The Rest Is Politics

18 Dec 2025

480. Trump, China, and the Scramble for Latin America (Question Time)

What’s really driving Trump’s interventions in Venezuela and the rest of Latin America – oil, drugs, or democracy? Is Labour failing on its promise to reform and ultimately abolish the House of Lords? Why is there so little coverage of the Palestine Action hunger strike?

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.

Leading

15 Dec 2025

166. John Swinney: An Independent Scotland Is An Open Scotland

What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers? 

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.

Latest

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Notes from Brixton prison

The problem with Britain’s justice system is that incarceration is more than a punishment – it destroys lives... Continue

144. Gary Stevenson: From Teenage Drug Dealer to Millionaire Trader (Part 1)

How did Gary Stevenson go from being expelled for drug dealing, to one of the most successful traders in London? How does class and privilege play into the world of finance in the UK? What... Continue

How Trump Ditched Ideology

Does Trump already see himself as America’s king? Have he and Vance swapped ideology for a medieval approach to politics? Will reality finally catch up with the MAGA coalition? Join Rory a... Continue

The Real JD Vance: How Trump Ditched Ideology (Part 5)

Does Trump already see himself as America’s king? Have he and Vance swapped ideology for a medieval approach to politics? Will reality finally catch up with the MAGA coalition? Join Rory a... Continue

429. Question Time: Gaza, Genocide, and Global Hypocrisy

Has the West lost its moral voice on Gaza? Can Britain and France rebuild trust on migration after Brexit? And, where are today’s Bob Geldofs — and why won’t they speak up? Join Rory a... Continue

428. Rory vs. Alastair: Are we spending too much on defence?

Is Starmer falling into Trump's defence spending trap? What's the bigger threat to the European democracies: Putin or populism? Why has a Labour-affiliated union suspended Angela Rayner, a tr... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Yes, it’s a genocide

Fence sitting is no longer possible, or right. The manner and scale of Israel’s demolition of Gaza goes way beyond either legal proportion or respect for civilian life... Continue

143. Iraq, Trump, and America’s Slide to Authoritarianism (Congressman Seth Moulton)

How did Congressman Moulton keep fighting the Iraq war when he thought it was a mistake? Is there anyone who can stop Trump, or is he an absolute monarch? Have substandard politicians used mi... Continue