The Rest Is Politics

23 Jan 2026

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 ceasefire in Syria, and should it be celebrated as a major victory for Trump?

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

19 Jan 2026

171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)

Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What regrets does Kinnock have about the way he responded to the Miners’ strikes? 

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

372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East

What does al-Sharaa's rise to power mean for Syria? Given his surprise takeover, how will today’s CIA analysts be changing the way they think about the country and what happens next? Will S... Continue

We need a Labour revolution on Brexit

Closer EU alignment would boost growth, strengthen our hand against an unpredictable US and set a trap for Farage and Badenoch... Continue

Europe needs to get real on defence; Britain needs to get real on Europe

Below is the text of a speech I am making this evening to the Labour Movement for Europe, urging a change in approach by Labour, to be bolder in the terms of the "reset" that is promised, clearer in ... Continue

371. Question Time: Buying Gaza, Macron’s AI Stunt, and Europe on a Knife’s Edge

How does Trump’s controversial plan impact Middle Eastern relations? Can President Macron combat AI deep fakes in France? How does Canada plan to fight a trade war with the US?Join Alastair... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Rest Is Politics heads to Damascus

The scale of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s victory is immense. But, the challenge of rebuilding his shattered country is even greater... Continue

370. Starmer’s Silver Bullet and Trump’s War on the Poor

Will Musk’s Washington power grab increase global poverty? Has Keir Starmer lost control of his cabinet? Is now the perfect moment for Britain to join the customs union?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

120. The New President of Syria: Trump, Palestine, and having a $10 million bounty on your head (Ahmed al-Sharaa)

How did Ahmed al-Sharaa go from an imprisoned al-Qaeda fighter to the leader of Syria? What is the psychological impact of living a secret life for over twenty years? What is the future of Sy... Continue

369. Question Time: China’s DeepSeek, Ambassador Mandelson, and misogyny in politics

What’s the danger of China’s DeepSeek? Why are male and female politicians still treated differently? Are politicians right to appease leaders they don’t agree with?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue