The Rest Is Politics

30 Mar 2026

Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear (The Book Club)

Why is 1984 as relevant today as when it was published? Who is Big Brother, and why is he so powerful? What was George Orwell's intention when creating the world of 1984, and what does it tell us about politics today?

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

30 Mar 2026

182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)

How are rights for trans people in the US improving or worsening under the Republican administration? What fundamentally needs to change in Congress to improve the state of politics? Are the Democrats doing enough to win back the American public?

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

348. Syria, Afghanistan, and The Rest Is Classified

It has been thirteen years since Bashar al-Assad triggered a civil war which would kill hundreds of thousands of people and devastate Syria. Recent events have shown just how far his rule ha... Continue

347. Question Time: Biden’s Pardon is Unforgivable

Is Starmer right to dismiss the two million people calling for a general election? What are Georgia’s chances of EU integration? And, if they were heading up British Intelligence, how much ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Navalny’s daughter will haunt Putin

The 23-year-old hopes to, one day, return to Russia and hep make it a free country. She's certainly her father's daughter... Continue

346. The Battle for Syria

Who are the Syrian rebels who have attacked Aleppo? Will Keir Starmer's reset be enough to convince the public? Why is the French government on the brink of collapse?Join Rory and Alastair as... Continue

110. Chris Patten: Conservatism, China, and the future of democracy

As the last Governor of Hong Kong, what are Chris Patten's reflections on the city’s trajectory since the handover in 1997? How can the West improve it's relationship to China? What role do... Continue

345. TRIP US: The Golden Age of Corruption

Is the United States entering a new age of corruption? Why are Democrats staying silent? What will be different about a second Trump term?This week, Anthony Scaramucci is joined by Alastair C... Continue

344. Question Time: Should MPs vote with their conscience or constituents?

Is there anything wrong with being an isolationist government? How far has ‘woke’ been weaponised by the far-right? Will Rory ever go on reality TV? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue

343. What Happens Next: Israel vs. the International Criminal Court

How has the world responded to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for top Israeli officials? What does Trump have planned for the war in Ukraine? Is Chancellor Rachel Reeves re... Continue