The Rest Is Politics

1 Oct 2026

576. How Xi is Outplaying Trump and Tensions in Northern Ireland

As Trump becomes the first American president to personally welcome a visiting head of state off a plane since JFK greeted Harold Macmillan in 1962, did his summit with President Xi signal improving US-China relations, or does Xi have his counterpart in an economic chokehold? With the standoff between protesters and members of the pro-British Protestant Orange Order in Northern Ireland showing no sign of resolution, is the region's fragile peace in danger of unravelling? And as violence erupts in Ethiopia, is Africa's second most populous country on the brink of civil war – and does it risk dragging other regional actors into a wider conflict spanning the Horn of Africa and the Gulf?

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

28 Sep 2026

208. Mustafa Suleyman: Is AI Actually Conscious?

Can Artificial Intelligence stay subordinate? Is Anthropic’s 100-Page constitution creating dangerous AI autonomy? Should AI models be granted legal personhood, rights, or financial compensation?

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

461. Question Time: China’s Spy Web, the Tel Aviv Fan Ban, and Japan’s New Thatcher

Why did Britain drop a clear Chinese spying case? Was banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans the right call? What does Prince Andrew’s latest downfall reveal about the royals? Join Rory and Alastai... Continue

461. Question Time: The Tel Aviv Fan Ban & Japan’s New Thatcher

This episode has been edited to remove a discussion on the China spy case. The Rest Is Politics wishes to make clear that Mr Christopher Cash and Mr Christopher Berry were found not guilty of... Continue

460. Inside Trump’s Gaza-Ukraine Playbook: Who Profits from Peace?

Is Trump selling peace to the highest bidder? Is the Farage surge in Wales a warning shot for Westminster? Why is the UK going backwards again on mental health? Join Rory and Alastair as the... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Dear young Republicans, JD Vance is no role model

Students in the US believe the UK has a free speech problem and the vice president is spinning this myth as a reality... Continue

158. Baroness Hale: The Supreme Court, Boris Johnson, and the ECHR

How did it feel to take on then Prime Minister Boris Johnson when Baroness Hale ruled his suspension of Parliament "unlawful"? Why does the Trump administration present such a threat to the i... Continue

A Deal With the Devil? Murdoch and New Labour (Part 2)

What was the nature of Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher? What led to News Corp's near-collapse in the late 1980s, and how did the company recover? Why and how did Tony Bla... Continue

459. Question Time: Reform’s Potential Upside, Why Bad News Sells & Reasons To Stay Hopeful

Who’s offering hope in politics today? Where are the real environmental success stories? And what one law would Rory and Alastair make a reality? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue

459. Question Time: Reform’s Potential Upside, Why Bad News Sells & Reasons To Stay Hopeful

Who’s offering hope in politics today? Where are the real environmental success stories? And what one law would Rory and Alastair make a reality? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue