Episodes

December 21, 2022

Drugs in Parliament, the meaning of evil, and Jeremy Clarkson
Join Rory and Alastair in this week's episode of Question Time, as they discuss the prevalence of drugs in Parliament, Norway's sovereign wealth fund, Macron's relationship with the Pope, Alastair's swimming tips, and much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcas...
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December 20, 2022

Politics in football, Trump under pressure, and Kosovo
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the end of the World Cup and the soft power that comes with it, rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, Rory's experiences as Prisons Minister, and the challenge the government faces regarding prison reform. TRIP Plus: Become a member of  The Rest...
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December 14, 2022

Harry and Meghan, the National Anthem, and Latin America
In today’s Question Time podcast, Rory and Alastair review the new Harry and Meghan documentary, discuss how we can improve our National Anthem, and analyse the political chaos in Latin America. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and re...
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December 13, 2022

Britain on strike, hostage swaps, and assisted suicide
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the strikes taking place across Britain, the debate on assisted suicide, and how prisoner swaps come about. TRIP Plus: Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to li...
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December 7, 2022

Votes for prisoners, a united Ireland, and the meaning of 'liberal'
Join Alastair and Rory this week as they discuss whether prisoners should be able to vote, the chances of a united Ireland, and what liberalism actually means. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early access to liv...
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December 6, 2022

Keir vs. peers, George W. Bush, and $580k in a sofa...
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Gordon Brown and Keir Starmer's latest proposals, the post-presidential life of George W. Bush, why so many MPs are standing down at the next election, and the mysterious story about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's sofa... TRIP Plus: Become...
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December 1, 2022

Ex-New Zealand PM Helen Clark on monarchy, extreme poverty, and Jacinda Ardern
Alastair and Rory are joined by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark to discuss democracy, the rise of populism, the Monarchy, the importance of arts and culture, the United Nations development programmes and much, much more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Pl...
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November 30, 2022

How to become an MP, the art of whipping, and NIMBYs
Join Rory and Alastair for the latest episode of Question Time, where they discuss Labour's Brexit position, NIMBYs, the housing crisis, how to become an MP, whips, the favourites for the World Cup, and more. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy a...
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November 29, 2022

Protests in China, UK strikes, and crypto bros
Today, join Alastair and Rory as they investigate the current protests in China and their causes, dissect the recent election in Malaysia, discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on Scottish independence and much, much more. Plus, they take a look at the importance of technology within politics,...
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November 23, 2022

Nigel Farage, proportional representation, and mandatory ID cards
Who would Rory elect as the next Prime Minister? If Rishi Sunak had not kept Jeremy Hunt on, what would the budget look like? And how come both Rory and Alastair have lost followers on twitter? Listen to this week's Question Time to hear Rory and Alastair answer these questions and many m...
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November 22, 2022

Qatar, the World Cup, and Sunak vs. Starmer
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, what's meant by a 'Swiss-style' Brexit, 'flying kites', Twitter, Trump, COP, and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early acce...
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November 16, 2022

Food banks, ageing populations, and 'virtue signalling'
Can cabinet ministers be charged for economic mismanagement? How will low birth rate affect the economy? Do Rory and Alastair  really  travel for weeks at a time with just hand luggage? Join us for this week's Question Time episode where Rory and Alastair answer all these questions a...
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November 15, 2022

Trump vs. DeSantis, Sunak on the world stage, and Iran
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the midterm results from the US, Rupert Murdoch's apparent pivot from Donald Trump to Ron DeSantis, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping's meeting, Rishi Sunak's performance on the world stage, Thursday's Autumn Statement, problems with the NHS, the situation in Iran, Dav...
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November 9, 2022

Women in politics, AI advancements, and airports
Join Rory and Alastair for this week's Question Time episode where they discuss everything from the growth of artificial intelligence in professional life to their airport travel tips. Plus culture and arts in Britain, women in politics and Rory and Alastair's favourite novels. Become a member of...
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November 8, 2022

