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

146. Putin vs. Prigozhin, the power of Lebedev, and the battle for Southeast Asia

Is this the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin? Did Boris Johnson overrule MI6 during his time as Prime Minister? Will Sunak be able to control inflation? Rory and Alastair answer these questions, plus look at the situation in Cambodia, political activism in Guatemala, Rory's time in the Foreign Office, and much more. TRIP LIVE - Royal Albert Hall - 14th December: Sign up to TRIP Plus below to access today's 10am member presale for our Royal Albert Hall show this December. If you're not int...

Jun 28, 202353 minEp. 146

145. Putin under threat as Wagner mutiny

As Wagner Group mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin apparently rebel against the Russian Army, what impact could this have on the war with Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s position as president? Emergency podcast recorded at lunchtime on Saturday 24th June. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 24, 202324 minEp. 145

144. Question Time: The War On Drugs, a Tory Green Party, and Long Covid

Is class still the biggest dividing line in Britain? Why do we not hear enough about the impact of Long Covid? Would the Green Party ever shift to the right? On today’s Question Time pod, Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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 s...

Jun 22, 202337 minEp. 144

143. The world looks to Beijing, Putin vs. Africa, and Rory's sliding Brexit doors

What have we learnt from Brexit, 7 years on? Has Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing eased tensions between China and the US? What is Africa’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Sign up to The Rest Is Politics Plus to 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 Ti...

Jun 21, 202357 minEp. 143

142. Is this the end for Boris Johnson?

In a damning report, Boris Johnson has been condemned for lying to parliament over parties held in Downing Street during the pandemic. In today's emergency bonus episode, Rory and Alastair debate whether this is the end of the road for the former UK prime minister. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to buy presale tickets right now to our live shows in Bath and Edinburgh this September. You'll also enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book ...

Jun 15, 202335 minEp. 142

141. Question Time: Labour greatest hope, what a Trump presidency would mean for Ukraine, and should we ban vaping?

What would a Trump victory in 2024 mean for the war in Ukraine? Should the UK government take action on vaping? Is Labour pursuing the 'ming vase' strategy? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to buy presale tickets right now to our live shows in Bath and Edinburgh this September. You'll also enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, jo...

Jun 15, 202330 minEp. 141

140. Johnson and Sunak at war, Sturgeon's arrest, and the death of Silvio Berlusconi

Are we on the brink of Tory civil war? What is the legacy of Silvio Berlusconi? Why has China pivoted to Latin America? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to buy presale tickets right now to our live shows in Bath and Edinburgh this September. You'll also 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 ...

Jun 14, 202348 minEp. 140

139. BORIS JOHNSON RESIGNS

In an emergency podcast, Rory and Alastair react to the news that Boris Johnson is standing down as a Conservative MP with immediate effect after an investigation into the Partygate scandal found he misled parliament and recommended a suspension from the House of Commons. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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 ...

Jun 09, 202327 minEp. 139

138. Question Time: The Bullingdon Club, democracy vs. capitalism, and overcoming foot-and-mouth

Should Rory and Alastair switch allegiance to the Liberal Democrats? Why is there no happy news? What was handling the foot and mouth disease crisis like? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer these questions, plus Rory explains how he was approached by the Bullingdon Club at Oxford, Alastair reveals his university party trick, and much more in this week's Question Time. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading,...

Jun 08, 202334 minEp. 138

137. Government taking itself to court, avoiding war with China, and Polish protests

Should the government be taking itself to court over the covid inquiry? Rory and Alastair disagree (just about) agreeably on this one. Also, how is the USA's attempt to create a bloc against China causing tension? And what do the latest protests in Kosovo and Poland mean? Listen this week to find out. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, j...

Jun 07, 202355 minEp. 137

136. Question Time: Johnson vs. Stewart, protests in Serbia, and are think tanks actually influential?

Did John Major lose in 1997, or did Tony Blair win? Would building on golf courses in London solve the housing crisis? How useful is the Freedom of Information Act? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week's Question Time, as Rory reveals what it was like going head to head with Boris Johnson and Alastair makes a rare correction from last week's episode. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leadi...

Jun 01, 202340 minEp. 136

135. Spanish politics explained and a deep dive into AI

Artificial Intelligence: is it the future of humanity, or the beginning of the end? Rory and Alastair take a deep dive into the subject and the political complications of advancing technologies in the field. Plus, they have a look at the political parties operating in Spain, Alastair's court appearance this week, and rising inflation in the UK. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount b...

May 31, 202357 minEp. 135

134. Question Time: Solving sewage, building on the Green Belt, and the most intimidating person in politics

Should we start building on the Green Belt? Is there a fun side to politics? Why don't ministers resign anymore without being pushed? Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics: Question Time. LEADING - Leo Varadkar: pod.link/1665265193 TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join ou...

May 25, 202331 minEp. 134

133. Suella's speeding, Japan in focus, and what's the point of the G7?

How was the G7 formed, and what is the point of it today? What will the consequences be for Suella Braverman following her speeding scandal? How does religion influence politics? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer these questions, plus a discussion on the history and politics of Japan, what happened at NatCon, and why Bill Clinton is never in the same room as a flower stamen... TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP...

May 24, 202356 minEp. 133

But What Can I Do? (Extract)

Have you heard? Alastair has written a book! 'But What Can I Do?' is out now. As a Friday bonus, here's an extract from the audiobook version for you to enjoy. To hear the whole audiobook, you can find it at all good outlets. If you'd like a physical copy, you can buy one from our partners at Coles Books , an independent book shop based in Bicester: coles-books.co.uk/but-what-can-i-do-by-alastair-campbell TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-fr...

