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.
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137. Government taking itself to court, avoiding war with China, and Polish protests
Should the government be taking itself to court over the covid inquiry? Rory and Alastair disagree (just about) agreeably on this one. Also, how is the USA's attempt to create a bloc against ... Continue
21: Mary McAleese: Building bridges as the President of Ireland
For former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the personal is the political. Growing up in Belfast with a deeply personal link to sectarian violence, her aim as President was to promote unit... Continue
Did John Major lose in 1997, or did Tony Blair win? Would building on golf courses in London solve the housing crisis? How useful is the Freedom of Information Act? Hear the answers to these ...
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135. Spanish politics explained and a deep dive into AI
Artificial Intelligence: is it the future of humanity, or the beginning of the end? Rory and Alastair take a deep dive into the subject and the political complications of advancing technologi... Continue
For every step forward on mental health, the government seem determined to take us two steps back
Four Prime Ministers ago, when Theresa May stood outside 10, Downing Street and promised to address "burning injustices" the fact that she included mental health among them suggested the issue was h... Continue
20: Jonathan Powell: How to negotiate with terrorists
The role of Downing Street Chief of Staff was created for him, and he was the only senior advisor to last the whole period of Tony Blair's premiership - but who is the real Jonathan Powell, a... Continue
Should we start building on the Green Belt? Is there a fun side to politics? Why don't ministers resign anymore without being pushed?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and mor...
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133. Suella’s speeding, Japan in focus, and what’s the point of the G7?
How was the G7 formed, and what is the point of it today? What will the consequences be for Suella Braverman following her speeding scandal? How does religion influence politics?Join Alastair... Continue