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

5 Oct 2026

209. Shabana Mahmood: Palestine Action, Faith and What I Told Starmer

Is the government's ban on Palestine Action lawful, or overreaching? Why can't Britain just send small boats straight back to France? Can faith and public duty coexist in modern British politics?

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

242. Scotland in crisis, how to get an opposition MP to defect, and can Britain defend itself?

Who will replace Humza Yousaf as First Minister of Scotland? Will more Conservatives defect to Labour? What's the real story behind the UK's defence spending?TRIP ELECTION TOUR:To buy t... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Britain is better with the NHS

Much of criticism the NHS receives is given by the ministers who helped create its problems... Continue
The New European

71. Israel’s former PM on why Netanyahu is finished, the settler movement, and corruption – (Ehud Olmert)

How much do you know about the last serious attempt at a two state solution in the Israel-Gaza conflict? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by former Israeli PM, Ehu... Continue
Leading

241. From White House To Courthouse: Trump On Trial

Will Donald Trump's hush money trial derail his presidential bid? What's happening on college campuses in the US? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for the first episode of The Rest Is Po... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

240. Question Time: Should Britain nationalise its railways?

How is Modi silencing journalists in India? What is the case for imposing a voting age limit? What does the Maldives changing relationship with China spell for the region?Rory and Alastair an... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

239. The Rwanda ruling, Trudeau in trouble, and The Rest Is Politics: US edition

What is the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda? What will happen next after the US Congress approves aid for Ukraine? Is Justin Trudeau’s future as Canadian Prime Minister... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Sunak’s sick note moral mission is nothing of the sort

Targeting ill and disabled people is a desperate move from the prime minister. Sick, you might say... Continue
The New European

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott

Alastair Campbell on broken politics, the Iraq War, and why he’s grateful for his breakdown. ... Continue
Interview