Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart break down current affairs in the UK and abroad. The Rest Is Politics analyses the latest international news, provides debate on global issues, and reveals secrets from Westminster, whilst bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. With insider perspectives and expert analysis, The Rest Is Politics is the go-to podcast for anyone seeking intelligent, engaging discussions on British and global politics. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Join with a FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com for exclusive bonus content including Rory and Alastair’s first ever miniseries, early access to episodes and live show tickets, ad free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members chatroom. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Social Producer: Celine Charles Lead Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter
What this show covers
UK politicsAndy BurnhamTrumpNigel FarageIsrael-PalestineGeopoliticsAfDUkraineWest BankData centresUS politicsLabourGermany politicsMark CarneyEd Miliband
What listeners will find here
Gove and Alastair spar politely over Brexit, Israel and Manchester’s political rise
Brexit, Israel and Manchester City’s charges drive this Question Time edition featuring Alastair and Michael Gove. The episode explores whether an EU referendum could return, why Gove’s stance on Israel matters, and how football politics may test Andy Burnham’s leadership.
Can the Tories reclaim the right as unrest reshapes politics across Europe?
British conservative politics, French unrest, and Spain’s rental crisis drive this wide-ranging episode. Alastair and Michael Gove examine whether Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives are regaining ground from Farage, how the French far right is using school violence, and why Sánchez has gambled on a snap election.
Burnham’s pension gamble, his speechcraft, and Rory’s viral stare explained
Andy Burnham’s speech and the politics of scrapping the triple lock sit at the center of this episode, alongside questions about pension reform and a national care service. Rory and Alastair also weigh whether Burnham’s time as Mayor of Greater Manchester sharpened his oratory, before turning to Rory’s viral Newsnight stare.
Xi, Northern Ireland, and Ethiopia: three pressure points in one Question Time
US-China relations, unrest in Northern Ireland, and escalating violence in Ethiopia drive this episode’s discussion. Rory and Alastair weigh whether Xi holds the upper hand over Trump, how fragile peace in Northern Ireland may be, and whether Ethiopia could slide into a wider regional conflict.
Carlo Rovelli on why nuclear war may be a bigger danger than most people assume
Nuclear war is the focus here, with Carlo Rovelli joining Rory to examine why the threat feels ignored even as the risks may be rising. The episode looks at nuclear winter, the scale of danger to humanity, and whether UK investment in nuclear weapons could increase vulnerability.
Episodes
Becoming Burnham: Thatcher, Hillsborough, and the Anger that Shaped Him | Part 1
20 Aug 2026 · 21 min
