The Rest Is Politics

16 Aug 2025

438. Inside the Trump-Putin Summit: What Really Happened in Alaska?

What does 'no deal' mean for Ukraine and Europe? What was agreed behind closed doors? How will Zelensky respond?

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

18 Aug 2025

149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)

What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career?

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

218. Could the Democrats replace Joe Biden? What’s next for Imran Khan? Why are young people deserting British conservatism?

What do Trump’s Nato threats mean for Europe? Could Pakistan’s military have the final say in the election? Why are young people turning against the Conservatives in Britain? Join Rory an... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Laura Trott’s car crash economics get a free ride

The reaction to her catastrophic interview would have been inescapable if Trott were a Labour minister... Continue

59. Robert Sapolsky: The psychology behind Donald Trump, the science of stress, and the illusion of ‘free will’

Why do we get stressed? What are the psychological differences between conservatives and liberals? Is free will a myth?Rory and Alastair are joined by scientist Dr Robert Sapolsky to answer a... Continue

Into the Lions’ Den of private education … to a friendlier reception than I expected

I very rarely get nervous before speaking in public, but confess to feeling a little more anxious than usual this morning, ahead of a speech to the Independent Schools' Bursars Association. Three hun... Continue

217. Question Time: How to cover Israel-Gaza, Labour’s £28bn green investment, and Taylor Swift vs Donald Trump

Why is Labour rolling back its pledge on green investment? What does Biden’s sanction against Israeli settlers mean in reality? Who is our one listener in Tuvalu?Rory and Alastair answer al... Continue

216. King Charles, Sunak’s £1000 bet, and the future of North Korea

How was a deal finally agreed to get power sharing back in Northern Ireland? Is Rishi Sunak focusing too much on his media appearances? Why has Kim Jong Un said unification with the South is ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Derek Draper and the Dalai Lama

The point of life is to live it and Derek embodied this... Continue
Some children from Richard Albion Primary School with Alastair Campbell

Politics – far too important to be left to the grown-ups!

Thank you to the pupils of Richard Alibon Primary School, which I left in rather better mood than I arrived this morning. In no particular order ... Trump ... The war in Ukraine ... Israel/Gaza ..... Continue