The Rest Is Politics
Goalhanger
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 30, 2024 • 54min
242. Scotland in crisis, how to get an opposition MP to defect, and can Britain defend itself?
Scotland faces a political shake-up after Humza Yousaf's resignation, raising questions about future leadership. The possibility of Conservative MPs switching to Labour is explored, revealing the personal motivations behind political defections. Discussions delve into the UK's defense spending, critiquing the integrity of budget reports while calling for urgent reform. Amid the chaos, the emotional challenges of party loyalty and the military's readiness issues add depth to the conversation, all delivered with a dose of humor and insight.
Apr 25, 2024 • 44min
241. From White House To Courthouse: Trump On Trial
Donald Trump's hush money trial raises questions about his presidential campaign and its impact on public perception, particularly among suburban women. The podcast dives into the legal costs he's incurring and the resulting political strategies. Meanwhile, protests on U.S. college campuses highlight tensions around free speech amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict. Perspectives of young Americans shift on foreign policy, contrasting with historical military influence in politics. A fun quiz wraps up the discussion, illustrating the hosts' camaraderie and deep political insights.
Apr 24, 2024 • 31min
240. Question Time: Should Britain nationalise its railways?
The hosts tackle pressing global issues like the silencing of journalists in India and explore the implications of the Maldives' shifting ties with China. They discuss whether Britain should nationalise its railways as it examines political accountability and the fallout from Brexit. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of the London mayoral race, criticizing candidate options and voting systems. Bilingualism in Belgium also serves as a backdrop for discussions on job opportunities and geopolitical tensions. A humorous intro sets the tone for lively debates!
Apr 23, 2024 • 1h
239. The Rwanda ruling, Trudeau in trouble, and The Rest Is Politics: US edition
The podcast dives into the moral complexities of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, sparking intense political debate. Trudeau’s precarious position as Canadian Prime Minister is examined alongside shifting immigration sentiments post-Brexit. A deeper look at U.S. aid for Ukraine reveals the challenges facing political dynamics, especially with Trump's lingering influence on Republicans. Engaging younger audiences in politics is emphasized, highlighting the need for clarity in communication. The new format promises in-depth insights on the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
7 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 41min
238. Question Time: Liz Truss, climate change deniers, and why print media is so polarised
The podcast delves into the mental health impacts of smartphone use on kids and discusses potential government interventions. It explores the future of the Conservative Party amidst rising extremism and moderates. Labour's leadership under Keir Starmer is scrutinized, especially regarding public expectations on Brexit. The merits of independent mayors versus party-affiliated leaders are examined. Critical global conflicts like those in the Balkans and Sudan are highlighted, alongside a refreshing take on the importance of space exploration.
7 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 59min
237. Iran, Israel, and the Middle East: Stopping the slide into all-out war
Tensions between Iran and Israel heat up, prompting debate over military escalations and U.S. foreign policy. The discussion shifts to President Biden’s strategies concerning Ukraine and the South China Sea, revealing the complexities of international alliances. South Korea’s challenges, including political scandals and demographic issues, take center stage, highlighting the impact of leadership on public approval. Meanwhile, Liz Truss's controversial policies come under scrutiny, raising questions about ethical accountability in politics.
Apr 10, 2024 • 33min
236. Question Time: The fight to be Donald Trump’s VP nominee
Who will be Trump's running mate? The podcast dives into potential vice presidential candidates and the strategies of Trump's campaign. It also reveals the scandal around William Ragg and the challenges LGBTQ+ politicians face. The conversation shifts to the radical ideas of Project 2025 and how AI could impact military conflicts. Amidst these serious topics, listeners are entertained with intriguing stories from Westminster and a mysterious disappearance in the horse racing world.
18 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 14min
235. What Britain really thinks of politics
Fabian Picardo, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, engages in a revealing discussion about his controversial decision regarding the police commissioner. He reflects on Gibraltar's unique political landscape and the pressing challenges it faces post-Brexit. The conversation navigates voter sentiments in Britain, exploring the disconnect between politicians and the public. They also touch on the influence of polling data on political strategies and speculate on Narendra Modi's impact in India, raising questions about democracy and governance in both regions.
4 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 31min
234. Question Time: Why New Labour introduced tuition fees, Thatcher and Blair’s canvassing secrets, and the greatest prime minister we never had
What if Rory had won the 2019 Tory leadership contest? Dive into hypothetical cabinet picks and how they might reshape British politics. Explore the pressing challenges facing universities and the conversation around NHS staff migrating to Australia for better opportunities. A look at Turkey's surprising local elections offers a glimpse into shifting political power. Plus, enjoy anecdotes from canvassing that highlight the importance of genuine community connections, all while comparing the political climates of the U.S. and U.K.
8 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 1min
233. From peerages to Putin: the fight against corruption in politics
Political corruption takes center stage as they explore the intertwining of financial influence and governance, spotlighting the British Honour System's integrity crisis. A comparison of Singapore's anti-corruption measures reveals stark differences with the UK. The complexities of Israel's political tensions emerge, especially concerning the Haredi community. They also humorously dissect Sam Bankman-Fried's rise and fall in crypto, questioning his true motivations. Our hosts unravel the societal implications of high-profile prison sentences and their cultural reflections.
