The Rest Is Politics

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.

576. How Xi is Outplaying Trump and Tensions in Northern Ireland

As Trump becomes the first American president to personally welcome a visiting head of state off a plane since JFK greeted Harold Macmillan in 1962, did his summit with President Xi signal improving U... Continue

1 October 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

575. Alastair Reacts to Burnham’s Speech and Rory’s Viral Stare

Will scrapping the triple lock be electorally perilous for Burnham, or can his vision of a national care service convince the public and his party that it’s time for pension reform? Did being Mayor ... Continue

29 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Why Nuclear War Is More Likely Than You Think (with Carlo Rovelli)

Why have we stopped talking about the risk of nuclear war when the risk is greater than ever? What is a ‘nuclear winter’ and why are nuclear exchanges such extreme risks for the future of humanity... Continue

24 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

574. Germany’s Political Disaster and Can the Lib Dems Fight Back?

As the far-right Alternative for Germany wins another regional election, wiping out the ruling Christian Democratic Union in former Chancellor Angela Merkel's own backyard, will Friedrich Merz face th... Continue

24 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

573. Burnham and Carney vs. Trump, and the Diana Dispute

As Burnham meets Trump face-to-face for the first time at the UN General Assembly, will he adopt Mark Carney’s or Keir Starmer’s approach to dealing with the US President? With Carney receiving a ... Continue

23 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

The Greatest Threat Humans Just Can’t Stomach with Yuval Noah Harari

Episode 2 is available right now for TRIP Plus members. Sign up at therestispolitics.com What can the Aztec Empire's catastrophic failure to understand Cortés and the Spanish conquistadors teach us ... Continue

18 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

572. Trump’s Next Middle East Crisis and Reform’s £72m Megadonation

Is the Houthi’s seizure of one of the world's most critical waterways the clearest proof yet that Trump's Iran war has become a catastrophe? With the very people building AI now calling for a pause,... Continue

17 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

571. Rory and Alastair Challenge Ed Miliband on Israel-Palestine

Why has Ed Miliband gone further than any previous foreign secretary in confirming the occupation of the Palestinian territories as illegal and placing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Ban... Continue

15 September 2026

Podcast

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.

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