Politically

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.

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 strengths and weaknesses, and what kind of a leader he might have made.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer.

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

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

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.

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.

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