The Rest Is Politics - podcast cover

The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart break down current affairs in the UK and abroad. The Rest Is Politics analyses the latest international news, provides debate on global issues, and reveals secrets from Westminster, whilst bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. With insider perspectives and expert analysis, The Rest Is Politics is the go-to podcast for anyone seeking intelligent, engaging discussions on British and global politics. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Join with a FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com for exclusive bonus content including Rory and Alastair’s first ever miniseries, early access to episodes and live show tickets, ad free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members chatroom. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Social Producer: Celine Charles Lead Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter
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Episodes

88. TRIP Awards 2022 (with a special guest...)

Rory and Alastair are here to discuss the highs and lows of a wild year in politics... Who was their most outstanding politician? What was the most surprising moment of the year? Who was the biggest villain of 2022? Listen to hear Rory and Alastair answer these questions and many more, with the help of a surprise guest who provides some guidance in this special political awards show. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and rece...

Dec 28, 202243 minEp. 88

87. Question Time: Drugs in Parliament, the meaning of evil, and Jeremy Clarkson

Join Rory and Alastair in this week's episode of Question Time, as they discuss the prevalence of drugs in Parliament, Norway's sovereign wealth fund, Macron's relationship with the Pope, Alastair's swimming tips, and much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Emai...

Dec 22, 202227 minEp. 87

86. Politics in football, Trump under pressure, and Kosovo

Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the end of the World Cup and the soft power that comes with it, rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, Rory's experiences as Prisons Minister, and the challenge the government faces regarding prison reform. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispoliti...

Dec 21, 202252 minEp. 86

85. Question Time: Harry and Meghan, the National Anthem, and Latin America

In today’s Question Time podcast, Rory and Alastair review the new Harry and Meghan documentary, discuss how we can improve our National Anthem, and analyse the political chaos in Latin America. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Produc...

Dec 15, 202231 minEp. 85

84. Britain on strike, hostage swaps, and assisted suicide

Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the strikes taking place across Britain, the debate on assisted suicide, and how prisoner swaps come about. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Faye Lawrence + Th...

Dec 14, 202251 minEp. 84

83. Question Time: Votes for prisoners, a united Ireland, and the meaning of 'liberal'

Join Alastair and Rory this week as they discuss whether prisoners should be able to vote, the chances of a united Ireland, and what liberalism actually means. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen + ...

Dec 08, 202223 minEp. 83

82. Keir vs. peers, George W. Bush, and $580k in a sofa...

Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Gordon Brown and Keir Starmer's latest proposals, the post-presidential life of George W. Bush, why so many MPs are standing down at the next election, and the mysterious story about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's sofa... TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. In...

Dec 07, 202242 minEp. 82

81. Ex-New Zealand PM Helen Clark on monarchy, extreme poverty, and Jacinda Ardern

Alastair and Rory are joined by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark to discuss democracy, the rise of populism, the Monarchy, the importance of arts and culture, the United Nations development programmes and much, much more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @Re...

Dec 02, 20221 hrEp. 81

80. Question Time: How to become an MP, the art of whipping, and NIMBYs

Join Rory and Alastair for the latest episode of Question Time, where they discuss Labour's Brexit position, NIMBYs, the housing crisis, how to become an MP, whips, the favourites for the World Cup, and more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gm...

Dec 01, 202231 minEp. 80

79. Protests in China, UK strikes, and crypto bros

Today, join Alastair and Rory as they investigate the current protests in China and their causes, dissect the recent election in Malaysia, discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on Scottish independence and much, much more. Plus, they take a look at the importance of technology within politics, the mistakes of past Prime Ministers and the impact of strikes in Britain today. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early...

Nov 30, 202249 minEp. 79

78. Question Time: Nigel Farage, proportional representation, and mandatory ID cards

Who would Rory elect as the next Prime Minister? If Rishi Sunak had not kept Jeremy Hunt on, what would the budget look like? And how come both Rory and Alastair have lost followers on twitter? Listen to this week's Question Time to hear Rory and Alastair answer these questions and many more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to ...

