Conversations with leading political figures reflecting on their lives in politics.
Radio 4,·53 episodes
Jerry Brown
The former California governor talks to James Naughtie about sin, excess and JFK.
29 Jun 2026,·28 mins
Jeremy Hunt
The former chancellor reflects on tough choices and political resurrection.
13 Jul 2026,·28 mins
Caroline Lucas
The former Green Party leader discusses power, getting arrested and listening to opponents
20 Jul 2026,·28 mins
1. The Economy
Alex Forsyth and guests discuss the impact leaving the EU has had on the UK economy.
08 Jun 2026,·14 mins
2. Trade
Alex Forsyth examines the impact leaving the EU has had on UK trade and investment.
09 Jun 2026,·14 mins
3: Immigration
Did Brexit succeed in 'taking back control' of immigration?
10 Jun 2026,·14 mins
4: Northern Ireland
How was Northern Ireland affected by the UK's decision to leave the EU?
11 Jun 2026,·14 mins
5: The Union
How did Brexit change the devolved nations' relationship with Westminster and the EU?
12 Jun 2026,·14 mins
6: Regulatory Freedom
Has the UK made the most of its post-Brexit regulatory freedom?
15 Jun 2026,·14 mins
7: Science and Academia
How has Brexit impacted science and academia in Britain?
16 Jun 2026,·14 mins
8: Fishing and Farming
Why did fishing and farming resonate so deeply during the Brexit referendum debate?
17 Jun 2026,·14 mins
9: Impact on Europe
What effect did Brexit have on the EU?
18 Jun 2026,·14 mins
10: Impact on Politics
Why has Brexit had such a profound effect on British politics?
19 Jun 2026,·14 mins
John Kerry
James Naughtie talks to veteran US politician John Kerry about his life and career.
10 Jul 2025,·37 mins
Diane Abbott
Labour MP Diane Abbott reflects on a life in politics in conversation with James Naughtie.
17 Jul 2025,·29 mins
Malcolm Rifkind
Former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind reflects on a life in politics.
24 Jul 2025,·29 mins
Steve Baker
The adventures of an arch Brexiteer: James Naughtie talks to former MP Steve Baker.
31 Jul 2025,·28 mins
Trailer
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.
04 Jun 2025,·2 mins
1. The Rejection
Why did Winston Churchill find himself so decisively rejected by the electorate?
09 Jun 2025,·14 mins
2. Mr Churchill and Mr Attlee
With the war in Europe at an end, Churchill and Attlee became fierce election rivals.
10 Jun 2025,·14 mins
3. The Beveridge Report
William Beveridge's plan was an answer to the question of what we were fighting for.
11 Jun 2025,·14 mins
4. Public Opinion
How could politicians know what voters were thinking in 1945?
12 Jun 2025,·14 mins
5. The Soldiers' Election
During the 1945 election, there were still almost five million servicemen and women.
13 Jun 2025,·14 mins
6. Appealing to Women
How did the 1945 election reflect the dramatically changed working lives of women?
16 Jun 2025,·15 mins
7. The Labour Manifesto
Uniquely in modern British history, the 1945 Labour Manifesto was a genuine bestseller.
17 Jun 2025,·14 mins
8. Healthcare for All
The war changed many things, and access to healthcare was one of them.
18 Jun 2025,·14 mins
9. Churchill's 'Gestapo' Broadcast
Churchill's first election broadcast in 1945 might be remembered as his greatest gaffe.
19 Jun 2025,·14 mins
10. India and Empire
The question of self-government for India would have to be confronted when war was over.
20 Jun 2025,·14 mins
11. Homes for Heroes
The 1945 election was fought and decided over two main issues: demobilisation and housing.
23 Jun 2025,·14 mins
12. Art, War and Propaganda
With the creation of the Arts Council in 1945, on-going state patronage of the arts began.
24 Jun 2025,·14 mins
