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

233. From peerages to Putin: the fight against corruption in politics

How can we root out corruption in politics, both at home and abroad? What’s caused the crisis in Israel around its ultra-Orthodox population? What really happened in the story of crypto’s former golden boy, Sam Bankman-Fried? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more in today’s episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP ELECTION TOUR: To buy ti...

Apr 02, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 233

232. Question Time: ISIS-K vs Russia, radical reform of the NHS, and the fight against child poverty

What is the wider significance of the terrorist attack in Moscow? Does the NHS need reform or spending increases? And why is the increase in child poverty not being discussed in the media? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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 po...

Mar 28, 202436 minEp. 232

231. Labour's struggle for economic vision and Haiti on the brink

What's happening in Haiti? Why is Keir Starmer getting dragged into culture war politics? Is Rachel Reeves' economic plan for the country "underwhelming" or "thoughtful"? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. TRIP ELECTION TOUR: To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter,...

Mar 27, 202456 minEp. 231

230. Question Time: £91,000… Should MPs be paid more?

Why do so few people know who the Lib Dem leader is? Should the arts feature more prominently in school curriculums? What are freeports and should we be concerned about them? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's TRIP Question Time. 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 o...

Mar 21, 202443 minEp. 230

229. Putin’s sham election, Sunak under threat, and the rift between France and Germany

Who would Putin’s successor be? Could the Conservatives change leader again? Why is the Franco-German relationship deteriorating? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more on today’s episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP ELECTION TOUR: To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com TRIP Plus: Become a member of T...

Mar 20, 202447 minEp. 229

228. Question Time: The legacy of Theresa May, abolishing National Insurance, and Sweden joins NATO

What will Theresa May be remembered for as PM? Who are the best and worst prime ministers of the post-war era? What is the significance of Sweden becoming the latest European country to join NATO? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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 o...

Mar 14, 202444 minEp. 228

227. Biden’s aid port in Gaza, Tory defection to Reform, and a mole at the top of the IRA

Are we witnessing a Biden resurgence after his State of the Union address? Will Tory MPs follow Lee Anderson to Reform UK? Who was the double agent at the top of the IRA? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more on today’s episode of The Rest Is Politics. TRIP ELECTION TOUR: To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-f...

Mar 13, 202448 minEp. 227

226. Question Time: Google vs OpenAI, the new Portuguese populist, and why do dictators hold elections?

What happened with Google's AI chatbot 'Gemini' this week? Should incarcerated people have the right to vote? What is the point of dictators like Vladimir Putin or Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding elections? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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 me...

Mar 07, 202436 minEp. 226

225. George Galloway returns, 'omnishambles' budgets, and the plight of Sudan

How did George Galloway use Gaza to win in Rochdale? What is the impact of compulsory voting on Australian politics? What is happening in Sudan? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newslett...

Mar 06, 202453 minEp. 225

224. Question Time: Liz Truss' 'deep state' comments, disability policy, and Shamima Begum

Is it fair that Shamima Begum has been declared stateless? Should Labour prioritise disability policy more? Has taxpayers money paid for Liz Truss' trip to the Conservative Political Action Conference in the US? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more on this week's Question Time. 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 pri...

Feb 29, 202439 minEp. 224

223. Islamophobia, chaos in the House of Commons, and the North Korean election

What do Lee Anderson’s inflammatory comments mean for the Tory party? Is it possible for Parliament to have a united front on Israel-Gaza? Will North Korea ever collapse? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned ...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 223

222. Question Time: Banning phones in schools and parliament, citizens' assemblies, and American isolationism

Should mobiles be banned from schools and the House of Commons? What is Labour's grand plan for citizens' assemblies really about? Is there growing Russian influence in Britain? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more in today's episode of The Rest Is Politics: Question Time. 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...

Feb 22, 202433 minEp. 222

221. The Killing of Alexei Navalny

What happened at the Munich Security Conference? Will Putin ever be held accountable? How will Trump fund his legal problems and a presidential campaign? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive...

Feb 21, 202450 minEp. 221

220. Sunak's by-election disaster, Reform UK gains momentum, and political crisis in Rochdale

Will the rise of Reform UK be the downfall of the Conservatives? How consequential are Labour's by-election victories? Who will win in Rochdale? Join Rory and Alastair for an impromptu Friday episode of The Rest Is Politics as they answer all these questions and more. Buy tickets now to the TRIP Election Tour now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/the-rest-is-politics/ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-fre...

Feb 16, 202431 minEp. 220

219. Question Time: Vladimir Putin’s strategy, Labour’s selection headache, and VAT on private schools

This episode delves into a range of pressing political and social issues, starting with the fallout from Azar Ali's controversial remarks in the Rochdale by-election. The hosts critically examine Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin, highlighting its implications for international politics and nationalism. They also dissect Labour's proposed VAT on private schools, exploring its potential impact and broader educational philosophy. The discussion extends to the significance of local government, the art of political apologies, and strategies for boosting private sector productivity, concluding with reflections on constitutional monarchy and media influence.

