The Rest Is Politics

1 Oct 2026

576. How Xi is Outplaying Trump and Tensions in Northern Ireland

As Trump becomes the first American president to personally welcome a visiting head of state off a plane since JFK greeted Harold Macmillan in 1962, did his summit with President Xi signal improving US-China relations, or does Xi have his counterpart in an economic chokehold? With the standoff between protesters and members of the pro-British Protestant Orange Order in Northern Ireland showing no sign of resolution, is the region's fragile peace in danger of unravelling? And as violence erupts in Ethiopia, is Africa's second most populous country on the brink of civil war – and does it risk dragging other regional actors into a wider conflict spanning the Horn of Africa and the Gulf?

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

View all episodes

Leading

5 Oct 2026

209. Shabana Mahmood: Palestine Action, Faith and What I Told Starmer

Is the government's ban on Palestine Action lawful, or overreaching? Why can't Britain just send small boats straight back to France? Can faith and public duty coexist in modern British politics?

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

View all episodes

Latest

38. Theresa May: Windrush, police, and the cult of personality (Part 1)

What is Theresa May’s biggest regret from her time as Home Secretary? Why was the Hillsborough disaster such an abuse of power? What’s it like to stay on as an MP after occupying the hi... Continue
Leading

175. Question Time: The Power of Rupert Murdoch

What is Rupert Murdoch's legacy in the world of media and politics? What did Rory discuss with First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf? Why have there been protests within the Metropolitan P... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

174. Scrapping HS2, ‘Ukraine fatigue’, and ‘Vive le Roi!’

Is Angela Rayner more popular than Keir Starmer? What’s going on in Poland and why is one of Ukraine's strongest allies seemingly waning in its support? Why do the French love King Charles?... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Rishi Sunak brought the Tories to a new low

Sunak's U-turn on the environment makes Boris Johnson and Liz Truss appear honest and capable... Continue
The New European

37. Chris Hipkins, New Zealand PM: Working with Xi Jinping, fighting to stay in power, and zero covid’s double-edged sword

What is it like going from cabinet minister to Prime Minister? Are politicians in New Zealand more courteous than politicians in the UK? Why was New Zealand's Covid-19 response so effective?F... Continue
Leading

173. Question Time: Corbyn’s expulsion from Labour, Belgium’s sex education crisis, and how would Blair fare as PM today?

Was Keir Starmer right to expel Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party? Why is sex education causing protests in Belgium? How would Tony Blair's Labour cope in 2023?Join Rory Stewart and Alastai... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

172. Liz Truss returns, Putin’s Western puppets, and Rory at the United Nations

What have we learnt on the first anniversary of Britain's catastrophic experiment with Trussonomics?Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss Libya, the United Nations General Assembly, Putin's ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The most brutal speech I ever heard

We need more great oratory in Westminster, not less... Continue
The New European