The Rest Is Politics

19 Aug 2026

563. Britain’s Afghanistan Shame and the Jason Arday Tragedy

Five years after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover, why has not a single Western government marked the anniversary of a war that cost thousands of lives and trillions of dollars? Why has Putin banned Russia's last liberal anti-war party ahead of next month's Duma elections, and is it a sign of his strength or his weakness? What does the media frenzy that engulfed Jason Arday before his death reveal about how quickly we strip vulnerable people of their humanity?

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

17 Aug 2026

202. Is Peace in the Middle East Closer Than We Think? (A Palestinian & An Israeli’s View)

How do an Israeli who lost his parents on October 7th and a Palestinian whose brother died after torture in Israeli prisons come together to reject revenge and build a brotherhood for peace? Why do they believe lasting peace between Israel and Palestine could be just "two to four weeks away"? What can Britain do to help end a conflict it helped create?

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

546. Keir Starmer Resigns: What Happens Next?

What does Keir’s Starmer’s exit as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party mean for the UK? After his thumping victory against Reform UK last week, will Andy Burnham face a contest or a coro... Continue
Podcast

Burnham must learn the lessons of Starmer’s failure – and they start with Brexit

Be optimistic, don’t ignore the party and find new ways to cut through lies and disinformation... Continue
Article

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Starmer never understood about being PM

The nature of how his landslide was won demanded more inclusive government... Continue
Article

194. Is Putin Losing his Grip on Russia?

With war fatigue growing and polls showing increasing dissatisfaction with life in Russia, is Vladimir Putin beginning to lose control? What is really happening inside Russia today? And what is it lik... Continue
Podcast

545. Burnham Beats Reform: Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

Has Andy Burnham’s huge victory against Reform in Makerfield shown the Labour Party how it can beat Farage? What does this defeat mean for the right, and how tricky will the coming months be for And... Continue
Podcast

544. How Trump Is Weaponising AI and Martial Arts at the White House

Has Britain become a “vassal” state, dangerously dependent on the US for our most vital national security capabilities? What does Trump’s martial arts birthday event on the White House lawn tell... Continue
Podcast

543. The Disaster Britain Still Can’t Escape and Trump’s Iran ‘Deal’

What is the true cost of Brexit? How have British and European far-right politics evolved since the historic Brexit referendum, and can liberal democracy survive it? Is it possible to see Trump’s Ir... Continue
Podcast

Let’s make Farage wear Brexit like a badge of shame

In a world of chancers and charlatans, we need facts at our fingertips as vital ammunition for the battles ahead: Beating Reform and joining the EU... Continue
Article