The Rest Is Politics

23 Jan 2026

493. Trump Insults NATO Troops

Why has Trump chosen to denigrate the sacrifice of allied soldiers? Are Keir Starmer and other NATO leaders finally reaching a breaking point with the US President? And what does this mean for the future of the Western alliance at such a critical moment?

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

19 Jan 2026

171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)

Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What regrets does Kinnock have about the way he responded to the Miners’ strikes? 

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

225. George Galloway returns, ‘omnishambles’ budgets, and the plight of Sudan

How did George Galloway use Gaza to win in Rochdale? What is the impact of compulsory voting on Australian politics? What is happening in Sudan?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: China’s useful idiots are on the rise

We allow Russia and China far greater access into our media ecosystems than we can gain into theirs, which gives them a huge asymmetric advantage... Continue

62. Sajid Javid: Austerity, the Tory leadership contest, and the problem with ‘islamophobia’ (Part 1)

How are politicians working to combat anti-muslim and antisemitic racism in the UK? How does Sajid maintain friendships across party lines? Was austerity the only option for the Conservatives... Continue

224. Question Time: Liz Truss’ ‘deep state’ comments, disability policy, and Shamima Begum

Is it fair that Shamima Begum has been declared stateless? Should Labour prioritise disability policy more? Has taxpayers money paid for Liz Truss' trip to the Conservative Political Action C... Continue

223. Islamophobia, chaos in the House of Commons, and the North Korean election

What do Lee Anderson’s inflammatory comments mean for the Tory party? Is it possible for Parliament to have a united front on Israel-Gaza? Will North Korea ever collapse?Join Rory and Alast... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Parliament’s lessons from the Commons Gaza vote

An issue as serious as the Israel-Gaza war got lost in arcane parliamentary semantics... Continue

61. James Rubin: Working for Biden, American intervention, and the fight against Russian disinformation

“You took me to one side and said be very, very careful of these people, these neo-cons. Because they’re going to use this to do all sorts of stuff that you shouldn’t be involved in.”... Continue

222. Question Time: Banning phones in schools and parliament, citizens’ assemblies, and American isolationism

Should mobiles be banned from schools and the House of Commons? What is Labour's grand plan for citizens' assemblies really about? Is there growing Russian influence in Britain?Join Rory and ... Continue