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

315. Question Time: Should we fine people for missing doctor’s appointments?

Is conflict brewing on the Horn of Africa? Should we fine people for missing hospital appointments? And, why do escalators pose an existential threat to Alastair? Join Rory and Alastair as th... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

314. Trump stumbles – but did Harris miss her chance?

Will Tuesday’s US presidential debate be remembered as a turning point in the campaign? Why was Donald Trump so off-message? Did Kamala Harris miss the chance to destroy the MAGA movement o... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

314. Trump stumbles – but did Harris see him off?

Will Tuesday’s US presidential debate be remembered as a turning point in the campaign? Why was Donald Trump so off-message? Did Kamala Harris miss the chance to destroy the MAGA movement o... Continue
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Alastair Campbell’s diary: At home with Michel Barnier

In 2023, we visited the Barniers at home. I would never have predicted that a year later he’d become Macron’s prime minister... Continue
The New European

313. Why Starmer needs to be unpopular

Can Labour make the unpopular popular? Will any change come from the Grenfell inquiry? How worrying is China’s influence in Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions... Continue
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97. How to fight fake news and strengthen democracy (Audrey Tang)

Is technology destroying democracy, or can it be used to strengthen it? How did Taiwan improve public trust in politicians by 60%? Could the NHS be transformed by digital consultaions for the... Continue
Leading

312. Is America Ready for Gun Reform?

How has Donald Trump tied him self in knots over abortion? Why is there a growing gender divide in politics? Has Kamala Harris reached the end of her honeymoon period?Join Katty Kay and Antho... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

311. Question Time: Should Labour ban smoking?

Is Brazil right to suspend X? Why have the press been calling our Deputy PM ‘Angela Raver’? And what is the history of No. 10’s Larry the Cat? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics