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

172. Liz Truss returns, Putin’s Western puppets, and Rory at the United Nations

What have we learnt on the first anniversary of Britain's catastrophic experiment with Trussonomics?Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss Libya, the United Nations General Assembly, Putin's ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The most brutal speech I ever heard

We need more great oratory in Westminster, not less... Continue

36. Andy Burnham and Andy Street: A Tale of Two Cities

What is it like to run a metropolitan area? How does devolution impact the citizens of regional areas? Does party affiliation affect the decisions a mayor makes?Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of ... Continue

Politics On the Edge (Extract)

Rory’s book is officially in print! As a Friday bonus, here’s an extract from the audiobook version for you to enjoy. The complete audiobook is available at all good outlets or if you’... Continue

171. Question Time: The return of Liz Truss, Slovakia’s answer to Viktor Orbán, and Starmer’s popularity waning?

Has Slovakia got the new Orbán? How can Liz Truss save the west? Is Starmer’s popularity weaning?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as they answer all these questions and more on toda... Continue

170. Prison escape, a test for Australian democracy, and spooks in Westminster?

What was it like for Rory as a prisons minister when prisoners escaped? Are there Chinese spies working in Westminster? What's happening with The Voice referendum in Australia?Join Rory and A... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Westminster’s back-to-school omnishambles

London’s school-run traffic is reminiscent of a Tory government that takes a long time to get nowhere... Continue

35. Cathy Ashton: Dealing with Putin and Lavrov, Kosovo–Serbia, and ‘radical humility’

How do we retain empathy when negotiating with a stranger who has a radically different worldview to our own?As the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Cathy Ashton... Continue