COP, Gavin Williamson, and US midterms
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Gavin Williamson, COP, Johnson's resignation honours list, Scholz in China, the latest from the war in Ukraine, and much, much more. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive early a...
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November 3, 2022

Julia Gillard on Rishi Sunak, compulsory voting and that misogyny speech
Alastair is joined today by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to discuss the view of British politics from Australia, the role of the monarchy, Australian government, compulsory voting and her famous Misogyny Speech. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to su...
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November 2, 2022

Question Time: Elon Musk, Twitter, and regulating 'Big Tech'
Join Alastair and Rory for the latest episode of Question Time where they discuss Elon Musk, Twitter, nation states vs. big tech, Amazon, John Reith, and much, much more. Plus Rory has asked his friend to calculate the number of 'bot followers' Alastair has! Become a member of  The Rest Is P...
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November 1, 2022

Braverman, Brazil, and Hancock in the jungle
Rory and Alastair discuss Suella Braverman's return to the front bench, the significance of security breaches in ministerial positions, and why Tony Blair never had a phone during his time as Prime Minister... Plus debates about the response to asylum seekers in the UK, Lula's success in Brazil's e...
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October 26, 2022

François Hollande on Putin, Obama, and Brexit
In a special guest episode, we speak to former French president François Hollande from his office in Paris. Tune in to hear his views on Putin, Xi Jinping, Merkel, Macron, the far right, the importance of political parties and much, much more. Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to sup...
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October 25, 2022

Question Time: Battle for the National Trust, getting over Brexit and boycotting Qatar
What would it take for the UK to have a general election? Would Rory ever rejoin the Conservative Party? How does confirmation bias affect politics? Alastair and Rory answer these questions, plus discuss their insecurities, the legitimacy of Britain's Crown Jewels, protesting the Iraq War, the impa...
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October 24, 2022

PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK
Rishi Sunak is the new Prime Minister. Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the new leader of the Conservative Party and Britain's first Asian Prime Minister. Will he be able to unite the party? What does his age say about British politics? Did Boris Johnson really have 102 MPs? Instagram...
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October 20, 2022

LIZ TRUSS RESIGNS
In this emergency podcast Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell react to the news that Liz Truss has resigned as Prime Minister after barely six weeks in office. Who will replace her as leader of the Conservatives and what chance do they have of uniting their party behind them? London Palladium liv...
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October 19, 2022

Question Time: Imposter Syndrome, the Commonwealth and fox hunting
How does public backlash affect politicians' mental health? Do Labour and the Liberal Democrats have an unwritten agreement to win seats? Should we support political parties the same way we do football clubs? Alastair and Rory answer these questions and discuss the fate of the Commonwealth, US/Chin...
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October 17, 2022

Hunt U-turn as Truss goes missing
As a divided Conservative Party tries desperately to work out how to replace Liz Truss, Rory and Alastair discuss the likely moves over the coming days and weeks in Westminster. Will the Conservatives find a way to avoid another membership vote to determine the next PM? Plus Biden, Japan, and debt ...
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October 14, 2022

TRUSS DOWN, KWARTENG OUT
Join Alastair and Rory for an emergency bonus podcast after the news that Kwasi Kwarteng has been sacked as Chancellor. Facing the lowest ever approval ratings for a British PM, is it over already for the Truss premiership? Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the p...
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October 12, 2022

Question Time: Liberal Democrats, Lordships and Labour's return
Who would Rory vote for in a General Election today? Did Alastair vote for Jeremy Corbyn? Where do MPs work after they've left Parliament? Rory and Alastair answer these questions, plus a discussion of Suella Braverman's take on cannabis, reform in the House of Lords, the relevance o...
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October 11, 2022

"Detested" Tories, the SNP, and Israel
Why has Liz Truss moved the UK embassy to Jerusalem? Does the word 'detest' belong in politics? How long will the Conservatives remain united? Rory and Alastair discuss these topics, plus the situation in Libya, the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, the role of empathy in decision-making, and...
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October 6, 2022

