173. The man Putin can’t silence: Bill Browder and sanctioning Russia
2 February 2026
Podcast
24 November 2025
Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system compel him to become a campaigner for this alternative idea of justice? How does James Graham believe drama encourages us to have the difficult conversations necessary to build a better world?
Rory and Alastair are joined by playwright James Graham and campaigner Jacob Dunne, who co-created the award-winning play The Punch which depicts Jacob’s path to restorative justice.
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 https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts
And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at therestispolitics.com
For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmithai/politics
To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.
For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).
Find out more about the Common Ground Justice Project at www.commongroundjustice.uk
Sign Jacob’s petition to widen victims’ access to Restorative Justice at www.RightToBeHeard.org.
Social Producer: Celine Charles
Video Editor: Josh Smith
Producer: Alice Horrell
Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen
Head of Politics: Tom Whiter
Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
3 minute(s) read
Recent Podcasts
173. The man Putin can’t silence: Bill Browder and sanctioning Russia
How did the “biggest capitalist in Eastern Europe” become the primary target of the Russian state? Why was Bill Browder’s friend Sergei Magnitsky killed in Russian prison? Why did Putin really s... Continue2 February 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
495. Terror in Minnesota: The Putinisation of America (Question Time)
*This episode contains content that may not be suitable for younger listeners* What do the killings of protesters by ICE in Minnesota reveal about the state of democracy and truth in the Trump era? I... Continue29 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
494. Carney’s Trump Fightback and the Starmer-Burnham Fallout
Can the 'middle powers' escape Trump's grip and build a world beyond American and Chinese dominance? What is the 'Board of Peace' and why is Trump its chairman for life? Is Starmer’s ‘control-frea... Continue28 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Heckling Trump in Davos
The Orange Man Boy’s speech was so full of lies that I had to do something. But as a former US vice president told me, it’s probably not the best way to deal with him... Continue28 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)
Why did Neil Kinnock believe the fight against Margaret Thatcher was an existential one? What would Kinnock do to tackle the threat posed to Labour by reform? Why did Labour lose the 1992 election? A... Continue26 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?
Is AI a revolution, or just another slow-moving general technology? Are we mistaking hype for inevitability? And, can a technology this unreliable really reshape civilisation? Rory Stewart and Matt C... Continue25 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
493. Trump Insults NATO Troops
Why has Trump chosen to denigrate the sacrifice of allied soldiers? Are Keir Starmer and other NATO leaders finally reaching a breaking point with the US President? And what does this mean for the fut... Continue23 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
492. Should Europe Boycott the World Cup? (Question Time)
Could Trump’s continued Greenland threats spark international boycotts of the World Cup? Does Robert Jenrick’s chaotic defection to Reform strengthen or weaken the Conservatives? How stable is the... Continue23 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas?
When did gift become a verb? I don’t expect erudite people this side of the pond to type like the effing Yanks do.