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.
Subscribe to this podcast
Episodes
-
491. Trump at Davos: Rory and Alastair React
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
What does Trump's rambling speech to world leaders at Davos mean for Greenland? Are Europe and the UK ready to act together against Trump's threats? And what lessons does Mark Carney's approach to Trump offer on how middle powers should respond to Trump's brazen foreign policy? Join Rory and Alastair as they 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 Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an...
-
490. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: What Next?
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Is the US now an adversary for Europe? Has Europe's appeasement strategy failed? How should NATO respond if appeasement is no longer an option? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus conten...
-
Will AI End Humanity?
Thursday, 15 January 2026
If there is even a 1% chance that AI could destroy us, should we keep building it? Are we creating machines that will one day outthink humanity? And is the race to dominate AI accelerating us toward a future we’re unprepared to face? This week, Yoshua Bengio joins Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford for an AI deep dive. A Turing Award–winning pioneer of deep learning, Bengio helped build the field, and is now one of its most urgent critics, warning that without restraint, the risks ahead could be profound. To listen to the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @rest...
-
489. Musk's AI Deepfake Disgrace & JD Vance's Minnesota Lies (Question Time)
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Will the UK ban 'X' over explicit, nonconsensual deepfake images of women and children generated using its AI tool? What does JD Vance's outburst against the Minnesota ICE shooting victim tell us about the misinformation age? After the attacks on Rory over the weekend from The Telegraph, Spectator, and Boris Johnson in the Daily Mail, what is it about Rory that so reliably enrages the right-wing press? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy...
-
488. Is Iran on the Edge of Revolution?
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Could the Iran protests finally break the Supreme Leader’s brutal reign, or will the regime's deadly crackdown contain the unrest? If the US intervenes militarily, what would a Trump-style plan for Iran look like? Why are tensions rising in Yemen between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and could their conflict reignite one of the world's worst humanitarian crises? Join Rory and Alastair as they 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 Alastair’s minis...
-
China vs USA: Who Will Win the AI Race?
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Who really controls AI; governments, corporations, or no one at all? Is AI becoming a new kind of global arms race? And, can we keep humans in charge of systems that move faster than we do? Rory and Matt are joined by President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar. Tino is a former justice on the Supreme Court of California, an executive appointee to the Clinton, Obama and Biden administrations and a Professor of Law at Stanford University. To listen to the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: ...
-
487. Is Starmer Rethinking His Approach to Europe? (Question Time)
Thursday, 8 January 2026
What do Keir Starmer’s comments on 'closer alignment' with the EU single market actually mean? After the Bondi terror attack, how can a centrist government respond to national trauma without fuelling culture wars? And, according to teens, how seriously should we be taking AI? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away free TRIP Plus membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups 🎉 TRIP Plus gets you ad-free listening, discounts, and early access to ...
-
486. Does Maduro’s Capture Put Greenland at Risk?
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Is Venezuela the start of something bigger? If this isn’t regime change, what does Trump actually want? And, has Trump just handed Putin a win? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away free TRIP Plus membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups 🎉 TRIP Plus 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 fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ Instagra...
-
485. Trump Says America will Run Venezuela
Saturday, 3 January 2026
Trump has announced that Venezuela will now be run by Washington as US forces have captured Nicolás Maduro and taken him to stand trial in New York. After months of escalating tension, Trump launched strikes on the capital and deposed a foreign leader - something the US has not done in Latin America for nearly 40 years. But how will this administration work? Was this attack legal? And what are the broader geopolitical consequences of this move? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer these questions and more in this emergency podcast. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse ...
-
484. War in Europe, Trump's Destruction of Institutions, and Britain’s National Treasures (Question Time)
Thursday, 1 January 2026
Will Europe go to war with Russia in 2026? Should National Service be introduced next year? How will AI continue to develop? Should the G20 be moved? And how else will politics change next year? Listen to Rory and Alastair as they answer these questions and more. __________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 fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ Get mo...