Fear and Loathing in Birmingham
Are we on the brink of Tory civil war? Has Truss painted herself into a corner with her conference speech? What on earth is an 'anti-growth coalition'? Rory has scrambled Alastair for an emergency podcast to discuss growing unrest in Tory circles. Plus Labour's next moves, whether members should ...
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October 5, 2022

Question Time: Biden, barristers and the Black Watch
How do Alastair and Rory maintain a work/life balance? How dangerous are AI deepfakes for politics? Does Rory regret not pursuing a military career? Rory and Alastair answer these questions and many more in this week's Question Time episode. Plus they discuss Biden's popularity, the protests in Ira...
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October 4, 2022

U-turns, Ukraine and election season
Will Truss and Kwarteng survive a week of U-turns? Have worldwide elections followed the populist trends set by Sweden and Italy? Plus news on the conflicts in Ukraine and Yemen, Rory's admiration for David Miliband, and a critique of Singapore-on-Thames. Become a member of  The Rest Is Poli...
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September 29, 2022

The Week Everything Changed
In a special bonus episode Rory and Alastair discuss whether the writing is already on the wall for Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, how Starmer found his voice and revived Labour, and what the future holds for the UK economy... Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the...
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September 28, 2022

Question Time: Prison reform, lobbying, and Alastair on Strictly
Should MPs be drug tested? Does the UK have a corruption problem? How could we radically reform prisons? Alastair and Rory join each other in person this week to answer these questions and many more. Plus, they discuss if they've ever been offered to participate in a reality show, and if they would...
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September 27, 2022

The Kamikwaze budget, Iranian protests, and Italian 'post-fascists'
It's been a quiet week in UK politics... On today's (in person) episode Rory and Alastair discuss Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-budget, Liz Truss and her quest for growth, the protests in Iran and the far right's election victory in Italy. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to sup...
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September 22, 2022

Albanian PM Edi Rama on Putin, Macron, and combating corruption
Alastair and Rory are joined by Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, to talk Putin, Merkel, Macron, the European Union, small boats, cyber attacks from Iran, and much, much more. Tune in to hear how the 'third way' inspired Edi's journey from life as an artist in Paris to a three-time election-...
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September 21, 2022

Question Time: Blair-Brown, the Special Relationship, and official apologies
Who would you cast to play yourself in a film? Rory and Alastair give their answers to this question and many more in today's Question Time episode. Plus the rarity of political apologies, friendship (and animosity) between ex Prime Ministers, and the UK's 'special relationship' with the US. Beco...
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September 20, 2022

The Queen's funeral, United Nations, and fracking
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, Liz Truss' visit to the UN, the pros and cons of fracking and the drastic fall in value of the British Pound. Plus Biden's growing popularity, international diplomacy, and the role of foreign correspondents.  Become a membe...
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September 15, 2022

Mark Drakeford on Labour success, Tory PMs, and Welsh nationalism
Alastair and Rory are joined by Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour, to talk Boris Johnson, devolution, Welsh nationalism, Scotland, the secret of Labour’s century of success in Wales, Covid, Brexit, Latin and more. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus...
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September 14, 2022

Question Time: King Charles III, Scottish accents, and left vs. right
What's the true definition of right-wing and left-wing? Alastair and Rory debate what defines the two sides of the political spectrum, who their favourite comedians are, and why neither of them have a Scottish accent. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast...
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September 13, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, Ukrainian counter-attacks, and Sweden
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss Queen Elizabeth II, the Ukrainian counter-offensive, Rory's trip to Kenya, the far right in Sweden, and the Shanghai Co-Operation Organisation. Blackpool live show tickets: Saturday 8th October:  wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/the-rest-is-politi...
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September 7, 2022

Question Time: Parents, Austerity, and talking with hands
What’s more annoying, a stupid person pretending to be clever or a clever person pretending to be stupid? On an unrelated note Rory and Alastair give more reaction to Liz Truss taking over from Boris Johnson, and give an insight into their family backgrounds. Blackpool live show tickets: Satur...
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September 6, 2022

