The Rest Is Politics

23 Jan 2026

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 future of the Western alliance at such a critical moment?

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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The day John Prescott gave a speech to the sea

In paying their tributes, many people are still underestimating the former deputy prime minister... Continue

109. Is it time to legalise assisted dying? (Kim Leadbeater)

Should assisted dying be legalised? How did the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, impact British politics? Why is the job of an MP so difficult?Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour MP Kim Leadb... Continue

John Prescott was a great fighter and a great friend

The public saw his combative side, but those closest to him saw his heart... Continue

342. Question Time: Farmer vs Starmer, courting China, and the purpose of COP

How would Alastair tweak the so-called “tractor-tax” to appease British farmers? Is Kier Starmer spending too much time abroad? And will international law survive Trump?Join Rory and Alas... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The word I want to get into the dictionary

The ‘trollification’ that happens on X, Elon Musk’s online hellhole, deserves a definition... Continue

341. Biden vs. Trump: A fight for the future of Ukraine

Is Biden’s move on missiles too little too late for Ukraine? Who will be in Donald Trump’s White House team? Why are business leaders growing tired of Labour?Join Rory and Alastair as the... Continue

108. Mhairi Black: Independence, inequality, and the future of the SNP

What was it like entering Parliament as the youngest MP? How has the SNP’s approach to campaigning for Scottish independence changed since the 2014 referendum? What does the future hold for... Continue

340. Question Time: Assisted Dying, Texting Macron, and the Politics of Scandal

Are Alastair and Rory starry-eyed about Australian politics? What have Alastair and Macron been texting about? And, what does the world look like without America at the centre of it? Join R... Continue