logo
episode-header-image
May 11
22m 59s

Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Nick Robinson speaks to Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

It’s 80 years since VE day marked the end of WW2 in Europe - and Sir John reflects on the lessons that should be remembered from the conflict. He is the last British Prime Minister who was alive during the Second World War.

Sir John warns democracy should not be taken for granted, and is in retreat in some parts of the world - where tyranny is instead taking its place. He sets out his belief in fighting for the freedom of Ukraine, in a stronger NATO, and in a united Europe able to defend itself.

The former Prime Minister also looks back at previous Victory in Europe days, and the moving ceremonies, moments and people that have stayed with him.

The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Nick Robinson Producers: Ben Cooper, Lucy Sheppard Editor: Max Deveson

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

Up next
Yesterday
Pete Townshend from The Who: Farewell tour doesn’t mean the end
John Wilson speaks to Pete Townshend, songwriter and guitarist of British rock band The Who about the band’s farewell tour of the US.Through his powerful stage presence and pioneering use of technology, Townshend transformed The Who from a hobby wedding band to one of the biggest ... Show More
22m 58s
Aug 19
Eliot Higgins: Algorithms don’t drive the truth
Algorithms don’t drive the truthAmol Rajan speaks to Eliot Higgins, founder of the open-source investigative organisation Bellingcat, as the world grapples with the growing threat posed by misinformation and conspiracy theories being deliberately spread online. Founded in 2014, B ... Show More
22m 59s
Aug 18
Giuseppe Lavazza: Coffee is a big responsibility
Coffee is a big responsibilityJulia Caesar speaks to Giuseppe Lavazza, chairman of coffee giant Lavazza, about the multiple challenges facing the industry today. Many people around the world say they can’t function without their morning cup of coffee. In fact, global coffee consu ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Ex-UK Defence Secretary Warns Wars Converging
In this week's episode, One Decision's Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Michael Fallon, the former United Kingdom Defence Minister. They discuss how today's global conflicts mirror those from ten years ago when Sir Fal ... Show More
35m 54s
Jul 2024
UNLOCKED: UK Diplomat Ian Proud Full Interview
For $6 a month, become a Useful Idiot! Get extended interviews, Thursday Throwdowns, and bonus content at www.usefulidiotspodcast.comWatch Thursday Throwdown: NYT accidentally exposes Biden's big debate lie https://www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/p/nyt-accidentally-exposes-bidens ... Show More
48m 51s
Jul 2024
Electioncast Results: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Today, Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister after visiting the King in Buckingham Palace.Adam and Alex discuss his first speech in Downing Street. Earlier on Friday, Rishi Sunak made a final speech as prime minister, apologising to the nation and announcing he would be stepping ... Show More
34m 24s
Jul 31
Trump v Carney (Again)
Today, US President Donald Trump has said that Canada’s move to recognise a Palestinian state threatens a trade deal between the countries. The news comes as US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. Canada’s annou ... Show More
23m 11s
Oct 2024
The War in the Pacific: How WWII Changed the World Forever - Dr Robert Lyman
Robert Lyman MBE is a British military historian. A former Major in the British Army, he has published over 16 books on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, regularly appearing on TV and radio, lectures at organisa ... Show More
1h 13m
Mar 2025
Starmer Starts Military Plans for Peace in Ukraine
Today, Laura and Paddy discuss UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s virtual summit with the ‘coalition of the willing’.Downing Street say representatives from 26 countries joined the Prime Minister this morning to discuss bolstering support for Ukraine by moving military planning to ... Show More
32m 41s
Mar 2019
Tony Blair
With Brexit drawing nearer, Tony Blair discusses his stance on Britain leaving the EU, the newly formed Independent Group, as well as his disappointment of the Anti-Semitism claims within the Labour party, and his point of view on the recent 'White Savior' debate surrounding his ... Show More
31m 40s
Jul 2024
Trump: "I'm Supposed to be Dead"
Today, we look at the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.After surviving an attempt on his life, the former president says he will "bring the country together”, while President Joe Biden calls for the "temperature of politics" to be lowered. What will happen ... Show More
35m 43s
Aug 2024
Starmer vs Musk: the incredible first battle of the Labour Government
As planned violence continues this week the Prime Minister has a new battle on his hands - and it's one of the most influential men on the planet. Elon Musk is trolling Kier Starmer. So, how do governments take on Big Tech? Later, Jon speaks to Scotland's former First Minister Hu ... Show More
41m 52s
Jul 2024
Starmers and Stripes
Today we look at the meeting of world leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the NATO summit in Washington.Adam is joined by Chris from Washington and Americast host Justin Webb to talk about the prime minister’s first day at the gathering. Meanwhile, President Joe ... Show More
34m 20s