Liz Truss, lido politics, and Chile
How will Liz Truss operate in Number 10? Why is The Rest Is Politics banned on FCDO official phones? And what's going on in Chile? Plus foreign aid, James Cleverly, Alastair's lido lifestyle, a message from Eton's headmaster, and Oxbridge. Blackpool live show tickets: Saturday 8th October:&n...
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September 5, 2022

PRIME MINISTER LIZ TRUSS
In an emergency podcast, Rory and Alastair react to the news that Liz Truss has won the race to become the UK's next prime minister. Plus Kwasi Kwarteng, Joe Lycett, a PM's first 24 hours, Instagram politicians, a potential whip problem, what it means for Keir Starmer, and the next general electi...
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August 31, 2022

Question Time: BBC impartiality, books vs. newspapers, and Stewart spoofery
What shared regret do Rory and Alastair have about their time at university? Plus local journalism, bikes, John le Carré, musical instruments, rhetoric, and Rory's defence of Eton. Blackpool live show tickets: Saturday 8th October:  wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/the-rest-is-politic...
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August 30, 2022

Freezing bills, mental health in politics, and Rory's new job
Are windfall taxes and freezing energy bills the best ways to deal with the cost of living crisis? Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the skyrocketing energy prices, the negative effect that politics can have on your mental health, the floods in Pakistan, Biden's quietly impressive summer, le...
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August 24, 2022

Question Time: Margaret Thatcher, Rupert Murdoch, and Mick Lynch
At what points in their political careers did Rory and Alastair feel under the most pressure? Plus the wonders of sleep, Murdoch's subtle influence, and protest marches. Blackpool tickets - Saturday 8th October:  wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/the-rest-is-politics-live/ Instagram: ...
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August 23, 2022

Working for Truss, Blackpool with Clinton, and Sewage
Why is raw sewage being pumped into UK rivers? How easy is it to stand up to Liz Truss when she's your boss? And which former US president walked for 2 miles with Alastair in search of a McDonald's? Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Plus  to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free lis...
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August 18, 2022

Introducing Empire
Today's feed drop features historian and friend of the show William Dalrymple discussing our new sister podcast, Empire, which he hosts alongside broadcaster Anita Anand. How do empires rise? Why do they fall? And how have they shaped the world around us today? This new show explores the storie...
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August 17, 2022

Question Time: Classified documents, Eddie Jones, and A-levels
Just how easy is it to waltz out of office with classified government documents? In the latest episode of TRIP QT, Alastair and Rory take your questions on Trump's FBI raid, Gordon Brown and Gillian Duffy, scuffles, Eddie Jones, A-levels, and more. Become a member of  The Rest Is Politics Pl...
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August 16, 2022

Salman Rushdie, the energy price cap, and Afghanistan
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss the one year anniversary of Afghanistan falling to the Taliban, the French withdrawal from Mali, the Wagner Group, how Gordon Brown lets his hair down, the Kenyan election, the cost of living, Keir Starmer's holiday, the energy price cap, Salman Rushdie, freed...
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August 10, 2022

Question Time: Clan Campbell vs. Clan Stewart, Tartan Trews, and Lindsay Hoyle
Join Alastair and Rory for the latest episode of TRIP: Question Time, where they answer your questions on the historical Scottish clashes between Clan Stewart and Clan Campbell, Rory’s tartan trousers, the performance of Lindsay Hoyle as Speaker, and labour shortages in the UK. Become a member of...
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August 9, 2022

Amnesty International, cabinet duels, and fuel poverty
Join Alastair and Rory as they discuss lame ducks, Amnesty International’s Ukraine report, politicians’ holidays, energy prices, fuel poverty, George Canning, Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan, the wildfires and US Climate Bill, Boris Johnson’s dancing, and The Rest Is Politics bingo . Become a member of ...
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August 3, 2022

Question Time: Scottish Unionism, growth, and cannibalism
Join Alastair and Rory for the latest episode of TRIP: Question Time, where they answer your questions on Bhutan's Gross Domestic Happiness, Scottish Unionism, political biographies, cannibalism, and more. Show notes: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln - Doris Kearns Goo...
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August 3, 2022