Nov 24, 202226 minEp. 78

77. Qatar, the World Cup, and Sunak vs. Starmer

Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, what's meant by a 'Swiss-style' Brexit, 'flying kites', Twitter, Trump, COP, and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Mas...

Nov 23, 202250 minEp. 77

76. Question Time: Food banks, ageing populations, and 'virtue signalling'

Can cabinet ministers be charged for economic mismanagement? How will low birth rate affect the economy? Do Rory and Alastair really travel for weeks at a time with just hand luggage? Join us for this week's Question Time episode where Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sig...

Nov 17, 202233 minEp. 76

75. Trump vs. DeSantis, Sunak on the world stage, and Iran

Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the midterm results from the US, Rupert Murdoch's apparent pivot from Donald Trump to Ron DeSantis, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping's meeting, Rishi Sunak's performance on the world stage, Thursday's Autumn Statement, problems with the NHS, the situation in Iran, David Nott, and much, much more. TRIP Christmas Live Show - Royal Albert Hall - Tuesday 13th December - Ticket Information: TRIP Plus Member Presale - Thursday 17th November 9am - sign up at therestispoli...

Nov 16, 202248 minEp. 75

74. Question Time: Women in politics, AI advancements, and airports

Join Rory and Alastair for this week's Question Time episode where they discuss everything from the growth of artificial intelligence in professional life to their airport travel tips. Plus culture and arts in Britain, women in politics and Rory and Alastair's favourite novels. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instag...

Nov 10, 202236 minEp. 74

73. COP, Gavin Williamson, and US midterms

Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Gavin Williamson, COP, Johnson's resignation honours list, Scholz in China, the latest from the war in Ukraine, and much, much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Nico...

Nov 09, 202249 minEp. 73

72. Julia Gillard on Rishi Sunak, compulsory voting and that misogyny speech

Alastair is joined today by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to discuss the view of British politics from Australia, the role of the monarchy, Australian government, compulsory voting and her famous Misogyny Speech. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Ema...

Nov 04, 202253 minEp. 72

71. Question Time: Elon Musk, Twitter, and regulating 'Big Tech'

Join Alastair and Rory for the latest episode of Question Time where they discuss Elon Musk, Twitter, nation states vs. big tech, Amazon, John Reith, and much, much more. Plus Rory has asked his friend to calculate the number of 'bot followers' Alastair has! Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics...

Nov 03, 202234 minEp. 71

70. Braverman, Brazil, and Hancock in the jungle

Rory and Alastair discuss Suella Braverman's return to the front bench, the significance of security breaches in ministerial positions, and why Tony Blair never had a phone during his time as Prime Minister... Plus debates about the response to asylum seekers in the UK, Lula's success in Brazil's election, Rory's insider knowledge of Rishi Sunak's new cabinet, and Matt Hancock agreeing to participate in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here . Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support ...

Nov 02, 202252 minEp. 70

69. François Hollande on Putin, Obama, and Brexit

In a special guest episode, we speak to former French president François Hollande from his office in Paris. Tune in to hear his views on Putin, Xi Jinping, Merkel, Macron, the far right, the importance of political parties and much, much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @Rest...

Oct 27, 202242 minEp. 69

68. Question Time: Battle for the National Trust, getting over Brexit and boycotting Qatar

What would it take for the UK to have a general election? Would Rory ever rejoin the Conservative Party? How does confirmation bias affect politics? Alastair and Rory answer these questions, plus discuss their insecurities, the legitimacy of Britain's Crown Jewels, protesting the Iraq War, the impact of Brexit on public services and much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question T...

