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

33. Mustafa Suleyman: Will AI save or destroy humanity?

How much do you really know about the dangers of AI? Is it the best hope we have of surviving as a species, or will it lead to the destruction of humanity?On today's episode of Leading Alas... Continue

165: Question Time: Populism in Portugal, texting David Cameron, and a challenger to Trump?

Is Portugal the exception to the populist wave? Are reshuffle rumours ever to be trusted? How possible is a one-nation Tory revival?Listen as Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and ... Continue

164. The Trial of Lucy Letby, the domination of the dollar, and politicians vs. lawyers

Why are lawyers being targeted for taking on immigration cases? How significant is the BRICS 'New Development Bank'? Are left-of-centre western governments more anti-American? Join Rory and ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Real journalism is in decline

The Michelle Mone PPE scandal is a test of trust in modern democracy and needs to be at the forefront of media attention... Continue

32. Miriam González Durántez: Navigating Silicon Valley, the Cameron-Clegg years, and the fight for gender equality

How can we empower young women to seek positions of power? What was it like having a ringside seat during the Cameron-Clegg government? Is there more inequality between the sexes in the UK, S... Continue

163. Question Time: Privatisation vs. Nationalisation

Are UFO sightings a purely English-speaking phenomenon? Should we give more or less praise to privatisation? What's Dominic Cummings up to now?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these ... Continue

162. Small boats, Zimbabwe since Mugabe, and Trump’s anti-mafia indictment

What is the best way to confront the crisis of small boats in the Channel? How has Zimbabwe changed since the rule of Robert Mugabe? Why are the Tories acting like they're in opposition?Join ... Continue

31: Yuval Noah Harari: The dangers of AI and the future of humanity (Part 2)

What makes homo sapiens unique from other living creatures? What will happen to society if artificial intelligence dictates culture? Why have conservative parties the world over “committed ... Continue