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Episode details

Radio 4,10 Jan 2026,42 mins

John Swinney: Trump, Independence and Scottish Troops in Ukraine

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Available for over a year

What is the Scottish First Minister's secret for getting Donald Trump's attention? Nick is in Edinburgh to sit down with John Swinney, at the start of a year of big elections across the UK, including for the Scottish Parliament. He has been at the top of SNP-led government's for almost all of the last 19 years. He is now asking for another five years, with the hope of securing a new independence referendum. In this conversation, Swinney talks about how he charmed Donald Trump, reflects on a dangerous world, and opens up about the pressures on his family life. Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Flora Murray Sound: Fiona Fairmaner Editor: Giles Edwards

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