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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Have the Channel Islands got it right?

After a few days in Guernsey, the Islands’ message was clear: ‘Our system works better than yours’... Continue

412. Is Trump Starting a Civil War? | LA Protests

Are the LA protests the perfect gift for Trump, and does pushing back just add fuel to his fire? What does Musk’s exit mean for the MAGA coalition? Why has Starmer u-turned on winter fuel p... Continue

138. The Anxious Generation: How Silicon Valley Has Rewired Our Brains (Jonathan Haidt)

What are the biggest lies we're being told about social media? How does unregulated social media help Trump and authoritarian regimes? How do you beat an addiction to your phone? Jonathan H... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: A new magazine for new times

The New World will hopefully outlast the new world trends, traits and personalities currently doing so much damage in so many ways... Continue

411. Question Time: Gaza’s Aid Blocked, Trump’s Power Tested & Dominic Cummings’ Big Mistake

What was the most significant event of geopolitics in the last 30 years? Are Dominic Cummings' comments about the "broken" Westminster model valid? And, should politicians be clued up on popu... Continue

411. Question Time: Gaza’s Aid Blocked, Trump’s Power Tested & Dominic Cummings’ Big Mistake

What was the most significant event of geopolitics in the last 30 years? Are Dominic Cummings' comments about the "broken" Westminster model valid? And, should politicians be clued up on popu... Continue

410. China, Russia, and Cyberwarfare: Is the UK preparing for the wrong war?

Is Labour exaggerating the threat from Russia and missing the real risks? Does the world beyond the West now prefer China over the US? What does Poland’s new pro-Trump president mean for Uk... Continue

137. Jacinda Ardern: Why I Stepped Down as Prime Minister of New Zealand

How should New Zealand navigate their complex web of alliances as the relationship between China and the US deteriorates? Jacinda Ardern was considered a beacon of hope when she came to offic... Continue