Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

An exclusive interview on immigration, racism, Russia, Farage and Trump.Jordan Bardella is the leader of National Rally in France, and currently leading the polls to become president in 2027 if his mentor, Marine Le Pen fails to overturn a conviction that bars her from running for office. In the meantime, he is on a mission to persuade people that his party has changed since its history as the National Front, founded in the 1970s by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist and Holocaust-denier. Can he succeed?In this interview, Bardella responds to Donald Trump's criticism of Europe, rejects challenges on racism and explains why he is in London to meet with Nigel FarageProducers: Daniel Kraemer and Leela Padmanabhan Research: Lisa Louis Translation: Pierre-Antoine Denis Additional translation: Merlyn Thomas, Erwan Rivault Sound editing: Craig Kingham Editor: Giles Edwards

Why did the leader of the opposition call the chancellor 'spineless' and 'shameless'?Kemi Badenoch joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on what lay behind the personal and political debates around Budget Day.How can she emulate Margaret Thatcher's regeneration of the Conservative Party?How did anger help drive her into politics? And why do her kids wish she still worked at McDonald's?Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Chloe Desave Editor: Jonathan Brunert Sound: Ged Sudlow and Andrew Mills

Why is the Home Secretary warning against leaving space for "darker forces"?Shabana Mahmood sits down with Nick off the back of announcing sweeping changes to the asylum system in the UK.Why did she decide to quote explicit racial abuse in the House of Commons? And how does she intend to avoid "ceding the territory of asylum to the far right"?The Home Secretary reflects on how her Muslim faith plays a part in her job and sense of public service. And she reflects on the "humiliation" of the Downing Street briefing chaos.Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Chloe Desave Sound: Ged Sudlow and Hal Haines Editor: Jonathan Brunert

Can Plaid Cymru replace Labour as the party of power in Wales next year? Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party's leader, thinks so. Rhun ap Iorwerth joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to talk about how his parents' passion for Welsh heritage and language formed the basis for his vision for the country. They explore Welsh identity and the anti-monarchy spirit that inspired the name of his teenage band.Also on the agenda: immigration, mispronunciations, and Robbie Williams.Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Chloe Desave Editor: Leela Padmanabhan

Ed Davey warns Starmer against handing Reform UK 'the keys into 10 Downing Street'Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Chloe Desave Sound: Ged Sudlow and Andrew Mills Editor: Giles Edwards