William Hague on Boris Johnson, Blair, and Brexit
In a special episode of The Rest Is Politics, Alastair and Rory are joined by former Foreign Secretary and former Leader of the Conservative Party, William Hague. They discuss the future for Boris Johnson, William’s days facing Tony Blair in the Commons, packing the House of Lords, Putin’s offer ...
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August 2, 2022

Al-Qaeda, Pelosi in Taiwan, and working for Truss
Join Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart as they discuss al-Qaeda, Kosovo, Kenya, Tunisia, the 'age of impunity', Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit, working for Truss and Sunak, terrorism, and resignation honours. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics...
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July 27, 2022

Question Time: The last days of Blair and May, carbon footprints, and remaining hopeful
May's downfall, Blair-Brown, Celtic vs. Rangers in Belfast, remaining hopeful, charter cities, climate change, carbon emissions, and wildfires. Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all your questions on the above and more in the latest Question Time episode of The Rest Is Politics. Reading li...
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July 26, 2022

Blue on blue, famine in Africa, and David Trimble
Join Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart as they discuss the Tory leadership race, the life and legacy of David Trimble, Mario Draghi's resignation, charter cities, famine in Africa, populism, and Marilyn Monroe's poetry. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: ...
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July 21, 2022

Question Time: Treating addiction, feminism, and a fear of ketchup
Join Rory and Alastair for the latest episode of 'The Rest Is Politics: Question Time', where they discuss removing the stigma around addiction, feminism, Eton, Alastair's fear of ketchup, political cliches, Rory's worst interview gaff, whether the SNP has a mandate for another independence referen...
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July 20, 2022

Rishi Sunak vs. Liz Truss
And then there were two... After finding out that Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak will compete to be the next UK Prime Minister, Rory and Alastair recorded a special episode devoted to that very topic. They discuss Truss and Sunak's reputation among Tory members, their suitability for the top job, an...
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July 19, 2022

Keir Starmer on rebuilding Labour, Tory leadership, and Brexit
In a special episode recorded in Westminster as temperatures approached 40C in London, Rory and Alastair are joined by the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer. They debate and discuss the Tory leadership race, Scotland, rebuilding Labour, economic policy, glo...
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July 18, 2022

Heatwaves, semiconductors, and Johnson's return?
It's the hottest day of the year so far, but Rory and Alastair are still managing to disagree fairly agreeably! Tune in to hear them talk heatwaves, climate change, leadership debates, food shortages, semiconductors, Thatcher and taxation, China, Joe Biden, Boris Johnson's return, and more. P...
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July 13, 2022

Question Time: Shinzo Abe, Sri Lanka, and 'Big Society'
Join Rory and Alastair for the seventh episode of 'The Rest Is Politics: Question Time', where they discuss the assassination and legacy of Shinzo Abe, the situation in Sri Lanka, Tory leadership, marriage, Rory's wedding ring, the Met, and more.  Reading List: Not For The Faint...
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July 12, 2022

Tory leadership race: contenders and pretenders
Rishi Sunak. Liz Truss. Penny Mordaunt. Tom Tugendhat. And about fifty others. Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart discuss the runners and riders in the chaotic Tory leadership contest, with Rory giving an insider's guide into what goes on behind the scenes. How do you attract support? When do c...
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July 7, 2022

BORIS JOHNSON RESIGNS
Boris Johnson has resigned. Join Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart for this emergency podcast as they react to the news of Johnson's resignation. After a tumultuous few days, Johnson is finally standing down, and Alastair and Rory answer the key questions raised by this landmark announcement. Ca...
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July 6, 2022

British scandals, global recession, and Elvis
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss British scandals, moments of madness, civil service interventions, Starmer on Brexit, technocracy, global economic recession, tech bubbles, China and Taiwan, Xi Jinping, Britain's dwindling military, Lebedev, Elvis, Jimmy Carter and a tribute to Peter Brook. ...
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July 5, 2022