Oct 26, 202238 minEp. 68

67. PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK

Rishi Sunak is the new Prime Minister. Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the new leader of the Conservative Party and Britain's first Asian Prime Minister. Will he be able to unite the party? What does his age say about British politics? Did Boris Johnson really have 102 MPs? Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Theo Young-Smith Exec Producer: Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Oct 24, 202239 minEp. 67

66. LIZ TRUSS RESIGNS

In this emergency podcast Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell react to the news that Liz Truss has resigned as Prime Minister after barely six weeks in office. Who will replace her as leader of the Conservatives and what chance do they have of uniting their party behind them? London Palladium live show tickets on sale Friday 9am: Tuesday 21st March 2023: www.aegpresents.co.uk/events/detail/the-rest-is-politics-live Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free...

Oct 20, 202259 minEp. 66

65. Question Time: Imposter Syndrome, the Commonwealth and fox hunting

How does public backlash affect politicians' mental health? Do Labour and the Liberal Democrats have an unwritten agreement to win seats? Should we support political parties the same way we do football clubs? Alastair and Rory answer these questions and discuss the fate of the Commonwealth, US/China relations, Thérèse Coffey's comments on antibiotics and more in this week's Question Time. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive ea...

Oct 20, 202239 minEp. 65

64. Hunt U-turn as Truss goes missing

As a divided Conservative Party tries desperately to work out how to replace Liz Truss, Rory and Alastair discuss the likely moves over the coming days and weeks in Westminster. Will the Conservatives find a way to avoid another membership vote to determine the next PM? Plus Biden, Japan, and debt forgiveness. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to access Wednesday's 9am presale for our second date at the London Palladium on Tuesday 21st March 2023. Just head to therestispolitics.com to...

Oct 18, 202247 minEp. 64

63. TRUSS DOWN, KWARTENG OUT

Join Alastair and Rory for an emergency bonus podcast after the news that Kwasi Kwarteng has been sacked as Chancellor. Facing the lowest ever approval ratings for a British PM, is it over already for the Truss premiership? Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: re...

Oct 14, 202242 minEp. 63

62. Question Time: Liberal Democrats, Lordships and Labour's return

Who would Rory vote for in a General Election today? Did Alastair vote for Jeremy Corbyn? Where do MPs work after they've left Parliament? Rory and Alastair answer these questions, plus a discussion of Suella Braverman's take on cannabis, reform in the House of Lords, the relevance of the Liberal Democrats, Poland's right wing government, and much, much more in this week's Question Time. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive ear...

Oct 13, 202239 minEp. 62

61. "Detested" Tories, the SNP, and Israel

Why is Liz Truss thinking of moving the UK embassy to Jerusalem? Does the word 'detest' belong in politics? How long will the Conservatives remain united? Rory and Alastair discuss these topics, plus the situation in Libya, the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, the role of empathy in decision-making, and Alastair living rent free in Nadhim Zahawi's head... Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets ...

Oct 12, 202254 minEp. 61

60. Fear and Loathing in Birmingham

Are we on the brink of Tory civil war? Has Truss painted herself into a corner with her conference speech? What on earth is an 'anti-growth coalition'? Rory has scrambled Alastair for an emergency podcast to discuss growing unrest in Tory circles. Plus Labour's next moves, whether members should elect leaders, and OPEC's under-reported decision to cut 2 million barrels of oil per day in the middle of an energy crisis. Blackpool live show tickets: Saturday 8th October: wintergardensblackpool.co.u...

Oct 07, 202248 minEp. 60

59. Question Time: Biden, barristers and the Black Watch

How do Alastair and Rory maintain a work/life balance? How dangerous are AI deepfakes for politics? Does Rory regret not pursuing a military career? Rory and Alastair answer these questions and many more in this week's Question Time episode. Plus they discuss Biden's popularity, the protests in Iran, barrister strikes and the relevance of think tanks. Blackpool live show tickets: Saturday 8th October: wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/the-rest-is-politics-live/ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitt...

Oct 06, 202229 minEp. 59
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