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

275. Advantage Trump: Will the Democrats move to replace Joe Biden?

What repercussions will Joe Biden's stumbling performance in the first presidential debate have on the race for the White House? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for their instant reacti... Continue

275. TRIP US: Advantage Trump: Will the Democrats move to replace Joe Biden?

What repercussions will Joe Biden's stumbling performance in the first presidential debate have on the race for the White House? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for their instant reacti... Continue

82. Wes Streeting: Labour, privatisation, and the NHS

Could privatising areas of the NHS save it? How easy is it to reconcile one's faith and sexuality? What is Labour's plan for health and social care?Rory and Alastair are joined by the Shadow ... Continue

274. Sunak vs Starmer: The Final Showdown

Who won the final leadership debate? Did Rishi Sunak's more aggressive tactics pay dividends? What will Team Starmer make of his performance in Nottingham?Join Rory and Alastair for the audio... Continue

273. Question Time: Julian Assange, firing your friends, and why Labour should raise taxes

***TRIP post debate livestream - 9.30pm - Wednesday June 26th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya1K0WSvOAk***How will history remember Julian Assange? Why is Britain’s tax burden so high? D... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s election diary: The Conservatives deserve a superdefeat

What the Tories mean by a ‘supermajority’ is that they are set to lose really, really badly on July 4. Good... Continue

272. Sunak’s betting scandal, Farage in trouble, and will Rory vote Green?

How damaging is the election betting scandal for the Tories? Do Reform UK have a women problem? Is Emmanuel Macron facing electoral oblivion?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for the la... Continue

81. Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor: How to fix Britain’s prisons

What are the powers of the Lord Chancellor? How important are friendships in politics? What needs to change to solve the prison crisis in the UK?Rory and Alastair are joined by Lord Chancello... Continue