DiscoverThe Rest Is Politics
The Rest Is Politics
Claim Ownership

The Rest Is Politics

Author: Goalhanger Podcasts

Subscribed: 22,260Played: 956,228
Share

Description

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. The Rest Is Politics lifts the lid on the secrets of Westminster, offering an insider’s view on politics at home and abroad, while bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably.


Twitter:

@RestIsPolitics


Instagram:

@restispolitics


Email:

restispolitics@gmail.com



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

118 Episodes
Reverse
Could Labour inherit a junior doctor problem? What can be done about the rising costs of childcare? And what do Rory and Alastair really see in each other? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week’s Question Time.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a week where we've had bank bailouts and a meeting where Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hinted at a dangerous anti-western alliance, is there much to feel positive about? Join Rory and Alastair as they cover these topics, as well as Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempted overhaul of the judicial system in Israel and Rory’s recent visit to Turkey.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Iraq: The Legacy

Iraq: The Legacy

2023-03-1654:0613

It's 20 years since the invasion of Iraq - but what is its legacy?Tony Blair said to Parliament in March 2003 that what happened in Iraq would ‘determine the pattern of international politics for the next generation’.Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the implications of the Iraq invasion and whether Blair’s speech did prove to be true...TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Iraq War

The Iraq War

2023-03-1556:4915

20 years on from the invasion of Iraq, Rory speaks to Alastair about the build up, aftermath, and legacy of the event.The second episode in this series, 'Iraq: The Legacy', will be released tomorrow.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After an extraordinary and bizarre week where a tweet from Gary Lineker led to a crisis at the national broadcaster, Rory and Alastair try to make sense of the BBC’s handling of the situation, question its governance structure, and explain why the government’s refugee policy is flawed. Editor's note: Gary Lineker is the co-owner of Goalhanger Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is the best speech Rory and Alastair have ever heard? Why is the cabinet so big? Would you rather trust Isabel Oakeshott or Xi Jinping with your phone? Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More than 100,000 WhatsApp messages have been leaked to the Daily Telegraph revealing private conversations between senior politicians and government officials during the height of the pandemic. But what do they tell us about the people leading our country, and how will Hancock recover from this? Rory and Alastair discuss this scandal, plus reflect on the news of Kier Starmer's new Chief of Staff appointment, the legacy of Live Aid in raising awareness of world poverty, and the new documentary about Shamima Begum and her battle for citizenship.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is there any point in writing to your MP? What are the benefits of UBI? Why do we say 'Mrs' Thatcher, but not 'Mr' Suank? Listen to hear all these questions answered, plus Rory and Alastair's cultural recommendations for the week, their thoughts on the chances of Boris Johnson becoming the next NATO Secretary General, and what to do if you're losing a loved one to conspiracy theories...THE REST IS POLITICS LIVE IN HARROGATE - TUESDAY 16TH MAY:The following link to buy tickets for our upcoming Harrogate show will go live on Friday 3rd March 2023 at 9am GMT for general sale:www.axs.com/uk/events/472146/the-rest-is-politics-tickets?skin=aegpresentsukTRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has Rishi Sunak pulled off the biggest victory of his premiership? How does China view the Russian invasion of Ukraine? And what does Alastair make of Keir Starmer’s big policy 'missions'?THE REST IS POLITICS LIVE IN HARROGATE - TUESDAY 16TH MAY:The following link to buy tickets for our upcoming Harrogate show will go live on Friday 3rd March 2023 at 9am GMT for general sale:www.axs.com/uk/events/472146/the-rest-is-politics-tickets?skin=aegpresentsukIf you want to be involved in the member presale for Harrogate that launches on Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 9am GMT, become a member of TRIP Plus by going to therestispolitics.comTRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What should we make of the Qatari bid to buy Manchester United? Why is Modi's government raiding the BBC offices in India? And why did Rory's appearance at the Bilderberg Meeting lead to claims he was part of a global lizard conspiracy?SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter that we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading with Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy? Rory and Alastair talk to David about growing up in Tottenham, his Guyanese heritage, whether Labour would increase foreign aid spending and restore DFID, and tribalism in politics and football:http://pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who will be Nicola Sturgeon's successor as First Minister of Scotland? What does the future hold for Russia's relationship with the West? Is Boris Johnson staging a comeback? Alastair and Rory look at these topics, plus the role of biodiversity in ecological policy, the Northern Ireland protocol, China's role in bringing peace to Ukraine, and how relevant a politician's