-
483. The Future of British Politics, How The World Order Is Changing, and The Power of History
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
What does this year look like for the future of British politics? How is the global order going to be reshaped? And will the power of historical narratives become even stronger this year? Listen as Rory and Alastair answer these questions and more. __________ 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 fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ Listen to Autocra...
-
482. A Trumpian Year, the Politics of Hope and Highlights of 2025
Thursday, 25 December 2025
What surprised Rory and Alastair most about 2025? Why does Trump's presidency feel even more chaotic than expected? And who gets their vote for campaigner of the year? Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all of this and more. __________ 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 fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ __________ For more Goalhanger Podcasts, ...
-
481. Polanski, Macron & al-Sharaa: The Best & Worst Politicians of 2025
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Who deserves the title of UK politician of the year - and who gets worst? What was the most consequential moment of Trump's presidency so far? And can Rory convince Alastair that Christmas isn't so miserable after all? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas – give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to therestisp...
-
Will AI Take Our Jobs? (Ep 2)
Friday, 19 December 2025
Is AI a genuine productivity revolution, or just another tech bubble? Are any jobs safe from the advent of AI? And, can the UK harness the innovation, or will it fall behind? Rory Stewart is joined by former government advisor of AI, and author of the AI Action Plan, for a members only mini-series on the future of Artificial Intelligence. Sign up at therestispolitics.com to hear the full episode, and enjoy all TRIP Plus perks. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to goalhanger.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalha...
-
480. Trump, China, and the Scramble for Latin America (Question Time)
Thursday, 18 December 2025
What’s really driving Trump’s interventions in Venezuela and the rest of Latin America – oil, drugs, or democracy? Is Labour failing on its promise to reform and ultimately abolish the House of Lords? Why is there so little coverage of the Palestine Action hunger strike? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas – give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a...
-
479. Russian Influence in Britain: How Exposed Are We?
Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Why are Britain’s top military and intelligence chiefs sounding the alarm about Putin’s influence and future plans? How deeply has Russia already penetrated British politics, media, and public debate – and why did it take so long for us to act? If Europe is serious about sustaining Ukraine, why is it still struggling to unlock Russia’s frozen assets? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas – give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and l...
-
How Will AI Change The World? (Ep 1)
Friday, 12 December 2025
How will AI reshape the way we live, earn, and design our lifestyles over the next decade? With investment in AI increasing a billion fold the last 12 years – is this a gold mine or a classic bubble? And why is so little attention being paid to this issue? Rory Stewart is joined by former government advisor of AI, and author of the AI Action Plan, for a members only mini-series on the future of Artificial Intelligence. To hear the full episode now claim your FREE TRIAL for The Rest Is Politics Plus at therestispolitics.com. The Rest Is Politics Plus grants you exclusive bonus c...
-
478. Farage’s Crypto Megadonor and the Graduate Jobs Disaster (Question Time)
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Why has a crypto billionaire living in Thailand donated £9 million to Nigel Farage's party, Reform UK? With a graduate jobs crisis in full swing and rising debt, what are the prospects for young Brits? Can the fragile Gaza ceasefire realistically hold? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. J...
-
477. How Trump’s Security Strategy Destroys The Old World Order
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Has Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy officially upended 80 years of American foreign policy? Why does it warn of Europe's "civilisational erasure" while downplaying threats from its traditional adversaries?And is it finally time for the UK and Europe to chart their own course? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted boo...
-
476. Polanski’s Problem, Westminster’s Russia Blind Spot, and Justice Without Juries? (Question Time)
Thursday, 4 December 2025
Are the Greens selling an economic vision they can’t explain? Should Britain ditch juries in some trials? And, how far has Russian influence seeped into UK politics? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away free TRIP Plus membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups 🎉 TRIP Plus 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 fuseenergy.com/po...
