Rory Stewart speaks with Charlotte Higgins at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 

I learn something every time I listen to this wonderful man.

What a wonderful human being, I would vote for you in the morning Rory Stewart no matter what party you were in.

21 years old, genuinely hope to grow into somebody like him

Profoundly taken aback by this conversation. Never having read him nor admittedly even aware of him until the Tory leadership/Prime Ministerial election, he is clearly a deep and philosophical politician with whom I can agree on many points- even as a Referendum "Leaver". I personally cannot understand the Brexit deadlock since I envisioned a kind of Swiss/Norwegian-style non-EU departure where both Customs Union and Single Market access would still apply as with such other countries. I feel that I now understand him a little more - I can relate to the 'midlife review' and re-examination, but can't square his support for the Tories these many years and cannot help but wonder if his life of exceptional privilege is at cause . A strange contradiction of a man, an enigma I feel.

Rory on form hugely envious of the audience who got to see this in person. What is there to dislike about this? Charlotte did really well chairing this.

He analyses so well the political situation!I find him a very interesting politician.

Hopefully, this posted comment is not out of line, since it is posted from the U.S.A. Personally, I think America could benefit greatly from two (2) marvelous minds such as Mr. Stewart's and Ms. Higgins', who are also so well read and articulate. Mr. Stewart's book "The Places In Between", was my first introduction to him and I've admired his pluck and persistence ever since. Thanks for posting this enlightening, interesting - and not lacking in humor - video on RU-vid.

Uk missed out on the greatest modern PM. When that is willing to listen.

I note that Rory thinks the LibDems are the third largest party? He ignored the SNP completely in his comment at 15:30 (approx).

Excellent debate and real opportunity to learn..... If we could only ensure we are represented by people of alike mind....i think he will come back into politics

Rory

Excellent

love his answer to 24:57

Well looking at that park with that shit lying around, I would be booting the local councils arse out.

At 27 mins he goes into pseudo Jordan Peterson territory, but doesn’t have that man’s scientific background

The moderator is a parody of herself - obviously an ardent intellectual lefty, grounded in concrete tropes about the world

08:45 I'm so glad the interviewer pulled Rory up on austerity, but so disappointed with his deflective, dismissive non-answer. All it would take from him is a simple acknowledgment of the immense harm done by policies he voted for, and my respect for the man would greatly increase. I've never been able to square the humane, thoughtful person he seems to be in interviews with his appalling voting record on social services and environmental issues. Which is a great shame, because there's quite a lot to like and admire about him otherwise.

Hell hath no fury like a failed, ineffective politician scorned.

Well we had methadone clinics Tories destroyed very successful program

Nicola... . Lol......now we know......corrupt like the rest

Nice, sensible guy. Shame about his stance on brexit

Should Rory Stewart be determined as belonging to the mollusk family?

At 18:20 he talks about how local family level decision making is prudent and careful and measured, but then argues to sustain institutions, where the the distance between decision makers and those local people, is maximised. I like Rory, but there’s some logical incoherence going on here..

most Leavers voted to get immigration controlled. The REMAIN side have managed to push this under the carpet and bang on about economics. The pound is remarkably stable and is expected to remain so even under a No Deal scenario. If we do get a deal it will rise by an expected 30% which will be bad for exports. The dollar is falling as are the far eastern currencies due to the global down turn. Carney has predicted a 5.5% hit on GDP on a No Deal - he always over-eggs his figures so lets say 3% - small beer. LSE yield on shares 4.7% a year USA Yield on shares 1.5% Europe yield on shares -0.4% (Yes minus) (Figures from BBC Radio 4 Money Programme) Right - economics out the way. Now lets talk about the elephant in the room - Immigration. The same people who are for open borders and unrestricted immigration under the free movement of people are the same ones telling us we've got to cut our CO2 emissions to zero. Can't have both.

Charlotte has great RP, but my God, she is so homely!

Does he remind you of someone else - YES - TONY BLIAR

He talks alot, but what has he ever achieved ????????????????

I worked for the left wing Guardian as a left winger from university. What a surprise!! Bye as I am not a supporter of the soy boy Rory.

For Christ sake just leave

I really needed binoculars to see this. And then I made it out a mouse. Rory the most insignificant mouse in History. I mean is it some sort of Antonin Artaud play. A Pinter play or even a Beckett. A minor Samuel Beckett play. Rory is so boring and insignificant I suggest Peter Cooks Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer. Really a sex and political manual. Rory should read it. Far too powerful for Rory, but give the bit chance. They elected this man from Berwickshire, as a Tory. They let Rory lose from Eton after six years. He survived 10 minutes in the Black Watch.

Clown

Rory 'Traitor' Stewart. Go away