25 Jan 2026
What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?Is AI a revolution, or just another slow-moving general technology? Are we mistaking hype for inevitability? And, can a technology this unreliable really reshape civilisation?
The Rest Is Politics
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
26 Jan 2026
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)Why did Neil Kinnock believe the fight against Margaret Thatcher was an existential one? What would Kinnock do to tackle the threat posed to Labour by reform? Why did Labour lose the 1992 election?
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
147. Question Time: The next global superpower, a royal panic, and Rory on Austerity
How did Rory get stuck in the royal panic room? Why do Labour politicians attend Murdoch parties? Which country will be the next global superpower?Rory and Alastair answer all these questions... Continue
146. Putin vs. Prigozhin, the power of Lebedev, and the battle for Southeast Asia
Is this the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin? Did Boris Johnson overrule MI6 during his time as Prime Minister? Will Sunak be able to control inflation?Rory and Alastair answer these ... Continue
24: John Major: The Gulf War, Black Wednesday, and Populism (Part 2)
What was it like fighting New Labour? Why did Black Wednesday happen? How did Ian McKellen help bring the campaign for gay rights into Downing Street?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all... Continue
145. Putin under threat as Wagner mutiny
As Wagner Group mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin apparently rebel against the Russian Army, what impact could this have on the war with Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s position as presiden... Continue
Alastair Campbell: Question Time and an audience full of Leavers
The Brexit-voting audience was friendly and open to argument – but why was there no one from the government on the panel?... Continue
144. Question Time: The War On Drugs, a Tory Green Party, and Long Covid
Is class still the biggest dividing line in Britain? Why do we not hear enough about the impact of Long Covid? Would the Green Party ever shift to the right? On today’s Question Time pod, ... Continue
143. The world looks to Beijing, Putin vs. Africa, and Rory’s sliding Brexit doors
What have we learnt from Brexit, 7 years on? Has Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing eased tensions between China and the US? What is Africa’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?Join Rory a... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Why John Major is right about Boris Johnson
Going forward, the less we hear from and of Johnson, the better for all of us... Continue