Political Thinking with Nick Robinson - John Swinney: Trump, Independence and Scottish Troops in Ukraine

Download John Swinney: Trump, Independence and Scottish Troops in Ukraine

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

Published on Friday, 9th January 2026.

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