s later career in international justice, specifically his controversial role as an advisor to the International Criminal Court regarding the arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Meron addresses the intense criticism surrounding these warrants, firmly defending the necessity of applying the rule of law and the principle of accountability regardless of the political climate. Drawing on his unique history, he discusses the ethical obligations of legal professionals to remain impartial, even when dealing with the nation of his own upbringing. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful meditation on justice, the resilience of the human spirit, and why maintaining a sense of optimism remains essential to improving the world.

Why Starmer will survive: The Attorney General on human rights, small boats, and his ‘dogged’ friend the Prime Minister

Jun 5, 202635 minSummary

In this episode of Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, the host sits down with Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer for his first full-length broadcast interview. Addressing his reputation as a target for critics who label him an out-of-touch liberal lawyer, Hermer defends his background as a state-school-educated man from Cardiff and discusses his long-standing friendship and professional history with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The conversation explores the complexities of the Attorney General’s role, which involves advising the government on sensitive legal issues, including the legality of military support and the criminal justice system. Hermer rejects the "Herminator" nickname, arguing that his job is not to block government policy, but to enable it through legally sound frameworks. He emphasizes that patriotism and a commitment to international human rights are not mutually exclusive, particularly when addressing the migration crisis. He advocates for international cooperation over isolationism to effectively manage small boat crossings. Finally, Hermer offers a candid perspective on the Prime Minister’s leadership, dismissing the idea that Starmer is struggling and instead framing him as a uniquely resilient and dogged leader who is deeply committed to structural societal change despite the challenges of modern political communication.

“Inequalities don’t happen by accident” Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson on trans rights, Islamophobia, and why equality still matters

May 29, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of Political Thinking, host Nick Robinson sits down with Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), to discuss the complex and often contentious nature of her role. As the person tasked with upholding equality laws in the UK, Stephenson addresses the delicate balancing act required to navigate competing rights in an increasingly polarized society. The conversation explores how modern debates—ranging from trans rights and the provision of single-sex spaces to the challenges of defining Islamophobia—are frequently reduced to binary "good versus evil" narratives. Stephenson emphasizes that her duty is not to be a partisan activist, but to act as a regulator who interprets the law to protect all citizens, often necessitating a nuanced, case-by-case approach rather than simple moral posturing. Drawing on her extensive background in the women's sector and human rights advocacy, she argues that meaningful progress comes through dialogue rather than the "silencing" of opposing views. Throughout the discussion, Stephenson stresses that equality is not about choosing one group over another, but about finding a way to balance the rights and freedoms of diverse communities within a clear legal framework.

'What the hell are we doing?' Wes Streeting on his promise to young people, resigning from government, and wanting to be PM

May 21, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Wes Streeting offers an insightful and candid reflection on his recent resignation as Health Secretary and his aspirations for the future of the Labour Party. Streeting frames the current political climate as an existential "fight for Britain," warning that the country is suffering from a dangerous sense of pessimism and fatalism. He argues that the nation’s social contract is broken, particularly for young people who face educational setbacks, economic instability, and a lack of clear opportunity compared to previous generations. Throughout the conversation, Streeting criticizes the current Labour government for its perceived lack of direction and vision, describing it as "over-cautious" and prone to managing decline rather than driving meaningful change. He addresses his decision not to launch a immediate leadership challenge, emphasizing the need for party unity, while acknowledging fundamental disagreements with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach to governance. Streeting also defends his professional background against critics who question his experience, asserting that his work in the charity sector and his leadership of the NHS have equipped him to advocate for a more ambitious, mission-driven political agenda.