Feb 15, 202444 minEp. 219

218. Could the Democrats replace Joe Biden? What’s next for Imran Khan? Why are young people deserting British conservatism?

What do Trump’s Nato threats mean for Europe? Could Pakistan’s military have the final say in the election? Why are young people turning against the Conservatives in Britain? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentio...

Feb 14, 202457 minEp. 218

217. Question Time: How to cover Israel-Gaza, Labour’s £28bn green investment, and Taylor Swift vs Donald Trump

Why is Labour rolling back its pledge on green investment? What does Biden’s sanction against Israeli settlers mean in reality? Who is our one listener in Tuvalu? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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...

Feb 08, 202434 minEp. 217

216. King Charles, Sunak’s £1000 bet, and the future of North Korea

How was a deal finally agreed to get power sharing back in Northern Ireland? Is Rishi Sunak focusing too much on his media appearances? Why has Kim Jong Un said unification with the South is no longer possible? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Po...

Feb 07, 202454 minEp. 216

215. Question Time: An election in May, combatting homelessness, and investigating think tanks

How are anonymous donors keeping Britain’s political parties afloat? Should the public know where think tanks get their funding from? How worried should we be about voter IDs? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of Question Time. 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...

Feb 01, 202441 minEp. 215

214. Israel in court, attacks on American soldiers, and the problem with polling

What is the significance of the I.C.J. Ruling on Israel? How much control does Iran really have over its proxies? Should Labour brace itself for a sharp narrowing of the polls? Join Rory and Alastair as they 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, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on th...

Jan 31, 202455 minEp. 214

213. Question Time: Standing up to Netanyahu, why Starmer would work with Trump, and the differences between Sunni and Shia

Will the West come to terms with the idea that Netanyahu is not interested in a two state solution? Is 'populism' patronising? Would Starmer tread a fine line or stand up to Donald Trump? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of Question Time. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ Click here to buy tickets to the PolEconUK conference for A Level politics...

Jan 25, 202439 minEp. 213

212. Why Trump's return wasn't inevitable

How much do you know about the Russian propaganda forced on the population in occupied Ukraine? Where did it all go so wrong for Ron DeSantis? What on earth is going on in Germany with the far-right? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus...

Jan 24, 202457 minEp. 212

211. Question Time: Taiwan’s new president, Macron's successor, and the difference between Tories and Conservatives

How did Ecuador’s notorious gang leader escape from prison? What does Taiwan’s new anti-Beijing president mean for the country’s future? When is it right for MPs resign? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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 o...

Jan 18, 202440 minEp. 211

210. Is the Middle East sliding into a wider regional conflict?

Should there have been a vote on the UK airstrikes in Yemen? How has the Post Office scandal moved from activism to politics, and could there be another Conservative leader before the election? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book pric...

Jan 17, 202454 minEp. 210

209. Question Time: What happens when privatisation goes wrong?

Is it possible to be politically active as a civil servant? How did private finance initiatives contribute to the Post Office scandal? Is a transfer of power possible in Myanmar? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our e...

Jan 11, 202439 minEp. 209

208. History's warning to Labour, the Post Office scandal, and Bangladesh's battle for power

How should the fallout of the Post Office scandal be handled? Why do the polls always swing towards the Tories as an election nears? What's going on in Bangladesh? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our...

Jan 10, 202458 minEp. 208

207. Question Time: Fighting British corruption, Japan's economic conundrum, and a Premier League team in Belfast

Should Labour create an anti-corruption department if it wins the next election? How great a threat does AI pose to elections in 2024? Is soft power as important as Britain thinks it is? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time. 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 o...

Jan 04, 202436 minEp. 207

206. How to fix the honours system, chaos in the Red Sea, and Taiwan at a crossroads

What should we make of Liz Truss's resignation honours? How does Iran use proxies to attack the US and Israel? Why was the election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so expensive? Join Rory and Alastair as they 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, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentio...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 206

205. How to combat populism, debating Bill Gates, and David Cameron on the world stage (Part 2)

What stopped the Middle East from descending into regional conflict following the events of October 7th? Why did 2023 see so many coups across the Sahel? Is David Cameron now Rishi Sunak's biggest asset? Join Rory and Alastair for the second episode of their two-part special as they look back on the biggest political events of 2023. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of T...

Dec 28, 202346 minEp. 205

204. Scotland's pivotal role, the moment everything changed, and whether to serve under Starmer (Part 1)

Would Rory serve in a Keir Starmer Labour cabinet? How important is Scotland in the next election? What was the most under-appreciated political moment of 2023? Join Rory and Alastair for an end of year TRIP special, as they answer all these questions and more. Part 2 out Thursday - but TRIP Plus members can listen right now - sign up at therestispolitics.com 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ Lear...

Dec 27, 202348 minEp. 204
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