-
475. The Budget Backlash – and Trump’s Plan to Profit from Peace in Ukraine
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Is the media too negative about Reeves and Starmer, or are they simply out of ideas? What has the relentless Budget turmoil and fallout done to already low levels of trust in the Government? How much of Trump’s approach to Putin and Ukraine is driven by his business interests? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas – give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and...
-
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending new show from Goalhanger that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just how bizarre the world truly is. Join Professor Hannah Fry and science creator Michael Stevens (aka Vsauce) twice a week to explore big, small and surprising questions as they deep dive into theories, concepts, objects and thoughts and take us on a journey into the unexpected. If you love digging into details that usually get skipped over, this is the show that proves reality is stranger than fiction. ...
-
474. Does Reeves' Budget Really Change Anything? What It Means For You
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Was this 'the most leaked Budget' of all time? Has Rachel Reeves managed to balance the demands of the public, the markets, industry, and her party? Can Reeves turn around the Government’s and the country's fortunes with this Budget, or will it be her last as Chancellor? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas – give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a...
-
473. Europe vs. Trump: Competing Visions for a Ukraine Peace Deal (Question Time)
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
What happens to global leadership when the US ghosts the G20 and COP, and can middle powers really keep the world moving? Is Britain ignoring a major foreign-interference scandal? And, how close is the West Bank to total economic collapse—and why isn’t anyone talking about it? Is your door in the draw? Sign up by midnight 30th November at https://postcodelottery.co.uk. People’s Postcode Lottery manages lotteries on behalf of good causes, 18 plus, conditions apply, play responsibly, not available in Northern Ireland. Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole ye...
-
472. Is Trump’s Peace 'Plan’ Forced Surrender for Ukraine?
Sunday, 23 November 2025
Who is really behind the White House 'peace plan' for Ukraine: Trump or Putin? Why isn't Europe taking the threat from Russia more seriously, and doing more to protect Ukraine? How does all of this relate to Russia’s hybrid warfare and the ex-leader of Reform UK in Wales taking pro-Russia bribes? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 private Discord community – plus exclusive series on JD V...
-
471. Rory Stewart: How the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns
Friday, 21 November 2025
Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's response? And is Britain's government structurally too slow to handle future threats like AI and Putin's increasing aggression in Europe? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away free TRIP Plus membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups 🎉 TRIP...
-
470. China vs Japan, the BBC at Breaking Point, and The Future of Satire (Question Time)
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Is Japan provoking China, or responding to a real threat over Taiwan? What does the BBC’s credibility crisis reveal about Britain’s fight over truth? And, why is Chile swinging from the left to the far right? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 private Discord community – plus exclusive mini-series like The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com...
-
469. Is Starmer Out of Moves? Asylum Gamble, Tax Chaos, and Open Infighting
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
After a week of turmoil, can Labour recover their support or are they already doomed to lose the next election? Are Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms the answer to the threat of Reform, or is Labour pandering to its political opponents? With arguments breaking out amongst his MAGA fanbase, are we witnessing the splintering of Trump's electoral coalition? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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’ newslett...
-
468. Starmer in Crisis: Sabotage From Within? (Question Time)
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Has Keir Starmer lost control of his own team? Is Gen Z actually the most informed generation yet, or are they cripplingly cynical? And, why is African democracy in retreat? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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 private Discord community – plus exclusive mini-series like The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com The Rest Is Poli...
-
467. The Mamdani Method Explained: Could It Shock Britain?
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
How did a thirty four-year old democratic socialist win over New York, and can he actually follow through on his promise to transform the city? What do Zohran Mamdani, Zack Polanski, and Nigel Farage all get right? Why did Donald Trump meet the President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and could his bulldozer approach to geopolitics actually be helping Syria? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions 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, ...
Weather
Travel News
How To Listen
Download Our Apps
Podcasts
-
The Rest Is Politics
491. Trump at Davos: Rory and Alastair React
-
The News AgentsTrump's Greenland shakedown: 'Say no and we will remember'