May 19, 202329 min

132. Question Time: How to reform prisons, Macron vs. Clinton, and what is the Privy Council?

Was Hillary Clinton arrogant in her comments about Emmanuel Macron? What's the best way to reform UK prisons? How much do you know about sporrans? Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics: Question Time. LEADING - George Osborne: pod.link/1665265193 TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on t...

May 18, 202327 minEp. 132

131. Erdoğan fights on, 'Clause IV on steroids', and the fall of military rule

What next for Turkey? How does Starmer aim to reform Labour? Why should we be paying attention to events in Thailand? Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. LEADING - George Osborne: pod.link/1665265193 TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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 recei...

May 17, 202346 minEp. 131

130. Question Time: Bumping into Boris Johnson, the Hong Kong handover, and One-nation Tories vs. Blairites

Do manifestos matter? What exactly is a free port? Is there a real difference between One-nation Conservatives and Blairites? Join Alastair and Rory for this week's Question Time episode as they answer a wide range of listener questions. LEADING - Gerry Adams: pod.link/1665265193 TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatro...

May 11, 202334 minEp. 130

129. Sunak at a crossroads, weaponising 'woke', and the Wagner Group

Have the local elections changed how Sunak will run Number 10? What's going on with the Wagner Group and Vladimir Putin? How did the coronation attendees manage to go to the toilet during the long wait for King Charles? Alastair and Rory answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. LEADING - Gerry Adams: pod.link/1665265193 TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit f...

May 10, 202346 minEp. 129

128. Local Elections: Who's the real winner?

Was this a win for Starmer? Or should he be disappointed? What does this tell us about next year's general election? Alastair and Rory have hit the emergency pod button - listen now to hear The Rest is Politics' analysis of the local elections. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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...

May 05, 202328 minEp. 128

127. Question Time: Communists in Austria, the collapse of First Republic, and the political power of Ben and Jerry's

What role do corporations play in political activism? Could the local elections results push forward a general election? Are communists having a resurgence in Europe? Rory and Alastair answer these questions, as well as discussing their favourite museums, chauvinism in sport, Vice President Kamala Harris, and ageism in politics. Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to bot...

May 04, 202334 minEp. 127

126. King Charles III's coronation, the geopolitics of net-zero, and the power of oracy

This Saturday May 6th, the UK will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. But what is the political impact of such an event? And what is the relevance of the monarchy today? Rory and Alastair will discuss this historic event, plus Richard Sharp's exit from the BBC, the impending energy crisis in Europe, and the importance of teaching speaking skills. Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, e...

May 03, 202350 minEp. 126

125. Question Time: Murdoch mayhem, the politics of nepotism, and Alastair Campbell MP?

Will Alastair ever stand as an MP? What's going on with Rupert Murdoch at Fox News? How prevalent is nepotism in UK politics? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more on this episode of TRIP Question Time. Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom,...

Apr 27, 202335 minEp. 125

124. Politicians vs. civil servants, evacuating Sudan, and Diane Abbott

What does Dominic Raab's resignation tell us about the battle between civil servants and ministers? How did Rory lead an evacuation during his time in Iraq? What next for Diane Abbott? Tune in to hear Alastair and Rory discuss all this and more in this week's main episode of TRIP. Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book pr...

Apr 26, 202357 minEp. 124

123. DOMINIC RAAB RESIGNS

Why has Dominic Raab resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and what does it mean for the future of the Conservative government? Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all this and more on this evening's emergency podcast. Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, ...

Apr 21, 202328 minEp. 123

122. Question Time: Leaking Liz Truss, the funniest person in politics, and ‘Killing Thatcher’

Is leaking a way to get ahead in politics? What did Paddy Ashdown do to Rory? Should Joe Biden run for President again? Listen as Alastair and Rory answer these questions and more… Sign up to the free TRIP weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3zhYAIl TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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...

Apr 20, 202330 minEp. 122

121. Chaos in Sudan, Biden vs. Sunak, and the fall of Braverman?

Is the Special Relationship between the UK and the US falling apart? How can the world come to Sudan's aid? And is Suella Braverman finally on her last legs? Tune in to hear Alastair and Rory discuss all this and more on today's episode of The Rest is Politics. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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 ear...

Apr 19, 202353 minEp. 121

120. Question Time: Macron and Xi Jinping, the rise of the right, and Tony Blair vs. UFOs

Why is France trying to boost its ties with China? How do you define populism? Does Rory have any plans to present more history and travel documentaries? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions, as well as discussing Tony Blair's thoughts on UFOs, the benefits of silent meditation retreats, and more... TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the ...

Apr 13, 202344 minEp. 120

119. Starmer's most controversial move yet, the truth behind Vladimir Putin, and the Good Friday Agreement

Has Keir Starmer lost Labour the moral high ground after his attack on Rishi Sunak? What is Vladimir Putin really like behind closed doors? Will peace and power-sharing return to Northern Ireland, 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement? Tune in to hear Alastair and Rory answer all this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book p...

Apr 12, 202359 minEp. 119

118. Question Time: Democracy under threat, rampant sewage, and campaign songs

Is the decline of local news destroying the fabric of our democracy? Should there be a cabinet position dealing with AI? Should private schools deal with Ofsted inspections too? Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, 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 s...

Apr 06, 202332 minEp. 118
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