The Rest Is Politics’ Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview politicians, leaders, intellectuals, and more.
From inside and outside of politics, guests join Rory and Alastair to discuss life, leadership, and the philosophy that’s led them to success in their chosen field. Their conversations cover key political events, global affairs, and the big ideas shaping the world today, offering listeners in-depth perspectives from those at the heart of change.
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What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we fight it? Rory and Alastair are joined by Radek Sikorski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to answer all this and more. Get more from The Rest Is Politics with TRIP+. Enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access, live show ticket priority, our members’ newsletter, and p...
In this episode, Michael Gove delves into his philosophy of ministerial service, defending his education reforms against critiques of inequality and discussing the complexities of the UK housing crisis. He explains his pivotal decision on Brexit, emphasizing sovereignty, and addresses his reputation for both political acumen and perceived untrustworthiness. The hosts, Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell, probe Gove's unique personality and political judgments, concluding with a post-interview reflection on his enigmatic character.
In this episode, Michael Gove delves into his extraordinary personal history, including his adoption and the influence of his adoptive working-class parents. He traces his political journey from campaigning for Michael Foot's Labour Party to becoming a prominent Conservative minister, exploring the factors that shaped his ideology. The discussion also covers the profound impact of Rupert Murdoch on journalism and public life, and Gove passionately defends his often controversial stance on Israel and the broader Middle East conflict.
How did it feel to take on then Prime Minister Boris Johnson when Baroness Hale ruled his suspension of Parliament "unlawful"? Why does the Trump administration present such a threat to the international rule of law? The ‘Spider Woman’ has been at the centre of the legal battle for women’s rights, how have these changed in the past 50 years? Rory and Alastair are joined by Baroness Hale, the first female President of The Supreme Court, to answer all this and more. Get more from The Rest Is Polit...
What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair are joined by the former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba (2022-2024) to discuss all this and more. Get more from The Rest Is Politics with TRIP+. Enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access, live sh...
What tactic did Donald Trump steal from Gordon Brown? What can we learn from when Labour beat UKIP in the 2012 Rotherham by-election when it comes to taking on Farage? As a New Labour alumnus, why does John Healey think there was more patience for change in 1997 compared to 2024? Rory and Alastair are joined by John Healey, The Secretary of State for Defence, to discuss all this and more. For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of leg...
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joins Alastair and Rory to discuss American foreign policy, criticizing Europe's defense spending and defending Trump's confrontational approach to alliances. He asserts a two-state solution in the Middle East is impossible and links Hamas to Iran, while identifying China as the most significant long-term global threat. The hosts later reflect on Pompeo's political ambitions and the perceived disconnect between US Republican and European perspectives.
How do we tackle global poverty and fight for change? What qualities are needed in a leadership role? Is the Labour government delivering on the issue of inequality in the UK? Rory and Alastair are joined by captain of the England Rugby team, Maro Itoje, to discuss all this and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free list...
Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the World Wide Web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from social media companies taking away our sovereignty? Have tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk thanked Tim for his invention? Rory and Alastair are joined by Sir Tim Berners-Lee to discuss all this and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. To save your company time and money, open a ...
Why is the humanitarian situation in Gaza the worst that James Elder has ever seen? What does the process of rebuilding Gaza look like? How do the people working on the ground not lose hope? UNICEF spokesperson James Elder joins Alastair and Rory to answer all these questions and more. To donate to UNICEF UK's Gaza appeal visit unicef.uk/gaza-podcast . £30 could help provide life-saving therapeutic food for a child for 3 weeks. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. To save your company time an...
Why is the nation with the world’s richest sovereign wealth fund not ‘universally happy’? What can the UK learn from Norway’s relationship with the EU? Is Jonas Gahr Støre really standing between Trump and a Nobel Peace Prize? Alastair and Rory are joined by The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to discuss all this and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-...
How did the media and Westminster impact the Scottish Referendum? Why are spin rooms "utterly pointless" in Nicola's view? Is misogyny in politics as bad as it used to be, or getting worse due to social media? Rory and Alastair are joined by Nicola Sturgeon for part 2 of their interview to answer all these questions and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory an...
What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, to answer all these questions and more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alasta...
How does Guyana balance its unprecedented economic growth, largely due to oil discoveries, with environmental sustainability? How does Guyana perceive and address the historical scar left by slavery? What has happened to West Indies cricket, and how does the future look? Alastair is joined by President of Guyana, Ifraan Ali, to answer all these questions and more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and...
