The Rest Is Politics
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
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Recent Episodes
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This episode examines the Ceuta migration crisis where 50,000 people crossed from Morocco into this Spanish enclave in a single day, and dozens died. Gerald Knaus joins Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell to analyze what happened, who benefited, and how it exposes the failures of current migration policy. They discuss the immediate exploitation by far-right politicians, the role of social media and disinformation, and most importantly, Gerald presents concrete, humane solutions that could actually work to control irregular migration while upholding human rights.
- The Ceuta Crisis: What Actually Happened
- Social Media, Misinformation and Political Exploitation
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This episode examines the UN's declaration of 'global water bankruptcy' and explores how water scarcity is becoming a critical national security threat, particularly in the UK. The discussion focuses on how AI data centers are contributing to water stress by consuming vast amounts of water for cooling, with UK facilities concentrated in already water-stressed areas. The episode reveals how government designation of data centers as 'critical infrastructure' prioritizes their water supply over households, even during droughts, while simultaneously asking citizens to conserve water.
- Global Water Bankruptcy and Security Implications
- UK's Water Crisis and AI Data Center Demand
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This episode examines the historic protests in India that forced a ministerial resignation for the first time in Modi's 12-year tenure, analyzing what makes this movement different from previous demonstrations. The discussion explores Modi's vulnerabilities, including youth unemployment, exam corruption scandals, and the rise of the Cockroach Janitor Party. The episode also covers nuclear proliferation concerns around the US-Saudi uranium enrichment deal, AI data center challenges including massive electricity and water consumption, and debates around regulation versus strategic necessity.
- Modi Faces Unprecedented Challenge: The Cockroach Rebellion
- India's Demographic Dividend Becomes a Crisis
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In this episode of The Rest is Politics, Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart analyze Andy Burnham's first weeks as Prime Minister, focusing on three major policy areas: vocational education reform, adult social care, and devolution. They examine whether Burnham's ambitious agenda can overcome generations of policy failures, discussing the political capital required and the implementation challenges ahead. The hosts also reflect on the devastating wildfires in France and Spain as a stark reminder of the climate crisis.
- Burnham's Early Momentum and Communication Style
- The Vocational Education Revolution
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This episode uncovers two government-suppressed reports warning that the UK faces catastrophic food security failure, potentially by the end of this decade. Intelligence officials from MI5 and MI6, along with DEFRA experts, have identified climate collapse, ecosystem breakdown, and supply chain vulnerabilities as creating unprecedented risks to Britain's ability to feed its population. The discussion reveals how the UK's dependence on imports, just-in-time supply chains, and meat-heavy diets have created dangerous vulnerabilities, while one in five people already face food insecurity.
- Government Suppression of Critical Food Security Reports
- Global Climate Impacts on Food Systems
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This episode explores China's remarkable advances in AI technology, its new international AI organization, and the shifting geopolitical landscape. The hosts also discuss internal turmoil in Ukraine's leadership, controversies within the UK Conservative Party, food security challenges, and reflections on the World Cup and new Prime Minister Andy Burnham's interests in football and music.
- China's AI Breakthrough and Strategic Positioning
- The Belt and Road Initiative for AI: China's Waco Organization
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In this episode, Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell analyze Andy Burnham's first day as UK Prime Minister following his takeover from Keir Starmer. They examine his ruthless cabinet reshuffle, which saw major Labour figures like Rachel Reeves and David Lammy removed, while bringing in figures like John Healey as Chancellor and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. The hosts explore Burnham's policy priorities including ending rough sleeping, cutting VAT on energy bills, and his ambitious agenda for constitutional reform and devolution. They discuss whether his vision of 'Manchesterism' can successfully transfer to the entire UK and whether he has the toughness to deliver radical change.
- The Ruthless Cabinet Purge and New Appointments
- John Healey as Chancellor: Remodeling the Treasury
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Caroline Lucas explores the intersection of climate breakdown, nature loss, and national security in the UK. The episode examines a recently released but heavily redacted Joint Intelligence Committee report that classifies ecosystem collapse as a core national security threat. Through conversations with former military officer Lieutenant General Richard Newgy and former diplomat Arthur Snell, the discussion reveals how environmental degradation is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for conflict, resource competition, and global instability, with implications ranging from food security to potential nuclear conflict.
- The Buried Intelligence Report: A National Security Bombshell
- From Iraq's Heat to Global Food Weaponization
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A wide-ranging discussion covering Andy Burnham's imminent appointment as UK Prime Minister and the key foreign policy challenges he'll face, the collapse of the Iran ceasefire agreement and its global implications, climate change as a national security threat, and Count Binface's satirical campaign against Nigel Farage. The hosts also debate wealth taxation and Rory reflects on his recent silent meditation retreat.
- Andy Burnham's Foreign Policy Challenge
- Iran Ceasefire Collapse and Global Implications
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Alastair Campbell briefs Rory Stewart on major political developments that occurred during Stewart's 10-day silent meditation retreat, including the Iran ceasefire collapse, World Cup progress, Nigel Farage's financial scandals leading to a bizarre by-election, and the tragic murder of former MP Anne Widdicombe. The episode reveals how quickly British politics has combusted, with Farage imploding over corruption allegations while trying to frame himself as anti-establishment, and the dangerous politicization of a murder investigation.
