The Rest Is Politics

30 Jul 2026

558. The ‘Cockroach’ Uprising and Should We Stop Data Centres?

Is Modi's power finally cracking as the Cockroach Janta Party's mass protests force a minister to resign for the first time in over a decade? Does the new US-Saudi uranium deal risk triggering a fresh wave of nuclear proliferation across the Middle East and beyond? If AI data centres are the foundation of future defence and security, can Britain build them without wrecking its water supplies and climate targets?

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

27 Jul 2026

199. Is Trump’s Chaos Pushing Iceland Towards the EU? (Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrún Frostadóttir)

What are the real reasons Iceland has brought forward its vote on restarting accession talks with the EU? What lessons did the Prime Minister learn from watching Brexit unfold while living in the UK, and how have those experiences shaped her government's approach to Iceland's EU campaign? How did the Social Democrats go from three MPs to running the country?

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

531. Starmer on the Brink: What Next?

As Starmer’s cabinet begin turning against him, how long can he cling on to power? By challenging Starmer without a clear plan for what comes next, are Labour MPs unleashing a chaos they cannot cont... Continue

Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner joins Alastair Campbell and Vicky Spratt to discuss the Gen Z story as she sees it. Listen to hear her thoughts on the success of The Green Party, the allur... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s too soon for a leadership challenge to Starmer

The PM must show fight and passion - and his critics must consider what they really want... Continue

188. Will AI Give China or the US Total Power? (William MacAskill)

Could artificial intelligence hand the US or China 99% of global economic and military power? What happens when millions of autonomous weapons systems are controlled by a single commander-in-chief? Ha... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Farage wants to dodge the blame for Brexit. We can’t let him

Labour are letting Reform’s leader get away with it - the upcoming 10th anniversary is time to change that... Continue

Divided or Dependent? The Real Gen Z Story

Are the challenges faced by Gen Z unique or have we seen them before? Do workplaces need a Gen Z strategy, or is there something bigger at play? And, why does it feel like young people's attitudes are... Continue

530. Is Starmer the Next Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair React to Local Elections

Will Keir Starmer survive presiding over seismic Labour losses in the local elections, and if he doesn’t who should replace him? Do historic Reform and Green wins for Farage and Polanski confirm the... Continue

Divided or Dependent: The Real Gen Z Story

Are the challenges faced by Gen Z unique or have we seen them before? Do workplaces need a Gen Z strategy, or is there something bigger at play? And, why does it feel like young people's attitudes are... Continue