SPECIAL: SUNAK AND JAVID RESIGN
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart respond to the breaking news that Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid have both resigned from the Government. How long can Boris Johnson survive as Prime Minister after two of his heavyweight ministers resign a few minutes apart? Instagram: ...
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June 29, 2022

Question Time: Roe v. Wade, military MPs, and Ismail Kadare
Roe v. Wade, the impact of military service on sitting MPs, Britain's global reputation, Labour's stance on strike action, progressive alliances, John Smith, Alexander the Great, and the novels of Ismail Kadare. Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for the fifth episode of The Rest Is Politic...
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June 28, 2022

Tony Blair on the UK's relegation battle
Tony Blair joins Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell to discuss his fears that Britain may soon be relegated from the Premiership of nations. Also discussed, his views on the future of the NHS, technology and how Labour can recover from the Corbyn years. Plus Ukraine, Russia, China, Scotland, and ho...
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June 22, 2022

Question Time: The Queen's toilet, Carole Cadwalladr, and climate crisis
Find out which historical world leaders Rory and Alastair would be like to work alongside, what they would say if they had the world's attention for 30 seconds, their thoughts on the 'Tory power stance' and body language coaching in politics. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPoli...
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June 21, 2022

By-elections, strikes, and populists
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss by-elections, how Alastair would run as a Tory, strikes, trade unions, Colombia, France, Henry Kissinger, Carrie Johnson's ghost story, Rory's visit to a kibbutz, Welsh Labour, ethics advisors and unrequited love! Reading list: Here’s what Labour should sa...
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June 15, 2022

Question Time: Ukraine, Tony Blair, and foreign languages
Join Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart for the third edition of 'The Rest is Politics: Question Time', where they answer your questions on the situation in Ukraine, the role of former world leaders in politics, and their multilingual capabilities. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @Rest...
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June 14, 2022

Keir Starmer, Northern Ireland, and disagreeing 'agreeably'
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss the performance and future of Keir Starmer, what they both think of Wes Streeting, Rory's appearance on BBC Question Time, austerity, what Labour needs to do to win, train strikes, Tony Blair, Northern Ireland, the ERG, Liz Truss, and disagreeing 'agreeably'. ...
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June 8, 2022

Question Time: Austerity, diaries, and impostors
Join Rory and Alastair as they answer your questions on Austerity, John Bercow, protest, schools, carbon footprints, imposter syndrome, cheese, interview techniques, political diaries, and the Duc de Saint-Simon. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics...
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June 7, 2022

Johnson wounded, monarchy, and the West Bank
Boris Johnson’s no-confidence vote, Tory backbench anger, the Platinum Jubilee, the Queen’s relationships with PMs, Rory’s defence of monarchy, Tony Blair’s royal faux pas, the West Bank, Bethlehem, Dundee, Northern Ireland, Colombia, and Xi Jinping.  Join Rory and Alastair for discussion of...
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June 1, 2022

Question Time: Hong Kong handover, human rights, and Tintin
Welcome to the first ever episode of 'TRIP: Question Time'! During our Question Time pods, Rory and Alastair will attempt to answer even more of the fantastic listener questions we get each week. While the Wednesday pod will still dig into the main issues of the day, TRIP QT allows Alastair and...
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May 31, 2022

Charisma, Portugal, and gun control
Rory going viral, Alastair's trip to Portugal, Labour's Brexit position, Olaf Scholz, the UEFA Champions League Final, the 1922 Committee, charisma, Nelson Mandela, teaching politics in school, US gun control, and ABBA. Tune in to today's pod to hear all this and more! ANNOUNCEMENT: Make sure you...
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May 24, 2022

Rupert Murdoch, Taiwan, and Burnley
Partygate photos, Teals in Australia, why Rory ran as an independent in London, Anthony Albanese, Mhairi Black, Bill Cash, Rupert Murdoch, China, Taiwan, PR, and Nigel Farage. This week's pod has got it all. Join Rory and Alastair as they drill down into the political talking points from at home ...
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May 17, 2022

