The Rest Is Politics

31 Dec 2025

483. The Future of British Politics, How The World Order Is Changing, and The Power of History

What does this year look like for the future of British politics? How is the global order going to be reshaped? And will the power of historical narratives become even stronger this year?

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

29 Dec 2025

168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership

Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populist narrative that Net Zero is too expensive?

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

472. Is Trump’s Peace ‘Plan’ Forced Surrender for Ukraine?

Who is really behind the White House 'peace plan' for Ukraine: Trump or Putin? Why isn't Europe taking the threat from Russia more seriously, and doing more to protect Ukraine? How does all o... Continue

471. Rory Stewart: Why the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns

Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's... Continue

471. Rory Stewart: How the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns

Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's... Continue

470. China vs Japan, the BBC at Breaking Point, and The Future of Satire (Question Time)

Is Japan provoking China, or responding to a real threat over Taiwan? What does the BBC’s credibility crisis reveal about Britain’s fight over truth? And, why is Chile swinging from the l... Continue

469. Is Starmer Out of Moves? Asylum Gamble, Tax Chaos, and Open Infighting

After a week of turmoil, can Labour recover their support or are they already doomed to lose the next election? Are Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms the answer to the threat of Reform, o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: This government is like The Thick Of It, but unfunny

It is ludicrous that, in little over a year, Keir Starmer has gone from landslide high to record low satisfaction ratings... Continue

162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men

What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How... Continue

468. Starmer in Crisis: Sabotage From Within? (Question Time)

Has Keir Starmer lost control of his own team? Is Gen Z actually the most informed generation yet, or are they cripplingly cynical? And, why is African democracy in retreat? Join Rory and ... Continue