The Rest Is Politics

10 Sep 2025

447. Is Starmer Sleepwalking Britain into Farage’s Hands?

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?

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

8 Sep 2025

152. “A War on Children”: A Generation in Gaza at Risk (James Elder)

Why is the humanitarian situation in Gaza the worst that James Elder has ever seen? What does the process of rebuilding Gaza look like? How do the people working on the ground not lose hope? 

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

361. Gaza, Israel, and Ceasefire

How can Gaza be rebuilt after any ceasefire is agreed? What are the ‘six deadly sins’ of the liberal centre? What should we make of Starmer’s AI action plan for Britain?Join Rory and Al... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Elon Musk is a dictator in the making

Musk and Putin share a belief that facts don’t matter and there are no people or power structures that should be allowed to stand in their way... Continue

116. Is AI the answer to human suffering? (James Manyika)

How can AI help solve global problems such as poverty, hunger, and disease? Is there a hidden dark side to this new technology? What is in store for the future of artificial intelligence?Rory... Continue

360. Question Time: Assad’s People – Torture, Justice, and Forgiveness

Are the media ignoring what’s happening in Gaza? Should the UK be boycotting the cricket in Afghanistan? And, how worried should we be about democratic backsliding in Georgia and Venezuela?... Continue

360. Question Time: Assad’s People – Syria, Torture, and Justice

Are the media ignoring what’s happening in Gaza? Should the UK be boycotting the cricket in Afghanistan? And, how worried should we be about democratic backsliding in Georgia and Venezuela?... Continue

359. Starmer vs. Musk: Why the richest man in the world turned against the Prime Minister

What's behind Musk's spiral into the far right? Is Robert Jenrick veering into Enoch Powell territory? Is Austria on the precipice of a new form of fascism?Join Rory and Alastair as they answ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The cost of Elon Musk’s dangerous lies

The ranting billionaire embarrassed himself, Donald trump... and Nigel Farage. Now he has to pay the price... Continue

115. Ben Wallace: Britain’s mistake in Ukraine, Trump vs. NATO, and visiting Iran with Jeremy Corbyn

Why do some soldiers make bad politicians? What's the West doing wrong in terms of its policy towards the Ukraine War? How can Keir Starmer turn around the public perception of his Labour gov... Continue