What was it like to be handed the reins to the economy following the Liz Truss mini-budget collapse? How did Jeremy Hunt feel fighting an election that he knew the Conservatives would lose? How would Thatcher have dealt with Trump? Alastair and Rory are joined by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to answer all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from ...
How did Jeremy Hunt lose the Conservative leadership race to Boris Johnson? What does the longest serving Health Minister think will fix the NHS? What does Jeremy Hunt really think of Kemi Badenoch’s leadership? Alastair and Rory are joined by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to answer all this and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Le...
How did Gary become a multimillionaire by the age of 25? How big a difference can a wealth tax make on regular people's lives? Have centrist politics failed on the economy? Rory and Alastair are joined by author of The Trading Game, Gary Stevenson, to answer all these questions and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit...
How did Gary Stevenson go from being expelled for drug dealing, to one of the most successful traders in London? How does class and privilege play into the world of finance in the UK? What could men do differently to deal with their mental health at work? Rory and Alastair are joined by author of The Trading Game , Gary Stevenson, to discuss all this and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Join with a FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com , for exclusive bonus content including Rory and Alastair’s fi...
How did Congressman Moulton keep fighting the Iraq war when he thought it was a mistake? Is there anyone who can stop Trump, or is he an absolute monarch? Have substandard politicians used military service as a get-out-of-jail-free card? Rory and Alastair are joined by Congressman Seth Moulton to discuss all this and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listeni...
Why are the British paying more for energy than anywhere else in Europe? How does society navigate the anxiety of having children during the climate crisis? What does the UK government need to do in order to speed up our transition to green energy? Rory and Alastair are joined by the Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee and former CEO of Energy UK, Emma Pinchbeck, to answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early acce...
What role does Cyprus play in the Middle East conflicts? How can Europe and the United Kingdom strengthen their relations during this tumultuous time? How can governments fight corruption? Rory and Alastair are joined by Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, to discuss all this and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newslette...
Why has Macron become so unpopular? Where is the discussion of international law when it comes to the conflict between Israel and Iran? Why can’t the French and the English coordinate to stop the small boats crisis? Alastair and Rory are joined by former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to discuss all this and more. Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading , and add money to your account to get a £200 welcome bonus. This offer’s only available until 7th July...
What is the logic behind Trump’s “chaotic” political strategy? Are Europe and America heading for a divorce? What did it feel like to get ousted as the Speaker of the House on a global stage? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy to discuss all this and more. Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading , and add money to your account to get a £200 welcome bonus. This offer’s only available until 7th July 2025 and other T&Cs...
What are the biggest lies we're being told about social media? How does unregulated social media help Trump and authoritarian regimes? How do you beat an addiction to your phone? Jonathan Haidt joins Rory and Alastair to discuss all this and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the ...
How should New Zealand navigate their complex web of alliances as the relationship between China and the US deteriorates? Jacinda Ardern was considered a beacon of hope when she came to office in 2017, how did she navigate this pressure? To what extent is politics about personal gratification and the pursuit of power? Alastair and Rory are joined by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, to answer all this and more. Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revolut.co...
How did Ed Miliband recover from Labour’s 2015 defeat and decide to remain in politics? Can the Energy Secretary win the argument for Net Zero against the likes of Tony Blair and Nigel Farage? Is it possible to be in politics and be a good parent? Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading , and add money to your account to get a £200 welcome bonus. This offer’s only available until 7th July 2025 and other T&Cs apply. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is...
How did Ed Miliband’s childhood being raised by survivors of the Holocaust shape his politics? How did his role mediating between Blair and Brown earn Ed the moniker ‘Emissary from planet F***’? What was it like to take on his own brother in the Labour leadership race? Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account to get a £200 welcome bonus. This offer’s only available until 7th July 2025 and other T&Cs apply. To get an exclusive ...
Who, instead of Hamas, could represent a peaceful Palestinian leadership? Why does Marwan Barghouti remain the most popular leader in Palestine despite being in jail for over 20 years, a period during which more than 50% of the population was not yet born? How do the Occupied territories remain hopeful during the ongoing war in the region? Rory and Alastair are joined by Marwan Barghouti's son, Arab Barghouti, to discuss all this and more. Sign up to Revolut Business today via: https://get.revol...
Will Europe ever trust the US again? What is the future of the Democratic party? What does the signal chat leak tell us about the psychology of the Trump administration? TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes....
What is the real job of a spy? What is the role of the UK’s intelligence community in Trump’s new world order? How does the relationship between politicians and intelligence services work? TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Ques...
