The Rest Is Politics

19 Dec 2025

Will AI Take Our Jobs? (Ep 2)

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?

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

Leading

15 Dec 2025

166. John Swinney: An Independent Scotland Is An Open Scotland

What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers? 

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

Latest

423. Question Time: Glastonbury’s Israel fallout, New York’s socialist mayor and why NATO called Trump ‘daddy’

Has ‘impartiality’ become a cover for moral failure in Palestine? Why does Trump want a Nobel peace price? And, why is the head of NATO calling Trump "daddy"? Join Rory and Alastair as t... Continue

422. Things Can Only Get Better? Starmer’s Stormy First Year

What have the Labour government achieved since the general election one year ago? What are the hardest challenges Keir Starmer must face? How has Donald Trump monetised the Presidency of the ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: After one year in office, here’s what Starmer needs to do now

After a tricky first year, the prime minister has built strong relationships with leaders of other counties. But now he must fix with one he has with his MPs... Continue

141. The President of Cyprus: Iran, Israel, and the Cyprus Issue (Nikos Christodoulides)

What role does Cyprus play in the Middle East conflicts? How can Europe and the United Kingdom strengthen their relations during this tumultuous time? How can governments fight corruption? ... Continue

421. The Real JD Vance: The Power Behind The Man (Part 2)

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... Continue

420. Question Time: The History of Iran vs. the West

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? ... Continue

419. What next for Trump, Israel, and Iran? | Peace vs. Regime Change

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... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Will Farage be prime minister? Really?

The media's obsession with Reform’s leader makes a disaster of Truss and Boris Johnson proportions ever more likely... Continue