The Rest Is Politics

12 May 2026

Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner joins Alastair Campbell and Vicky Spratt to discuss the Gen Z story as she sees it. Listen to hear her thoughts on the success of The Green Party, the allure of characters like Gary Stevenson, and Zack Polanski, the hopelessness of young people , the danger of binary politics and short-term thinking, as well as her push for the government to reconnect with Gen Z, and empower leaders of the future. 

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.

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Leading

11 May 2026

188. Will AI Give China or the US Total Power? (William MacAskill)

Could artificial intelligence hand the US or China 99% of global economic and military power? What happens when millions of autonomous weapons systems are controlled by a single commander-in-chief? Has effective altruism's influence in Silicon Valley accelerated or slowed the race for artificial general intelligence?

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.

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Latest

380. JD Vance vs. the UK

How much damage has JD Vance done to US-UK relations? If not the UK, which country was he referring to as "some random country"? How can we stop playing Trump’s game?Join Rory and Alastair ... Continue
Podcast

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Donald Trump, America’s unserious narcissist

Despite all the warning signs the first time around, the world is paying a very heavy price for Trump 2.0... Continue
Article

379. The Four Outcomes For Ukraine

How should the world move on from the Oval Office debacle? Should Trump's state visit go ahead? And, what are Alastair and Rory's predictions for upcoming elections in Canada and Australia? J... Continue
Podcast

123. Canada Decides: Who will be the next Prime Minister? (Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney)

Why do both former Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, and former Canadian deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, think they’re best placed to lead Canada? How will either take on Con... Continue
Podcast

378. TRUMP VS. ZELENSKY: OVAL OFFICE SHOWDOWN

What does Trump’s dramatic outburst at Zelensky mean for Ukraine and the world? Was this an orchestrated ambush by JD Vance and Trump? Should King Charles withdraw his Trump state visit inv... Continue
Podcast

377. Question Time: How will Europe defend itself?

Should the UK impose a ‘War Levy’ on VAT to raise immediate funds for defence? How much independence does Starmer have over the nuclear arsenal? And, what happened to the funds intended ... Continue
Podcast

376. Aid vs Defence: A Livestream Special

Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to increase defence spending by 2027 - redirecting funds from foreign aid. What does this mean for the UK and its global role?Join Rory and Alastair as the... Continue
Podcast

375. Germany’s Fight Against the Far Right

Has Trump already become a strategic adversary to Europe? Will Starmer’s White House visit be his ‘Love, Actually’ moment? How can Europe actually become independent from the US?Join Ro... Continue
Podcast