30 Mar 2026
Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear (The Book Club)Why is 1984 as relevant today as when it was published? Who is Big Brother, and why is he so powerful? What was George Orwell's intention when creating the world of 1984, and what does it tell us about politics today?
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.
30 Mar 2026
182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)How are rights for trans people in the US improving or worsening under the Republican administration? What fundamentally needs to change in Congress to improve the state of politics? Are the Democrats doing enough to win back the American public?
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.
118. Ex-Head of Mossad: Hamas, Ceasefire, and Netanyahu (Uzi Arad)
What’s the relationship between intelligence agencies and the politicians they serve? How does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react in a crisis? How confident should we be that t... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Who’s really to blame for populism?
In pinning the blame for Trump, Brexit and the world’s woes on voters, we give politicians a free pass... Continue
363. The Return of Donald J. Trump
What did the inauguration tell us about how extreme Trump 2.0 is going to be? What is Netanyahu’s endgame for Gaza – peace or perpetual war? Why has Starmer launched an inquiry into the S... Continue
117. Is the UN fit for purpose? (Tom Fletcher)
As the US retreats from the international stage, who is going to fill the gap? What will the ‘peace processes of the future’ look like? Who has more power, the tech giants or political le... Continue
362. Question Time: Labour’s education error and Blair’s mistake on mental health
Why are students protesting in Serbia? Is Labour right to scrap financial support for Latin in state schools? What does Alastair think about Tony Blair’s comments on mental health?Join Rory... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Elon Musk is a dictator in the making
Musk and Putin share a belief that facts don’t matter and there are no people or power structures that should be allowed to stand in their way... Continue
361. Gaza, Israel, and Ceasefire
How can Gaza be rebuilt after any ceasefire is agreed? What are the ‘six deadly sins’ of the liberal centre? What should we make of Starmer’s AI action plan for Britain?Join Rory and Al... Continue