religious views are to their campaign.SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter that we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading with Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy? Rory and Alastair talk to David about growing up in Tottenham, his Guyanese heritage, whether Labour would increase foreign aid spending and restore DFID, and tribalism in politics and football:http://pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Rory ever return to politics? How do MPs serve effectively from remote areas? Should Russia be allowed to compete in the Paris Olympics? Alastair and Rory cover these topics, plus the role of Cabinet Secretaries, Biden's State of the Union Address, and what it means to be a 'recovering politician'.SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair speaks to Michael Johnson about protest and politics in sport?Apple apple.co/3HZ2pG7Spotify spoti.fi/3Kcuug9More pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why are ardent remainers and high profile eurosceptics meeting in secret to discuss our relationship with Europe? How has the earthquake in Turkey affected President Erdoğan politically? And why do MPs and members of the public have contrasting views on the death penalty?SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair speaks to Michael Johnson about protest and politics in sport?Apple apple.co/3HZ2pG7Spotify spoti.fi/3Kcuug9More pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is the actual role of a diplomat? Would Brexit have had a different result if Labour was under Ed Miliband's leadership? How will artificial intelligence change our society? Rory and Alastair answer these questions and more in this week's Question Time episode.SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair and Rory speak to Michel Barnier? Tune in below to hear them discuss the real story behind Brexit:The New European:www.theneweuropean.co.uk/leadingApple http://apple.co/3HWgO7fSpotify http://spoti.fi/3HXiyx8More http://pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are Johnson and Truss on manoeuvres against Sunak? Has the Chinese spy balloon pushed US relations with Beijing to a dangerous place? And what's Rory been arguing about with Sandi Toksvig?SIGN UP TO OUR FREE TRIP NEWSLETTER:Click here or follow this link (bit.ly/3EFxuOJ) to join our free weekly newsletter we send out around Friday lunchtime.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair and Rory speak to Michel Barnier? Tune in below to hear them discuss the real story behind Brexit:The New European:www.theneweuropean.co.uk/leadingApple http://apple.co/3HWgO7fSpotify http://spoti.fi/3HXiyx8More http://pod.link/1665265193Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are academics generally left-leaning? Should the theatrical nature of PMQs be reformed? What makes an MP 'talented'? Listen to hear these questions answered, plus positive stories about politicians, cultural recommendations, what makes an MP 'talented', and the relevance of vocational education.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair and Rory speak to one of Rory's political heroes, New Labour politician Alan Milburn, on how to save the NHS.Listen:apple.co/3XsICFCspoti.fi/3D76yX1pod.link/1665265193TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 100 days as PM, is Rishi Sunak’s power already waning? What happens behind the scenes of a high-profile resignation? Has the US pivoted away from its central involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict?Alastair and Rory cover all the latest political news from both the UK and abroad in today's episode of The Rest Is Politics.Leading:This week on Leading, Rory and Alastair were joined by the former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn to answer a big question...How can we save the NHS?Listen:Apple apple.co/3WMOqsuSpotify spoti.fi/3HjSniuOther apps pod.link/1665265193TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What do Rory, Mark Zuckerberg and Saif Gaddafi all have in common? Will we see a Labour revival in Scotland? Why haven't the CPS followed up over lockdown parties in Downing Street? Rory and Alastair answer these questions and discuss the role social media played in Jacinda Ardern's resignation, the current situation in Haiti, and cultural recommendations for the week.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair interviews Marina Litvinenko, widow of Alexander Litvinenko, the former Russian spy poisoned by the Putin regime?Listen:apple.co/3XsICFCspoti.fi/3D76yX1pod.link/1665265193TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, join the TRIP Plus Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who gave Boris Johnson an £800k loan when he was PM? Is Nadhim Zahawi's political career over? Why is Russia on a charm offensive in Africa?Alastair and Rory cover all the latest political news from both the UK and abroad in today's episode of The Rest Is Politics.Leading:Have you heard this week's episode of Leading, where Alastair interviews Marina Litvinenko, widow of Alexander Litvinenko, the former Russian spy poisoned by the Putin regime?Listen:apple.co/3XsICFCspoti.fi/3D76yX1pod.link/1665265193TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Could Boris Johnson lose the Tory whip? Why are we paying so much for gas if wholesale prices are back to normal? Why did Joe Biden remove classified documents from the White House? Rory and Alastair answer these questions, along with systemic problems within the Metropolitan Police, misogyny in schools, the future of Labour, and Suella Braverman's latest controversy.Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
loading
Comments (45)

