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
-
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, ...
-
466. Crisis Engulfs the BBC: Is this a Coordinated Attack?
Monday, 10 November 2025
Why have the BBC’s Director General and Head of News both suddenly resigned? Is this an internal 'coup' at the BBC or a 'concerted' attack by its usual enemies? How is American-style polarisation spreading to UK media, and what does it mean for the quality of our journalism? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green, India Dunkley Senior Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
-
Murdoch's Succession Battle and the Fight for Fox News
Friday, 7 November 2025
What are the key differences between Murdoch's children, particularly Lachlan and James? How do the internal family conflicts of the Murdochs mirror the TV show Succession? What will Rupert Murdoch's legacy be? Alastair is joined by two-time Rupert Murdoch biographer, Michael Wolff, to discuss all this and more. Unlock the full five-part mini-series The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch – only with The Rest Is Politics Plus. Members enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to new shows. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com Written & Produced by: N...
-
465. Andrew’s Disgrace, Newsnight, and a Centrist Win in the Netherlands (Question Time)
Thursday, 6 November 2025
How much transparency should we demand from the monarchy? Do the latest Dutch results show that populism is fracturing, or simply mutating? And, did Xi embarrass Trump? __________ 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 Politics is po...
-
464. Labour’s Tax Timebomb, Climate Backsliding, and Sudan’s Forgotten War
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Is this the Budget that breaks Labour, or can Reeves walk the tightrope? Why does the general public increasingly think we’re overreacting to climate breakdown? Why aren’t Elon Musk’s provocations of a civil war in Britain being challenged more by mainstream politicians? 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 ...
-
The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power (Part 4)
Monday, 3 November 2025
What was the nature of the relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump? What, or who, caused Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng to end? What were the consequences of Fox News promoting election fraud conspiracies after the 2020 election? Alastair is joined by two-time Rupert Murdoch biographer, Michael Wolff, to discuss all this and more. To enjoy the full series right now, claim your FREE TRIAL for The Rest Is Politics Plus at therestispolitics.com. The Rest Is Politics Plus grants you exclusive bonus content, miniseries, early access to Question Time episodes and live sho...
-
463. Question Time: How Truth Became Optional In Trump’s America
Thursday, 30 October 2025
How serious are Trump’s hints about serving a third term? Is the US sleepwalking into a civil war? And does the Labour Party really understand rural Britain? 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 Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. T...
-
462. Starmer Hits Rock Bottom: Will He Break His Manifesto to Survive?
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
What does Labour’s unprecedented collapse in Wales really mean? If Putin takes Ukraine, which European neighbour is next? What can Starmer learn from Ireland’s new president, Catherine Connolly? 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 Phone-Hacking Scandal: How Murdoch's UK Empire Fell (Part 3)
Saturday, 25 October 2025
What was the phone-hacking scandal and how did it escalate into a major crisis? How was Alastair himself implicated? What did Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng mean for his family's fortune? Alastair is joined by two-time Rupert Murdoch biographer, Michael Wolff, to discuss all this and more.Unlock the full five-part mini-series The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch – only with TRIP+. Members enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and early access to new shows. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com Written & Produced by: Nicole Maslen Video Editor: Jo...
-
461. Question Time: China’s Spy Web, the Tel Aviv Fan Ban, and Japan’s New Thatcher
Thursday, 23 October 2025
Why did Britain drop a clear Chinese spying case? Was banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans the right call? What does Prince Andrew’s latest downfall reveal about the royals? 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 Politics is powered by Fuse ...
-
460. Inside Trump’s Gaza-Ukraine Playbook: Who Profits from Peace?
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Is Trump selling peace to the highest bidder? Is the Farage surge in Wales a warning shot for Westminster? Why is the UK going backwards again on mental health? 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 Politics...
-
A Deal With the Devil? Murdoch and New Labour (Part 2)
Friday, 17 October 2025
What was the nature of Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher? What led to News Corp's near-collapse in the late 1980s, and how did the company recover? Why and how did Tony Blair's "New Labour" court Rupert Murdoch's support in the 1990s? Alastair is joined by two-time Rupert Murdoch biographer, Michael Wolff, to discuss all this and more.Unlock the full five-part mini-series The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch – only with TRIP+. Members enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and early access to new shows. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com ...
-
459. Question Time: Reform's Potential Upside, Why Bad News Sells & Reasons To Stay Hopeful
Thursday, 16 October 2025
Who’s offering hope in politics today? Where are the real environmental success stories? And what one law would Rory and Alastair make a reality? 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 https://www.fuseenergy.com/politics ...
-
458. Can Trump's Peace Deal Actually Work?
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Has Trump really brought a “new dawn” to the Middle East? How can one of the most broken places on earth begin to be rebuilt? And is Argentina mourning the death of a libertarian dream? 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, vis...
