17 Apr 2026
523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections?
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.
9 Apr 2026
184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr ZelenskyyAt a time when the United States is threatening to withdraw from NATO, how can Europe maximise its power to deter Russia's threat? If Vladimir Putin were given the territory Donald Trump offered in his peace plan, what would his next move be? Why does the White House keep misunderstanding Putin’s real war aims?
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.
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Labour must reverse the winter fuel allowance cuts
Of all the things that the Labour government has done, this is the one that has done the most political damage... Continue
406. Biden, Springsteen, and Trump: Dancing in the Dark
What does Trump’s outburst against Bruce Springsteen and Joe Biden tell us about his psychology? Why has he lifted sanctions on al-Sharaa’s Syria, and why now? Has Portugal finally lost i... Continue
405. Starmer’s EU Deal: A New Era
Is Starmer's UK-EU deal a “win-win” reset of relations or a betrayal of Brexit red lines? Will this deal actually lower food and energy costs or boost growth? What does twelve years of Eu... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: This UK-EU reset must be just the start
We will only properly fix the mess leaving the bloc created if we admit the scale of it... Continue
134. Palestine’s Most Popular Politician: Marwan Barghouti’s Son on Occupation, Resistance, and Hope
Who, instead of Hamas, could represent a peaceful Palestinian leadership? Why does Marwan Barghouti remain the most popular leader in Palestine despite being in jail for over 20 years, a peri... Continue
404. Question Time: How Starmer Fell Into Farage’s Immigration Trap
What message is the new pope sending to Trump? To what extent are the USAID cuts killing children? And, did Rory “get it wrong” on water nationalisation? Join Rory and Alastair as they... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The Pope vs JD Vance
Robert Prevost may have been born American, but his experience, views and values are as far from Trumpian as were his predecessor’s... Continue
403. Trump’s Gulf Billions: Saudi, Sanctions, and Ceasefires
From a $400m plane to starvation in Gaza, who will benefit from Trump’s big Gulf visit? Who really brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan? Can Zelensky and Ukraine survive on hal... Continue