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

378. TRUMP VS. ZELENSKY: OVAL OFFICE SHOWDOWN

What does Trump’s dramatic outburst at Zelensky mean for Ukraine and the world? Was this an orchestrated ambush by JD Vance and Trump? Should King Charles withdraw his Trump state visit inv... Continue

377. Question Time: How will Europe defend itself?

Should the UK impose a ‘War Levy’ on VAT to raise immediate funds for defence? How much independence does Starmer have over the nuclear arsenal? And, what happened to the funds intended ... Continue

376. Aid vs Defence: A Livestream Special

Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to increase defence spending by 2027 - redirecting funds from foreign aid. What does this mean for the UK and its global role?Join Rory and Alastair as the... Continue

375. Germany’s Fight Against the Far Right

Has Trump already become a strategic adversary to Europe? Will Starmer’s White House visit be his ‘Love, Actually’ moment? How can Europe actually become independent from the US?Join Ro... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Donald and Vladimir, a love story

Donald Trump and the mind-bending insanity of his foreign policy that treats enemies as friends and vice versa... Continue

122. How Europe can survive Trump (Frans Timmermans)

Are Trump and Putin carving up the world? How should the EU adapt to this new world? What imagination is needed on the political left? TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus ... Continue

374. Question Time: Why The US Needs A Leader Of The Opposition

How dangerous is Europe's exclusion from Ukraine peace talks? Is there anything to be learnt from the USAID cuts? And what are Rory and Alastair's guilty pleasures?Join Alastair and Rory as t... Continue

373. Europe vs. America: Crisis in the West

What can Europe do to protect itself against the Trump administration? Will Germany’s historic anti-far right ‘firewall’ collapse? Will Ukraine become a Russian satellite state?Join Ror... Continue