The Rest Is Politics

6 Aug 2026

560. Trump’s Hamas Disarmament ‘Deal’ and Europe’s FIFA Boycott

As Trump's Board of Peace unveils a plan to disarm Hamas, will the group now give up its weapons and what would this mean for Gaza's future? Amid an escalation of violence on the West Bank and with settlements continuing to grow, why does the US President appear not to care? In the wake of the Gianni Infantino revelations, does the head of FIFA actually hate football?

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

3 Aug 2026

200. Count Binface: Nigel Farage’s Biggest Threat?

Is Count Binface really Nigel Farage's biggest threat in Clacton, and has Farage already lost by turning "me against the establishment" into a battle against a bin? Does Binface's manifesto hide serious politics beneath the comedy? Could a joke candidate ever become a serious political force?

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

328. Could Russia interfere in the US election?

Will the killing of the Hamas leader change the course of the war in Gaza? What is Labour’s plan for the NHS? Could Elon Musk be found guilty of buying votes? Join Rory and Alastair as they... Continue

103. Archbishop of Canterbury: Faith, mental health, and the future of the Church

What does the Archbishop of Canterbury suggest for bridging divides in conflict zones? What are the Church doing about declining spirituality? How was it leading the country through the death... Continue

327. Question Time: What does peace look like in the Middle East?

What is the point of the House of Lords today? Does Elon Musk have presidential ambitions? How bad do Downing Street comms have to get before Alastair steps in?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue

326. Labour’s first 100 days, the Tory leadership race, and Japan

How have the first 100 days of the new Labour government gone? Who will be the next leader of the Tory party? What is happening in Japanese politics right now?Join Rory and Alastair as they a... Continue

102. Alan Johnson: From Blair to Starmer – What can Labour learn? (Part 2)

How does militant socialism compare to Corbynism? How did Labour’s ‘remain’ campaign go so wrong? And what should Labour be doing about immigration? On today’s episode of Leading, Ro... Continue

325. Question Time: Are the Tories dead or sleeping?

How many civilian casualties is too many: what defines a proportionate war? What makes a good civil servant according to Alastair and Rory. And, why should children learn how to disagree agre... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s about emotion, Starmer, not economics

If Labour can restore a sense of community, it will reap as much political benefit as any amount of good economic data... Continue

324. Israel at War: One Year On

How has the political landscape of the Middle East changed in the year since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel? Why has Keir Starmer reshuffled his top team? Is “the grid” still ... Continue