Food shortages, Francois Hollande, and Shireen Abu Akleh
Shireen Abu Akleh, Alastair's catch-up with Francois Hollande, Rory's reflection on the Tory leadership debates, Northern Ireland, Nick Clegg, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, global food shortages, power-sharing, and press coverage. Join Rory and Alastair for discussion and analysis of all of the above and m...
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May 10, 2022

Putin’s blanket, election fallout, and China in Africa
Beergate, local elections, Tower Hamlets, Northern Ireland, Putin, Chinese foreign policy, Oxbridge, and porridge talk. Join Rory and Alastair for discussion and analysis of all of the above and more, plus plenty of listener questions. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics ...
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May 3, 2022

Bad politics, local elections, and toxic debates
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell work out a plan for improving the quality of debate in Westminster. They also wonder what it would take for the electorate to dump Boris Johnson from power. Plus how to make the perfect porridge. Go to Instagram and Twitter for our reading list. Instagram: @...
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April 26, 2022

Biggest snakes, Basic Instinct, and meeting Miley
Defeating populism, the way to win a leadership contest, and Boris Johnson meeting Miley Cyrus. Join Alastair and Rory from Scotland in our first ever live episode - it's certainly not one to miss! Go to Instagram and Twitter for our reading list. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @R...
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April 19, 2022

Rwanda, Religion and the Return of Trump
Join Alastair and Rory for this week's pod, where they discuss Patel's plans to send refugees to Rwanda from Britain, the role of religion in politics, and the mysterious ideologue that some believe is the brains behind Putin. There are also plenty of listener questions, which range from Trump's po...
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April 12, 2022

Partygate fines, political partners, and voting at 15?
In today's pod Alastair and Rory discuss the police fines that Johnson and Sunak have received for their roles in Partygate, the current political situation in both France and Pakistan, and the role of spouses in politics. After the break they also drill down into what Alastair and Rory vehemently ...
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April 5, 2022

Globalism, Scottish Nationalism, and Rory's new job
Could this be the final ever episode of The Rest Is Politics after Rory's revelation last Friday, 1st April? Hopefully not! After more terrible news from Ukraine and some countries refusing to shun Russia, could this crisis herald the end of a globalism? Also, reaction to populist leaders Orban and ...
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March 29, 2022

Tribal politics, anonymous sources, and Malcolm Tucker
Do the Royal family and the Commonwealth still have a place in the modern world? Alastair and Rory discuss Rwanda and countries recovering from war, whether Joe Biden is an effective communicator, how the relationship between the media and politicians really works, and why certain people find it ha...
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March 22, 2022

Iraq, brave opposition, and powerful Chancellors
As Rory returns from a tour of Iraq with a landmine charity, what lessons can be learned from the country since the occupation, and how could they be applied to the current situation in Ukraine? Also, is Belarus getting off too lightly in terms of sanctions, can Britain become 'food independent' ag...
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March 15, 2022

Zelenskyy's humanity, Lebvedev's parties, and Eton
Who is winning the communications landscape in Ukraine? Alastair and Rory discuss the importance of soft power, the sacrifices needed to free European dependency on Russian oil, the most intimidating politicians, and whether private schools like Eton have a healthy impact on British society. Inst...
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March 13, 2022

The Rest Is History: Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union
In our most recent episode, Alastair mentioned our sister podcast, The Rest Is History, and its recent mini-series on the Soviet Union, its fall, Putin's early life and his subsequent rise to power. Here's the first episode of the series on Brezhnev, Putin's formative years, his early KGB career ...
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March 8, 2022

Lying, vanity and friendship in politics
Welcome to the second episode of The Rest Is Politics with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell! With Ukrainian refugees struggling to claim asylum in the UK, why aren't the British government's actions matching up to its rhetoric? Rory and Alastair discuss the importance of personal relationships ...
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March 1, 2022

Putin in person, Russian money in British politics, and Bono vs Blair
What's Vladimir Putin like to deal with in person? On the first episode of "The Rest Is Politics", Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart tackle the latest developments in Ukraine, give their insight into the most effective next steps for NATO, explain how Russian money has affected British politics, a...
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February 23, 2022

Trailer
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 in...
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