30 Jul 2026
Data Centres vs. Drinking Water: What Matters To Us Most?To hear the full episode, which includes an interview with global water expert, Sandra Postel, sign up at the therestispolitics.com
The Rest Is Politics
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
3 Aug 2026
200. Count Binface: Nigel Farage’s Biggest Threat?Is Count Binface really Nigel Farage's biggest threat in Clacton, and has Farage already lost by turning "me against the establishment" into a battle against a bin? Does Binface's manifesto hide serious politics beneath the comedy? Could a joke candidate ever become a serious political force?
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
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...
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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