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

169. Question Time: Imagining Labour’s first 100 days in power, Australia’s Indigenous Voice referendum, and compulsory politics in schools

Do MPs talk enough about their mental health? What will be the outcome of Australia’s Indigenous Voice Referendum? Should politics be a compulsory part of primary education? Join Alastair ... Continue

168. Crumbling Britain, a ruthless reshuffle, and Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘beautiful ears’

Who’s to blame for the UK’s crumbling infrastructure? Has Starmer’s shadow cabinet reshuffle strengthened his hand? Why is Rory such a fan of Jeremy Corbyn’s ears?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Mental health is a vote-winner

A clear plan from Labour on how to repair the damage the Tories have done to our mental health services will reap enormous political dividends... Continue

34. Ed Davey: Leading the Lib Dems, fighting the Tories, and a coalition with Starmer’s Labour?

What was it like for the Liberal Democrats in coalition? Would Ed Davey be prepared to work alongside Keir Starmer in another coalition government? Is tactical voting a good idea? Join Rory a... Continue

Introducing… The Rest Is Money

Does money really make the world go round? Economics, business and finance have long been subjects we leave to the stockbrokers, hedge fund managers and business school professors who spend t... Continue

167. Question Time: How to rig an election, Scotland’s golden goose, and the least impressive president of all time

How did Mnangagwa win the Zimbabwe election? Who is the least impressive world leader Rory and Alastair have met? What makes a good political memoir?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as... Continue

166. Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and absolute populist power

What will happen to Wagner operations in Africa now that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead? How dangerous is Modi's rhetoric for India and the world? Who has had a bigger impact on the constituents o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Vladimir Putin’s belligerence must not be underestimated

The world, including myself, missed tell-tale signs that Putin was the murder machine and enemy of liberal democracies he’s proved to be... Continue