-
The Rise of Rupert Murdoch: Making of a Mogul (Part 1)
Friday, 10 October 2025
Why is Rupert Murdoch considered such an influential figure? What was his childhood and family like growing up in Australia? How did he establish his groundbreaking media presence in the UK? Alastair is joined by two-time Rupert Murdoch biographer, Michael Wolff, to discuss all this and more.Unlock the full five-part mini-series The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch – only with TRIP+. Members enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and early access to new shows. Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com Written & Produced by: Nicole Maslen Video Editor: Josh Smith ...
-
457. Is Trump Planning Regime Change?
Thursday, 9 October 2025
Why is Trump attacking Venezuelan ships? Are the Greens turning protest into real political power? And, will France create a sixth Republic? 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 https://www.fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ Find out more about how Google’s AI is helping fuel the UK’s growth an...
-
456. Antisemitism, How the Tories Lost Britain, and Gaza
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Why is antisemitism on the rise in the UK? Can Trump’s Gaza plan ever provide a just and lasting peace? Why does Rory think the Conservative Party is on a doomed path? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered...
-
455. Question Time: Is Europe Already At War With Russia?
Thursday, 2 October 2025
Is Europe already at war with Russia — without admitting it? Are the Netherlands still a serious player in Europe? And, should national parks be reshaped for the modern age? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is...
-
454. Starmer's Farage Fightback and Trump's Unworkable Gaza Plan
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Is it too late for Starmer to turn things around? Is Labour talking too much about immigration, and not enough about the cost of living? How can Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza lead to a Palestinian state if Netanyahu will ‘forcibly resist’ it at every turn? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, d...
-
453. Trump’s Far Right Allies in Germany: Is History Repeating Itself?
Friday, 26 September 2025
Just how close is the far right to taking power in Europe and the UK? Why is Germany the perfect starting point for far-right agitators? Is Europe’s lacklustre response to an unfolding genocide in Gaza undermining Europe’s post-war liberal order? Join Rory, Alastair, and Austrian social scientist Gerald Knaus, as they answer all these questions and more, in this special bonus episode on the rise of the far right. 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 liste...
-
452. Question Time: America’s New Martyr and Westminster’s Hidden Spies
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Is Charlie Kirk becoming America’s new martyr for the far right? How deep does Chinese spying go in Western politics? And, is Moldova the next target for Russian meddling? 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 https://www.fuseenergy.com/politics ⚡ Find out more about how Google’s AI is...
-
451. Is Trump Destroying the UN?
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Is it time to move the United Nations headquarters out of New York? Will recognising Palestine as a state make any difference to the plight of Gaza? Why does Reform UK get so much more coverage than the Lib Dems? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom...
-
450. Question Time: How Gen Z Took Down the Government
Thursday, 18 September 2025
**Content Notice: this episode contains discussion of murder-suicide, rape and sexual violence** How did a corruption scandal in Nepal trigger a youth-led political earthquake? Does the UN genocide finding over Gaza change anything on the ground? And, how can we protect women and girls from rape at university? For more information on 'enough', go to myenough.com or search @enoughtoendrape on social media. Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of these questions and more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonu...
-
449. Starmer Loses Control: Will Andy Burnham Challenge the PM?
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
As Trump arrives in the UK after the Mandelson-Epstein debacle, are Starmer’s days numbered as PM? If he can’t turn things around, who could replace him? Is Elon Musk trying to incite a civil war in the UK, and who are Tommy Robinson's billionaire backers? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, di...
-
448. Question Time: Mandelson’s Epstein Disgrace, Kirk’s Assassination, and Trump’s Illegal Boat Strike
Thursday, 11 September 2025
Why did Peter Mandelson become so mesmerised by the rich and famous? What does Charlie Kirk’s assassination mean for the future of American politics? Is Trump trying to start a fake war with Venezuela? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord...
-
447. Is Starmer Sleepwalking Britain into Farage’s Hands?
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Has Starmer’s reshuffle shifted Labour to the right, and frozen out the left? Will Farage ultimately lose control of Reform UK? Why has the French government collapsed again? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics i...
-
446. Israel Bombs Qatar: Where Does Impunity End?
Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Is Netanyahu’s illegal bombing of Doha yet another death knell for international law? Why is the West’s response so lacklustre? Is Trump secretly furious with Netanyahu? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is pow...
-
445. Starmer's Deputy PM Quits: The Return of Chaos in British Politics?
Friday, 5 September 2025
Just how damaging is Angela Rayner’s dramatic exit for the UK government? Has Starmer gone too early with his cabinet reshuffle? What does this mean for Labour and the threat from Nigel Farage? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The...
-
444. Question Time: Can Labour Reinvent Itself?
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Why is Gaza the deadliest place for journalists? Is Farage copying Trump by silencing the press?And, Is Britain’s Online Safety Act censorship or protection? 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 exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse...
Weather
Travel News
How To Listen
Download Our Apps
Podcasts
-
The News AgentsDavid Blunkett on how Keir Starmer can save his premiership
-
AmericastAre cracks showing inside Trump’s MAGA movement?