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

115. France on fire, fake Korean cash, and a new Scottish nationalism

Would Labour ever endorse Scottish independence? Why is France on fire? And how did Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng end up talking to a fake Korean consultancy firm?Sign up to the free TRIP w... Continue

11: Gary Lineker: Politics, football and the BBC

Gary Lineker is regularly told to 'stick to football'. Now, after recently tweeting his views on the Government’s refugee policy, the Match Of The Day presenter sits down with Alastair and ... Continue

114. Question Time: Banks in crisis, Imran Khan, and Blair on The Simpsons

Could Labour inherit a junior doctor problem? What can be done about the rising costs of childcare? And what do Rory and Alastair really see in each other? Rory and Alastair answer all these ... Continue

113. Iraq: the fallout, Scotland at a crossroads, and ‘sneaky beakies’

In a week where we've had bank bailouts and a meeting where Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hinted at a dangerous anti-western alliance, is there much to feel positive about? Join Rory and Alas... Continue

10: Rahima Mahmut: The Uyghur Genocide

How much do you know about what's happening to the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China?Alastair is joined by Rahima Mahmut, an Uyghur artist, activist, and the chair of 'Stop Uyghur Genocide' to explo... Continue

112. Iraq: The Legacy

It's 20 years since the invasion of Iraq - but what is its legacy?Tony Blair said to Parliament in March 2003 that what happened in Iraq would ‘determine the pattern of international politi... Continue

111. The Iraq War

20 years on from the invasion of Iraq, Rory speaks to Alastair about the build up, aftermath, and legacy of the event.The second episode in this series, 'Iraq: The Legacy', will be released t... Continue

9: Bernie Sanders: A fight for equality

Longest serving independent Senator of the United States Bernie Sanders has spent his life fighting for the rights of working people. Today, he joins Rory and Alastair to discuss income inequ... Continue