The Rest Is Politics

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?

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

118. Question Time: Democracy under threat, rampant sewage, and campaign songs

Is the decline of local news destroying the fabric of our democracy? Should there be a cabinet position dealing with AI? Should private schools deal with Ofsted inspections too? Join Alastair... Continue

117. Trump’s indictment, Dover delays, and Sanna Marin loses

How will Donald Trump's arraignment unfold? What is happening at the border between the United Kingdom and France? What was the significance of King Charles' visit to Germany? Rory and Alasta... Continue

12: David Baddiel: God, Anti-Semitism and the Y-Word

How aware are you of anti-Semitism in Britain? Comedian and author David Baddiel tells Alastair and Rory about his family, his upbringing and his views on anti-Semitism in modern Britain.Inst... Continue

116. Question Time: Corbyn and Cummings, Cool Britannia, and Ofsted

What's the story about Cummings and Corbyn on the podcast? Should GB News be considered a news channel? How did Britpop and Cool Britannia affect the 1997 election result? Tune in to today's ... Continue

115. France on fire, fake Korean cash, and a new Scottish nationalism

Would Labour ever endorse Scottish independence? Why is France on fire? And how did Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng end up talking to a fake Korean consultancy firm?Sign up to the free TRIP w... Continue

11: Gary Lineker: Politics, football and the BBC

Gary Lineker is regularly told to 'stick to football'. Now, after recently tweeting his views on the Government’s refugee policy, the Match Of The Day presenter sits down with Alastair and ... Continue

114. Question Time: Banks in crisis, Imran Khan, and Blair on The Simpsons

Could Labour inherit a junior doctor problem? What can be done about the rising costs of childcare? And what do Rory and Alastair really see in each other? Rory and Alastair answer all these ... Continue

113. Iraq: the fallout, Scotland at a crossroads, and ‘sneaky beakies’

In a week where we've had bank bailouts and a meeting where Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hinted at a dangerous anti-western alliance, is there much to feel positive about? Join Rory and Alas... Continue