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

176. Can the Tory Party be saved?

What actually happens behind the scenes at a Conservative or Labour Party Conference? What would it take to get the Conservative Party back to the centre-ground? What is going on between Koso... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: For Labour, it’s all to play for

Polling suggests that a victory for the party at the next general election could be anything from a coalition to a landslide... Continue

38. Theresa May: Windrush, police, and the cult of personality (Part 1)

What is Theresa May’s biggest regret from her time as Home Secretary? Why was the Hillsborough disaster such an abuse of power? What’s it like to stay on as an MP after occupying the hi... Continue

175. Question Time: The Power of Rupert Murdoch

What is Rupert Murdoch's legacy in the world of media and politics? What did Rory discuss with First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf? Why have there been protests within the Metropolitan P... Continue

174. Scrapping HS2, ‘Ukraine fatigue’, and ‘Vive le Roi!’

Is Angela Rayner more popular than Keir Starmer? What’s going on in Poland and why is one of Ukraine's strongest allies seemingly waning in its support? Why do the French love King Charles?... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Rishi Sunak brought the Tories to a new low

Sunak's U-turn on the environment makes Boris Johnson and Liz Truss appear honest and capable... Continue

37. Chris Hipkins, New Zealand PM: Working with Xi Jinping, fighting to stay in power, and zero covid’s double-edged sword

What is it like going from cabinet minister to Prime Minister? Are politicians in New Zealand more courteous than politicians in the UK? Why was New Zealand's Covid-19 response so effective?F... Continue

173. Question Time: Corbyn’s expulsion from Labour, Belgium’s sex education crisis, and how would Blair fare as PM today?

Was Keir Starmer right to expel Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party? Why is sex education causing protests in Belgium? How would Tony Blair's Labour cope in 2023?Join Rory Stewart and Alastai... Continue