The Rest Is Politics

12 Feb 2026

500. Japan, China, and the Fight for Taiwan (Question Time)

Are Japan and China closer to conflict over Taiwan, after the landslide victory for Japan's 'Iron Lady', Sanae Takayichi? Does Trump’s crumbling American-Hispanic vote explain his extreme reaction to Bad Bunny's historic, Spanish-only Super Bowl performance? Is the Winter Olympics a sign sport is the only thing that can make us feel good right now?

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

9 Feb 2026

175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)

Do Russia or China represent a bigger risk to UK national security? Why are we underestimating the threat posed by cybercriminals? Who holds the real power - ministers or spies?

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: Why Mark Carney is one of the luckiest politicians alive

It could well be that just days apart Burnley get promoted back to the Premier League and Carney, the first Canadian prime minister ever to have visited Turf Moor, wins the election... Continue

396. Question Time: It’s over for Kemi Badenoch

Why is politics still so elitist? What story is Kemi Badenoch trying to sell? And, how can Dutton escape Trump comparisons? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all of these questions and mo... Continue

395. Trump, Xi, and how China outsmarted America

Does Trump want to turn America into China? How come politicians - including those on the right - want to nationalise steel in the UK? Are we witnessing a seismic change in German politics?Th... Continue

394. How We Trolled the Trolls: Putin, Trump, and Musk (with Anthony Scaramucci)

Has Elon Musk paid for fans to defend him on social media? What percentage of Twitter responses to Rory Stewart, Alastair Campbell, and Anthony Scaramucci are fake bots? How can information o... Continue

129. Trump’s America: Fear, Polarisation, and The Future (Ezra Klein)

How does a society defined by liberty and revolution become so easy to censor? Is polarisation something that has been done to us as an active political strategy or did we do this to ourselve... Continue

393. Question Time: America’s last ally, Japan in crisis, and Netanyahu on the brink?

Why were two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel? What led to the impeachment of South Korea’s president? Is there a decline in blue-collar MPs?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of th... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Vive la France, à bas JD Vance!

If Trump and his vice-president have a genius for anything, it’s global media dominance... Continue

392. Trump’s Rampage: The Fight Against Global Crisis

What’s really behind Trump’s tariff madness? Are we watching the US slide into authoritarianism in real time? How should Europe and the world fight back?Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue