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.

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90. Why we should ban all money from politics and kids from social media (Peter Malinauskas)

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302. It’s Trump’s Race to Lose

Is Trump setting the stage to reject another loss in November? Why did Kamala Harris sideline Josh Shapiro as her VP pick? What does it mean to be a Republican today?Join Katty Kay and Anthon... Continue

301. Question Time: Iran’s retaliation, Labour “press bias” and an Olympic hangover

Is the press softer on Labour? How left-wing would a Harris/Walz government be? Was MI5 aware of crimes committed by a British agent?And how should France cash in on the Olympic hype?TRIP Plu... Continue

300. Why Ukraine invaded Russia, the Musk-Trump love-in, and Rory’s visit to Afghanistan

Why is Elon Musk lashing out against Scotland’s First Minister? What are the tactics behind Ukraine’s advance on Russia? How worried should we be by China’s relationship with Serbia?Joi... Continue

Lessons from the rise and fall, and most importantly the healing, of Bradley Wiggins. Great cyclist. Great guy. Who just made me shed a tear …

As the Olympic Games come to a spectacular end, and I look back on two wonderful weeks of sport, during which Paris seemed to have taken the same happiness pill London that swallowed three Olympiads ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Fascism has no place in Britain

Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's cries to the far right mob do not represent this country... Continue