jack massie

This pod has become pretty stale in the last few months. Most episodes consist of a quick rant from Alistair on Brexit or the government then a whistlestop tour of a few world events. Rarely any analysis outside what you've likely already digested from the news unless UK party politics being discussed. A lot of promotion and adverts. Rory holding this together by a thread! For those interested in US politics I'd recommend real clear politics and UK maybe the new statesman and spiked. World events theres loads but the red line is incredible

Mar 15th
Reply

John Quigley

Absolutely brilliant episode chaps (The Iraq War). Great to hear detail and not conspiracy theories from people actually involved. First class and keep up the good work! John in Manchester

Mar 15th
Reply

PD Ken

The Rest is Politics - better than the BBC.

Mar 11th
Reply

ID20442013

Very disappointed that Alistair is so supportive of his boss Gary after what I think were his inflammatory comments. I do defend Gary’s right for airing an opinion but he must consider the language used. And BTW I love the Podcast, wanted Rory to win the leadership contest, voted remain and detest Boris.

Mar 10th
Reply

Ingrid Linbohm

Lockdown and masks do not work. Look at China versus Sweden. My daughter got sacked along thousands of others for not wanting to have the pseudo vaccine that doesn't even work. my spouse had the vaccine and got covid-19, 12 weeks later ! How is the Iraqi invasion going....45 minutes to go for us to see those weapons of mass destruction Mr Cambell................still waiting...nope they were not there.

Mar 9th
Reply

Dave Norris

normal person aka working class person aka someone who has actually "worked" for a living

Mar 2nd
Reply

jack massie

Alistair we was robbed Campbell

Mar 1st
Reply

Paul Polevia Tofa

episode on political feuds..miliband brothers perhaps

Jan 25th
Reply

Ethan Silver

This is terribly edited

Jan 19th
Reply

Michael O'Leary

Best podcast out there

Jan 11th
Reply

Rebecca MA

The way Rory talked about his father's passing is very moving

Jan 10th
Reply

Anne Earnshaw

I recently heard that by far the largest number of people that drink Benedictine live in Burnley. This is possibly due to the fact that soldiers from the trenches in WW1 were given it by the Benedictine monks. They enjoyed it so much they brought bottles back to Burnley where they continued to drink it and use it in the Bene trifle. Does Alistair know of this and does he like Bene trifle?

Jan 1st
Reply

jack massie

Disagree agreeably on Harry and Meghan. Would love to hear Rory's thoughts on it fully but guess he has some skin in the game

Dec 15th
Reply

Johan Harith Hasan

Is it a case of 20 years of gone by and might makes right that the millions of lives lost because of George Bush’s illegal invasion of Iraq have been forgotten? I hope such pragmatism is evenly spread across all issues, recent and hot.

Dec 12th
Reply

Paul Polevia Tofa

NZs greatest PM.. CIndy aint fit to clean Helens low fits

Dec 4th
Reply

Richard Knocker

loved the episode as ever. May I suggest Edna Adan Ishmail as a female politician for you to talk to? First female foreign minister in Somaliland and I believe her to be a visionary leader

Nov 9th
Reply

Mike

Could listen to Rory talk about defence and intelligence stories for hours honestly, also his voice sounds cool here ngl

Nov 3rd
Reply

Russell Goodall

hi rory I get what you mean about mp's financial insecurity but try working a 40 hour week on minimum wage. there's insecurity and then there's insecurity. love you xx

Oct 26th
Reply

ID26941775

I have similar thoughts to Rory about H of Lords reform. Smaller numbers. New members chosen for expertise and selected through a non partisan committee.

Oct 26th
Reply

Ross Burton

With yet another unelected leader taking over running the government (Jeremy Hunt) is it time for a new piece of legislation - that if a new leader is appointed mid term they have to stick to the manifesto that was voted for when the government was elected? Otherwise, we could just go on seeing the anti-democratic muddle that we're currently living through.

Oct 16th
Reply
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store