The Rest Is Politics

23 Apr 2026

525. JD Vance vs. the Pope and the Far-Right Funding Machine (Question Time)

Why do Trump and JD Vance keep arguing with the Pope about theology? Who is funding the British and European far-right? As nationalism grows in Scotland and Wales, did devolution make this inevitable?

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

20 Apr 2026

185. Can Labour Win Back Scotland? (Anas Sarwar)

Does the Leader of Scottish Labour regret calling for Keir Starmer to resign over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador? In the upcoming election, would he consider putting Scottish Labour into a coalition with the Reform Party to defeat the SNP? How does he plan to tackle the rise of Islamophobia and the politics of despair that are increasingly gripping Scotland and the UK?

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

320. Labour’s struggle to define itself, Hezbollah vs. Israel, and understanding Long Covid

Does Starmer’s government lack a strategic vision? Are we on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East? Why has society turned a blind eye to those living with Long Covid? Join Rory and A... Continue

99. Team of Rivals: Blair, Brown and the secrets of New Labour (Douglas Alexander)

What was the rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown really about? How easy is it to find work as an ex-politician? What can the Labour Party do going forward to strengthen the UK's relat... Continue

319. TRIP US: The Only State Trump Needs to Win

*To hear the full episode, search The Rest is Politics US wherever you get your podcasts.*How far do voters trust Donald Trump? Should the US have mass deportations? Are Republicans really be... Continue

318. Question Time: Does America really care about the ‘special relationship’?

Why has Turkey decided to join BRICS? Is New York Mayor, Eric Adams, in trouble? And what happens when the mics are turned off?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and mo... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Tories broke Britain

It is part of Labour's challenge to make sure the public never forget this reality... Continue

317. How to save the NHS

How are Labour planning to reform the NHS? Are the West being too slow to help Ukraine? Should social media be banned for children? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions a... Continue

98. Nate Silver: Can we predict who will win the 2024 US election?

Who is going to win the 2024 election? What is the relationship between playing professional poker and betting on politics? Why has Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump? Alastair and Rory are joi... Continue

316. Why Kamala Harris Still Has a Problem

What does Kamala Harris need to do next? How would Republicans react to a Trump loss? Would Harris ever debate Trump on Fox News?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these... Continue