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

Maggie Rae … an obituary

This is an obituary of Maggie Rae, who died yesterday while on a cruise in the Antarctic. Maggie was a good friend, and Fiona and I last saw her a few weeks ago for dinner with Charlie and Mariann... Continue

189. The King’s Speech, performative cruelty, and Argentina

How have voters responded to President Biden's intervention in the Middle East? Was Sunak's summit on AI a success? Who will be the next Argentinian president?Join Rory and Alastair as they d... Continue

44. Mark Carney: Bank of England, Trussonomics, and Brexit

Can financial markets help fight climate change? What's the true economic theory behind austerity? What does the Bank of England actually do?Tune in to today's episode of Leading, where Mark ... Continue

188. Question Time: What the Covid Inquiry says about Britain

Does Britain’s relationship with the USA prevent independent decision making? What does conservatism mean to Jordan Peterson? How do you disagree agreeably about politics with your partner?... Continue

187. The Left and Israel

Has Keir Starmer caused lasting damage to his leadership over his stance on Israel-Gaza? What will Biden be saying behind the scenes to other world leaders? Can the UK become a world leader i... Continue

Net Zero – how Sunak got the green call all wrong, how Labour need to punish him hard for it and show green politics is growth politics

I spoke yesterday at the Net Zero Festival in London. I was asked to speak about how environmental campaigners could fight back against what the organisers called "net zero under siege." But I don't ... Continue

43. Arnold Schwarzenegger: Trump, Biden, and the American Dream

How do we fix the polarisation in the US? What made him move from Hollywood movies to the world of politics? Does he still identify as a Republican?Rory and Alastair are joined by Arnold Schw... Continue

42. Sayeeda Warsi: Britain and the Muslim World

How prevalent is islamophobia in the UK? How can we help Jewish and Muslim communities at this time? Why have the Oslo Accords failed?Rory and Alastair are joined by the first Muslim woman Ch... Continue