The Rest Is Politics

26 Mar 2026

515. Starmer’s Foreign Aid Betrayal, Islamophobia & Australia’s Far Right (Question Time)

Are the UK government’s aid cuts more extreme than those made under austerity and Trump? What can Britain learn from South Australia's landslide against the far-right? Have the Tories & Reform adopted a strategy of Islamophobia?

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

23 Mar 2026

181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art

Why was Ai Weiwei kidnapped and held prisoner by the Chinese government? How did the 2008 Sichuan earthquake radicalise him into taking aim at the authorities through art? What’s behind Ai Weiwei’s belief that there is a serious censorship issue in the West? 

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

456. Antisemitism, How the Tories Lost Britain, and Gaza

Why is antisemitism on the rise in the UK? Can Trump’s Gaza plan ever provide a just and lasting peace? Why does Rory think the Conservative Party is on a doomed path? Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: How to spot the charlatans

Moisés Naím’s new book unpacks how these snake-oil shysters deceive the public... Continue

156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War?

What tactic did Donald Trump steal from Gordon Brown? What can we learn from when Labour beat UKIP in the 2012 Rotherham by-election when it comes to taking on Farage? As a New Labour alumnus... Continue

455. Question Time: Is Europe Already At War With Russia?

Is Europe already at war with Russia — without admitting it? Are the Netherlands still a serious player in Europe? And, should national parks be reshaped for the modern age? Join Rory and ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Don’t take Curtis Yarvin seriously

Yarvin believes liberal democracy has failed and that monarchy should replace it. He just has absolutely no idea how to achieve this... Continue

454. Starmer’s Farage Fightback and Trump’s Unworkable Gaza Plan

Is it too late for Starmer to turn things around? Is Labour talking too much about immigration, and not enough about the cost of living? How can Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza lead to a Pales... Continue

155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China

Why does the former Secretary of State think the US is going too soft on Russia and China? What was it like working closely with President Trump? Why did Putin invade Europe under Obama and B... Continue

453. Trump’s Far Right Allies in Germany: Is History Repeating Itself?

Just how close is the far right to taking power in Europe and the UK? Why is Germany the perfect starting point for far-right agitators? Is Europe’s lacklustre response to an unfolding geno... Continue