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.

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.

Latest

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: My election diary, week one

Is someone in the prime minister’s team deliberately trying to derail his campaign from within?... Continue

255. Is Labour’s lead narrowing?

Is the gap between public opinion of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak narrowing already? Have the Conservatives stolen Rory's idea for a compulsory national service? What tactics are being used t... Continue

76. Rachel Reeves: Britain’s next Chancellor?

How would an incoming Labour government fund the NHS? How does Reeves and Starmer's relationship compare to Blair and Brown? What is the experience of being a woman in the world of banking an... Continue

254. Question Time: Is Biden alienating young voters?

What is the international significance of Mexico's presidential election? Is Biden risking the support of young voters over his stance on Israel? And how did Rory find his silent retreat?!Joi... Continue

253. Donald Trump vs. Keir Starmer: The end of the special relationship?

Which states will decide the US election? Why does Wall Street love Donald Trump? Could we see the end of the UK's special relationship with America? Join Anthony and Katty for episode 5 of ... Continue

253. TRIP US: Donald Trump vs. Keir Starmer: The end of the special relationship?

Which states will decide the US election? Why does Wall Street love Donald Trump? Could we see the end of the UK's special relationship with America? Join Anthony and Katty for episode 5 of ... Continue

252. SUNAK CALLS GENERAL ELECTION

Why has the PM called a general election for 4th July? Is Keir Starmer ready? Will the polls narrow or are we heading towards a landslide?Join Rory and Alastair for an emergency episode of T... Continue

251. The Infected Blood Scandal

Could the bill for the infected blood scandal fall on Labour? What makes politics so bad for mental health? Could Benjamin Netanyahu be arrested for war crimes?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue