The Rest Is Politics

11 Mar 2026

511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)

Why is Tony Blair criticising Starmer’s approach to Trump’s warmongering in the Middle East? Should European leaders be calling out Trump’s lies more directly? What is actually unfolding inside Iran right now?

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

9 Mar 2026

179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend

How did President Stubb’s golfing talent lead him to fostering a close relationship with President Trump? Why was ‘Prime Minister’ the worst job ever? Why will the Global South define the new world order? 

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

Introducing… The Rest Is Entertainment

In their new podcast TV maestro and hugely successful author Richard Osman, along with The Guardian's razor-sharp columnist Marina Hyde unravel the mysteries and unveil the hidden gems within... Continue

48. Simon Sebag Montefiore: The impact of conflicting histories in the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars

Is understanding history a means to peace between Israel and Palestine? Has Putin’s obsession with Russia’s imperial history motivated his invasion of Ukraine? Is it possible to dismantle... Continue

47. Tony Klug: Could the Israel-Hamas conflict restart the peace process?

Is peace possible in the Middle East? What is the difference between a one-state solution and a two-state solution? What is the role of the international community in resolving the conflict b... Continue

195. Question Time: Is Sunak’s Rwanda plan doomed to fail?

Why was Sam Altman fired from OpenAI? Would a secret ballot have saved a soft Brexit? What options are left for Rishi Sunak after supreme court’s Rwanda ruling?Join Alastair and Rory as the... Continue

194. Autumn statements, Putin’s progress, and why advertisers are pulling out of X

How does inheritance tax work? How have voters reacted to the ceasefire vote? Are Putin's prospects improving in the Russia-Ukraine war?Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all this and mor... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Cameron is not the answer to Sunak’s problems

The prime minister clearly hoped Cameron’s heft would prevent him becoming a source of division... Continue

46. Arancha González Laya: The World’s Most Powerful Organisations

Are increased military budgets needed following on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Will Europe take the same approach to regulating AI as China and the US? What is it like being a woman in... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The findings of the Covid inquiry merit real punishment

The damage Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings did to the country is off the scale ... Continue