- England's World Cup Run and Trump's FIFA Intervention
- Iran Ceasefire Collapses and NATO Summit
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On America's 250th birthday, two contrasting visions of the nation emerge: Trump's corrupt, authoritarian America exemplified by his brazen intervention in the World Cup red card controversy, versus the welcoming, internationally-minded America shown by fans supporting their national team. The episode explores Trump's unprecedented interference in FIFA decisions, the ongoing corruption scandals of his administration, and the concerning rise of far-right politics in Germany, where media mogul Matthias Döpfner and the AFD party are testing democratic boundaries.
- Trump's World Cup Interference and the Corruption of American Sports
- The Balogun Birthright Citizenship Paradox
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Nigel Farage has announced he's resigning as MP for Clacton to trigger a by-election, prompting accusations this is a deflection tactic amid mounting scrutiny over his finances and associations. Alistair Campbell and Mehdi Hasan analyze whether this David Davis-style move is born of weakness or strategy, discuss what it means for the incoming Andy Burnham government, and explore how the media landscape has changed for centre-left politicians facing coordinated attacks from tech billionaires, right-wing press, and social media algorithms.
- Farage's By-Election Gambit: Distraction or Desperation?
- The £5 Million Question and Farage's Financial Web
550. Will Farage's Extreme Wealth Be His Downfall?
Jul 02, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines Reform UK's funding controversies, focusing on Nigel Farage's £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbourn and his £270,000 payment from a gold bullion dealer. Reporter Kat Nealon discusses the implications of these financial arrangements, public reaction in Farage's Clacton constituency, and whether Reform's success is sustainable amid growing scrutiny of its leader's wealth and connections.
- The £5 Million Gift and Ongoing Investigations
- Public Reaction in Clacton and Electoral Impact
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This episode examines the impact of New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani's dramatic primary victories that unseated several incumbent Democrats, raising questions about whether the Democratic Party is shifting decisively left or whether this represents a gift to Republicans. The hosts also discuss vigilante anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, the World Cup, and the potential formation of a new centrist party in Australia.
- Mamdani's Stunning Primary Victories in New York
- Mamdani's Exceptional Communication Skills
548. Burnham vs. Westminster and Trump’s Next Target
Jun 30, 2026Summary Preview
Andy Burnham, soon to be Britain's Prime Minister following Keir Starmer's resignation, delivered a major speech outlining his political vision centered on devolution and economic regeneration. The speech focused on shifting power from Westminster to local areas, particularly emphasizing his Manchester model of governance, alongside ambitious infrastructure plans including the biggest council housing program since the war. The episode also examines recent right-wing electoral shifts across Latin America and Trump's increasing influence in the region.
- Andy Burnham's Path to Power
- Devolution as Core Vision
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European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen joins The Rest is Politics to discuss Europe's energy crisis, climate strategy, and the path to net zero. The conversation explores the dual shocks from Russia's Ukraine invasion and the Iran-Israel conflict, examining how Europe can balance decarbonization, energy security, affordability, and industrial competitiveness. Jørgensen makes the case that renewable energy is both an economic and climate imperative, while acknowledging political challenges and the need for massive grid infrastructure investment.
- The Current Energy Crisis: Middle East Conflict and Supply Disruptions
- Breaking Free from Russian Energy Dependence
546. Keir Starmer Resigns: What Happens Next?
Jun 22, 2026Summary Preview
In this special live episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze Keir Starmer's resignation announcement after less than two years as Prime Minister, making him Britain's seventh PM in a decade since Brexit. They discuss the brutal nature of modern politics, Andy Burnham's likely succession following his by-election victory, and the immense challenges facing the next leader - from economic growth and welfare reform to relations with Trump, Russia, and Europe. The hosts debate whether Burnham should call an early election and what his first priorities should be to avoid Starmer's fate.
- Starmer's Resignation and the Brutal Reality of Modern Politics
- The Italy Comparison: Why Britain Can't Keep a PM
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Andy Burnham has won a decisive by-election victory in Makerfield with 55% of the vote, defeating Reform UK by 20 points in what was considered prime Reform territory. This stunning result, which bucked national trends and increased Labour's vote share by 10 points, has raised serious questions about Keir Starmer's future as Prime Minister. The victory demonstrated a potential pathway to defeating Reform and has intensified speculation that Burnham could replace Starmer as Labour leader and PM, possibly by the party conference in late September. Meanwhile, Conservative victories in Scottish by-elections and debates over energy policy add further complexity to Britain's volatile political landscape.
- Burnham's Historic By-Election Victory
- Historical Significance and Voter Turnout
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In this episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze the implications of the US blocking advanced AI models from international allies on national security grounds, examining what this means for UK sovereignty and defense. They explore whether Britain and Europe need to develop their own AI capabilities despite massive costs, discuss John Healey's resignation over defense spending, and debate the future of UK military strategy. The conversation also touches on Trump's UFC birthday celebration at the White House and Peru's razor-thin election results.
- America's AI Export Ban and the Sovereignty Crisis
- The Defensive Dilemma: Cyber Warfare and AI Arms Race
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Ten years after the Brexit referendum, this episode examines the economic and political damage from leaving the EU, finding Britain 6-8% poorer with lower investment and productivity. The hosts explore how Brexit's architects like Johnson, Gove, and Farage have escaped accountability while divisive populist politics continues to thrive. The discussion extends to far-right movements across Europe, Russian interference in UK politics, and concludes with analysis of a potential US-Iran deal that could reopen the Straits of Hormuz.
- Brexit at Ten Years: The Damage Assessment
- The Singapore-on-Thames Failure and British Identity