The Rest Is Politics

1 Oct 2026

576. How Xi is Outplaying Trump and Tensions in Northern Ireland

As Trump becomes the first American president to personally welcome a visiting head of state off a plane since JFK greeted Harold Macmillan in 1962, did his summit with President Xi signal improving US-China relations, or does Xi have his counterpart in an economic chokehold? With the standoff between protesters and members of the pro-British Protestant Orange Order in Northern Ireland showing no sign of resolution, is the region's fragile peace in danger of unravelling? And as violence erupts in Ethiopia, is Africa's second most populous country on the brink of civil war – and does it risk dragging other regional actors into a wider conflict spanning the Horn of Africa and the Gulf?

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.

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Leading

28 Sep 2026

208. Mustafa Suleyman: Is AI Actually Conscious?

Can Artificial Intelligence stay subordinate? Is Anthropic’s 100-Page constitution creating dangerous AI autonomy? Should AI models be granted legal personhood, rights, or financial compensation?

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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Latest

345. TRIP US: The Golden Age of Corruption

Is the United States entering a new age of corruption? Why are Democrats staying silent? What will be different about a second Trump term?This week, Anthony Scaramucci is joined by Alastair C... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

344. Question Time: Should MPs vote with their conscience or constituents?

Is there anything wrong with being an isolationist government? How far has ‘woke’ been weaponised by the far-right? Will Rory ever go on reality TV? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

343. What Happens Next: Israel vs. the International Criminal Court

How has the world responded to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for top Israeli officials? What does Trump have planned for the war in Ukraine? Is Chancellor Rachel Reeves re... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The day John Prescott gave a speech to the sea

In paying their tributes, many people are still underestimating the former deputy prime minister... Continue
The New European

109. Is it time to legalise assisted dying? (Kim Leadbeater)

Should assisted dying be legalised? How did the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, impact British politics? Why is the job of an MP so difficult?Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour MP Kim Leadb... Continue
Leading

John Prescott was a great fighter and a great friend

The public saw his combative side, but those closest to him saw his heart... Continue
The New European

342. Question Time: Farmer vs Starmer, courting China, and the purpose of COP

How would Alastair tweak the so-called “tractor-tax” to appease British farmers? Is Kier Starmer spending too much time abroad? And will international law survive Trump?Join Rory and Alas... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The word I want to get into the dictionary

The ‘trollification’ that happens on X, Elon Musk’s online hellhole, deserves a definition... Continue
The New European