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.
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Recent Episodes
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This episode of The Rest Is Politics explores the mental health crisis among Generation Z, examining whether young people are genuinely struggling or simply less resilient. The podcast features three experts who provide different perspectives on why one in five young people in the UK currently suffers from mental health problems, exploring topics like social media's impact, self-diagnosis culture, workplace nihilism, and the commodification of young women's lives online.
- The Rise of Mental Health Diagnoses and Psychiatric Language
- Nihilism and the Rejection Economy Facing Young Workers
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Labour faces unprecedented political turmoil as Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigns and calls for rejoining the EU, while Andy Burnham attempts to enter Parliament through a by-election to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership. The episode explores the contradictions within Labour between progressive pro-EU voters and traditional working-class constituencies, alongside analysis of Germany's troubling political landscape where the far-right AfD is surging despite strong public services.
- Labour Leadership Crisis Unfolds
- Europe Returns to Centre Stage
533. Andy Burnham's Big Gamble: Can He Beat Reform?
May 14, 2026Summary Preview
In this emergency episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the breaking news of Wes Streeting's resignation from the Labour cabinet and challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. The episode covers the unfolding leadership contest, Andy Burnham's attempt to enter Parliament through a by-election, and the broader implications for Labour's future as the party faces internal turmoil following disastrous local election results.
- Breaking News: Wes Streeting's Resignation and Leadership Challenge
- The Risky Path: Andy Burnham's Electoral Challenge
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Trump makes his first presidential visit to China in almost a decade to meet Xi Jinping, marking a significant shift in US-China relations. The discussion explores the complex dynamics between these two superpowers, covering trade negotiations, Taiwan tensions, and potential cooperation on Iran. The conversation also examines Russia-Ukraine developments, including Putin's strategic maneuvers and the horrifying exploitation of African recruits sent to fight on Russian front lines.
- The Geopolitical Significance of Trump's China Visit
- The Taiwan Question and Regional Tensions
531. Starmer on the Brink: What Next?
May 12, 2026Summary Preview
In this emergency podcast, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart analyze the escalating crisis facing Keir Starmer's leadership following Labour's catastrophic local election results, where they lost over 1,200 seats. With approximately 80 MPs calling for his resignation and cabinet ministers reportedly confronting him directly, the discussion explores whether Starmer can survive, the timing and method of any potential transition, and the broader implications for British politics as Reform UK surges dramatically, particularly in Wales where they reached nearly 30% support.
- The Nature and Scale of the Crisis
- Historical Context and the Five Prime Ministers Problem
Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story
May 11, 2026Summary Preview
Angela Rayner, former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, discusses the challenges facing Gen Z in this revealing interview. She addresses housing unaffordability, employment rights, student debt, and the need for politicians to better communicate with and serve young people. Rayner defends her legislative achievements while acknowledging Labour's communication failures and the disconnect between policy delivery and public perception. The conversation explores intergenerational inequality, the collapse of social mobility, and why young people feel the system is rigged against them.
- The Gen Z Crisis: A System That Feels Rigged
- Youth Power and Political Engagement
Divided or Dependent? The Real Gen Z Story
May 09, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode of Divided or Dependent: The Real Gen Z Story, host Vicky Spratt interviews Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the King's Policy Institute and author of six books on generational differences. They challenge common myths about Gen Z, revealing that many stereotypes about younger generations are recycled from previous cohorts. The conversation explores how physical and digital separation between age groups—rather than inherent generational conflict—creates workplace tensions. Duffy argues that Gen Z faces unique challenges including delayed adulthood, housing inequality, and unprecedented online exposure, but that their core values remain remarkably similar to previous generations.
- The Myth of Generational Difference
- The Real Problem: Generational Separation
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Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell deliver an emergency live podcast analyzing the UK local elections, which saw Reform UK gaining significant ground with about 25% of votes. The discussion centers on the implications for Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour's struggling narrative, and the rise of right-wing populism. They debate whether Starmer should resign, examine Reform's funding advantages, and discuss structural issues in British politics including media bias, campaign finance, and the challenges facing all major parties.
- Reform's Performance and the Battle for Narrative
- Labour's Catastrophic Results and Starmer's Position
Divided or Dependent: The Real Gen Z Story
May 07, 2026Summary Preview
Bobby Duffy, director of the King's Policy Institute and author of six books on generational differences, challenges common myths about Gen Z. He argues that the biggest mistake is assuming Gen Z is completely different from previous generations, when in fact they face similar stereotypes millennials did. The real issue isn't generational conflict but generational separation - people of different ages have physically and digitally drifted apart. This separation, combined with growing up on social media and facing unprecedented economic challenges around housing and employment, has created unique pressures for Gen Z while simultaneously making them more dependent on their parents than previous generations.
- The Myth of Generational Difference
- The Rise of Age Segregation
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This episode features Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell tackling questions on rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the UK following the Golders Green attack, analyzing King Charles's historic speeches to the US Congress and White House that defended democratic values, examining Russia's failing security partnership in Mali, and discussing whether friendships can survive deep political divides in today's polarized climate.
