The Rest Is Politics

25 Jun 2026

547. The Truth About Russian Oil, Net Zero, and North Sea Drilling

With the UK and Europe sweltering in yet another record-breaking heatwave, will we ever actually reach net zero? How close are we to a “lights out” scenario due to the Iran war, and how did we become so dependent on Russian oil? Is North Sea drilling for oil and gas a matter of national security, or an environmentally reckless fantasy?

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

22 Jun 2026

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 like to report the truth from inside one of the world's most repressive states?

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

The perils of interviewing serving politicians

First of all, welcome to my new, or at least revamped, website. It was starting to look a bit old and tired, perhaps channelling how I tend to feel in January, so I asked for a little refresh. I must... Continue

55. Gillian Keegan: The future of British schools, union ‘barons’, and Sunak’s Rwanda battle

What's it like to be the Secretary of State for Education who left school at 17? How much power do unions really have in British politics? What's it like to become a Tory MP when your family ... Continue

209. Question Time: What happens when privatisation goes wrong?

Is it possible to be politically active as a civil servant? How did private finance initiatives contribute to the Post Office scandal? Is a transfer of power possible in Myanmar?Listen to Ro... Continue

208. History’s warning to Labour, the Post Office scandal, and Bangladesh’s battle for power

? Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅How should the fallout of the Post Office scandal ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Don’t let David Cameron off the hook

Rishi Sunak emulates Boris Johnson more than Cameron, but the foreign secretary is far from blameless... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: In defence of David Cameron

Boris Johnson undid many of the former PM's well-intentioned moves... Continue

54. Guy Verhofstadt: Is there a case for a European army?

What's it like to run Belgium for a decade? How many people in the EU actually believe in 'ever-closer union'? What are the pros and cons of being a career politician?On today's episode of Le... Continue