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: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes and live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
What do we know about the billionaire tech bros backing Vance who hate democracy? Is Vance the political face of a revolution for the super rich? Is he a voice for the Rust Belt, or an avatar for Silicon Valley? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more in Part 2 of their first ever miniseries, The Real JD Vance, exclusively for members of The Rest Is Politics Plus. Claim your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com. Writers: Callum Hill, Evan Green Social Producer: Celine C...
How much do you really know about the geopolitics of Iran and the Middle East? Have British MPs made a mistake with the Assisted Dying Bill? What does the King say when he meets politicians? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more in today's episode of Question Time. 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 boo...
Has Trump really helped agree peace between Israel and Iran, and how long will it last? Were last night's strikes from Iran on a US base merely performative? How real is the chance of Supreme Leader Khamenei falling? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 boo...
Why has the US entered the Israel-Iran war? Is this the beginning of a wider war? What does this all mean for the world? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Join today or en...
Delve into the surprising political transformation of JD Vance, from a vehement never-Trumper to a leading figure in the Trump movement and potential Vice President. This episode examines his difficult background, his controversial book "Hillbilly Elegy," and his views on class, poverty, and the opioid crisis, exploring what drives his ambition and shifting ideology.
What does the murder of politicians in Minnesota tell us about the state of American politics? What is the newly appointed Chief of MI6 going to know about the world? Is there a more divisive issue than immigration in the UK today? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 newslett...
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, analysing Netanyahu's communication strategy, the role of international law, and global reactions, particularly Trump's impact on the G7. They also delve into the recent Casey report on UK grooming gangs, examining systemic failures, the nature of the abuse, and the report's recommendations amidst political debate and public opinion shifts.
Hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart analyze Israel's recent strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and leadership. They discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu's long-term objectives, the military effectiveness of the attack, and the complex, often ambiguous, role of the Trump administration. The conversation explores Iran's potential responses, the implications under international law, and how the event might impact Iran's nuclear ambitions and the broader regional stability in an era of waning US influence.
Why does the BBC give Reform so much air time? Should there be a global refugee coalition? And, should we be surprised that AI might gaslight us? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 pod, and our members’ chatroom on ...
Are the LA protests the perfect gift for Trump, and does pushing back just add fuel to his fire? What does Musk’s exit mean for the MAGA coalition? Why has Starmer u-turned on winter fuel payments, and can Reeves’ spending review turn things around for Labour and the UK? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 ...
What was the most significant event of geopolitics in the last 30 years? Are Dominic Cummings' comments about the "broken" Westminster model valid? And, should politicians be clued up on popular culture? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of these questions 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 ...
Is Labour exaggerating the threat from Russia and missing the real risks? Does the world beyond the West now prefer China over the US? What does Poland’s new pro-Trump president mean for Ukraine and European defence? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 bo...
How should global leaders deal with Trump? Why have the UK, France and Canada chosen now to speak out against Israel? Are young women being taken for granted, politically? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. See Rory and Alastair Live on Tour Sunday, 9 Nov 2025: Bournemouth International Centre Tuesday, 11 Nov 2025: Eventim Apollo, London Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025: Eventim Apollo, London Saturday, 15 Nov 2025: SEC Armadillo, Glasgow Sunday, 16 Nov 2025: O2 Apollo Man...
Is Reform UK’s growing appeal a product of Farage’s populism, or Labour’s failure to articulate a gripping national story? What’s behind Trump’s South African ‘white genocide’ claim? Why can’t the UK build the homes it so desperately needs? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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...
Alastair and Rory tackle listener questions on global and domestic politics. They analyze the close Romanian election result and its implications, debate whether Labour's policy shifts indicate a move away from the centre-left, discuss Germany's controversial immigration stance and its conflict with EU law, and reflect on the symbolic Sycamore Gap tree felling in the context of activism and prison overcrowding. The episode also touches on political developments in Albania, Mexico's judicial reforms and femicide rates, and the significance of the Turkish government's peace deal with the PKK.
What does Trump’s outburst against Bruce Springsteen and Joe Biden tell us about his psychology? Why has he lifted sanctions on al-Sharaa’s Syria, and why now? Has Portugal finally lost its immunity to far-right populism? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, discou...
Is Starmer's UK-EU deal a “win-win” reset of relations or a betrayal of Brexit red lines? Will this deal actually lower food and energy costs or boost growth? What does twelve years of European fishing access really mean for the UK? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 newslet...
What message is the new pope sending to Trump? To what extent are the USAID cuts killing children? And, did Rory “get it wrong” on water nationalisation? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 pod, and our members’ chat...
From a $400m plane to starvation in Gaza, who will benefit from Trump’s big Gulf visit? Who really brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan? Can Zelensky and Ukraine survive on half-promises and secondhand weapons? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, disc...
Rory and Alistair analyze escalating India-Pakistan tensions following attacks in Kashmir, discussing potential responses and international implications. They also tackle questions on Tony Blair's climate policy comments, the upcoming Papal Conclave, Germany's stance on the AfD, and King Charles' visit to Canada. Plus, they touch on British farming post-Brexit and the political divide between urban and rural areas.
How has Donald Trump transformed his political power into a money-making machine, and what does it mean for American democracy? How did Israel's settler movement shift from the extremist fringes into mainstream politics? Why does Nigel Farage always evade real scrutiny, and will he replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episode...
What can be learnt from Poland’s fight against the far-right? Is it time for water to be nationalised? And, how has TRIP changed Alastair and Rory’s politics? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 pod, and our members’...
Rory and Alastair discuss escalating tensions in Kashmir between India and Pakistan, the implications of Trump's meeting with Zelensky in the Vatican, and the upcoming UK local elections and the rise of Reform UK. They analyze potential military strikes, shifting economic dynamics, and the impact of international relations on these critical geopolitical issues. They explore challenges facing Ukraine, the role of European support, and the fragmented political landscape in the UK.
Will Harvard win its fight with Trump? What caused Zelensky’s approval ratings to hit an all-time high? Which right-wing politician would Alastair swap places with? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all of these questions 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 pod, and our...
Rory and Alastair discuss Pope Francis's legacy and the upcoming conclave, the UK Supreme Court's ruling on gender, and Donald Trump's influence on global populist movements. They analyze the implications of these events on politics and society, offering insights into complex and evolving issues.
Alastair and Rory discuss the Australian election and Peter Dutton's struggles, Kemi Badenoch's political strategy, Labour's relationship with trade unions, and the under-representation of the working class in Parliament. They also explore the broader challenges facing democracies and share book recommendations.
Does Trump want to turn America into China? How come politicians - including those on the right - want to nationalise steel in the UK? Are we witnessing a seismic change in German politics? The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away FREE TRIP+ membership for all of 2025 to new sign-ups 🎉 TRIP+ gets you ad-free listening, discounts, and early access to episodes and pre-sale tickets for live shows! To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit GetFuse.com/Politics ⚡ The...
Has Elon Musk paid for fans to defend him on social media? What percentage of Twitter responses to Rory Stewart, Alastair Campbell, and Anthony Scaramucci are fake bots? How can information on Twitter trolls inform us on election interference? Alastair and Rory are joined by Anthony Scaramucci to delve into the murky world of Twitter algorithms and trolls. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free ...
Why were two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel? What led to the impeachment of South Korea’s president? Is there a decline in blue-collar MPs? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of these questions 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 pod, and our members’ chatroom on ...
What’s really behind Trump’s tariff madness? Are we watching the US slide into authoritarianism in real time? How should Europe and the world fight back? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 pod, and our members’ chat...