- Rising Religious Hate Crimes and Community Tensions in Britain
- King Charles's Masterful Speeches Defending Democracy and Values
528. Trump vs. Germany and Farage’s £5m ‘Gift’
May 05, 2026Summary Preview
This episode focuses on the escalating tensions between Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, examining implications for European security and the Transatlantic alliance. The hosts analyze upcoming UK local elections on May 7th, predicting significant losses for Labour and gains for Reform UK and the Greens, while discussing potential challenges to Keir Starmer's leadership. They also criticize media double standards in covering Nigel Farage's undeclared £5 million donation compared to scrutiny faced by mainstream politicians.
- Trump vs. Merz: The Transatlantic Rift
- European Security and German Rearmament
Lucky or Left Behind? The Gen Z Money Story
Apr 30, 2026Summary Preview
This episode launches a four-part series examining Generation Z (ages 14-29), exploring whether they are lucky or left behind. Journalist Vicky Spratt and Dr. Eliza Philby analyze how Gen Z faces unprecedented challenges in housing, education, and employment, arguing that the post-2008 financial crisis fundamentally broke the traditional pathway to prosperity. They examine how rising university costs, wage stagnation, and unaffordable housing have created a generation more financially dependent on parents than any before, with political implications that are only beginning to emerge.
- The Broken Promise: How the Traditional Script Failed
- Three Pillars of Crisis: Housing, Education, and Jobs
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Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell tackle listener questions on Palantir's controversial data access in the UK, the closure of the Foreign Office's international humanitarian law unit, mental health challenges facing Gen Z, and media bias in reporting Gaza. The discussion explores the tension between tech efficiency and sovereignty, Britain's retreat from international leadership, and the surprising political consensus around mental health support.
- Palantir's Power and the Data Sovereignty Question
- The Palantir Manifesto: Tech Bro Meets Techno-Fascism
526. Can the King Save the Special Relationship?
Apr 28, 2026Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell examine the crumbling Anglo-American 'special relationship' under Trump, explore the complexities of the Balkans through their controversial interview with Serbia's President Vucic, and discuss Labour's ongoing political troubles. They analyze whether Britain needs a radical strategic realignment away from US dependency and toward Europe, while confronting Trump's shocking mathematical illiteracy and the transactional corruption reshaping international diplomacy.
- The Special Relationship Under Threat
- King Charles as Diplomatic Wonder Weapon
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In this Rest Is Politics Question Time episode, hosts discuss Trump administration's theological disputes with Pope Francis, with J.D. Vice President arguing about just war theory and order of love. They explore the well-funded transatlantic right-wing movement detailed in a report showing $1.18 billion flowing to anti-progressive organizations across Europe, with Hungary under Viktor as a key player. The conversation covers Scottish devolution's impact on independence movements, the importance of decentralization, and concludes with reflections on a chimpanzee civil war in Uganda as a metaphor for human conflict.
- Trump Administration vs. The Pope: A Battle Over Christian Values
- Just War Theory and Christian Ethics
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Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell dissect Keir Starmer's escalating political crisis over Peter Mandelson's ambassadorship to Washington, examining the vetting failures and systemic dysfunction that led to a major embarrassment for the government. They also discuss Trump's chaotic approach to Iran negotiations and the world's troubling indifference to Sudan's humanitarian catastrophe, highlighting the broader unraveling of global order.
- The Mandelson Appointment: A Crisis of Judgment
- The Vetting Scandal: Who Knew What and When
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A discussion of the latest developments in the Peter Mandelson ambassadorship scandal, revealing that Mandelson failed the Cabinet Office's developed vetting process but was appointed anyway by the Foreign Office. The episode examines the serious implications for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's credibility, the firing of Foreign Office Permanent Secretary Ollie Robbins, and fundamental questions about competence and accountability in Number 10.
- The Vetting Process Failure Revealed
- Credibility Crisis: Lying or Incompetence
Beating Populism: How To Fight Back
Apr 16, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, Alistair Campbell speaks with Labour MP Liam Byrne about defeating right-wing populism through progressive democratic politics. Building on their previous discussion diagnosing the problem, this conversation focuses on practical solutions including immigration reform, economic fairness, wealth redistribution, and civic renewal. Byrne draws heavily on historical lessons, particularly from FDR, and proposes bold strategies around border control, earned citizenship, tax reform, sovereign wealth funds, and restoring community institutions.
- Strategic Focus on Winnable Voter Groups
- Immigration: Strong Borders and Earned Citizenship
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Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart discuss the stunning defeat of Viktor Orbán in Hungary's election, local elections in the UK including Scotland and Wales, the challenges of combating populism, and lessons for defeating authoritarian-leaning leaders. They analyze how Péter Magyar won despite a rigged system, what this means for Europe and Ukraine, and how similar tactics could work against Reform UK and other populist movements.
- Hungary's Historic Election: Magyar Defeats Orbán
- How Magyar Won: Lessons in Defeating Populism