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
9 snips
May 13, 2026 • 58min
532. The Trump-Xi Showdown and Putin’s Conscription Con
A brisk rundown of Trump’s high-stakes China visit and the bargaining over trade, AI and Taiwan. A look at whether Beijing and Washington can trade concessions on Iran. An examination of Russia’s mounting casualties, recruitment tactics in Africa and signs of shifting momentum. A lighter detour into urban trees and book recommendations.
189 snips
May 12, 2026 • 1h 6min
531. Starmer on the Brink: What Next?
A heated breakdown of the mounting crisis around Keir Starmer and whether his leadership can survive rising cabinet unrest. They map how a leadership challenge might unfold and who could vie to replace him. The show tracks dramatic regional shifts in Scotland and Wales and explores the rapid rise of Reform UK and Farage-style populism. Markets, leaks and the future of Britain’s two-party system also get sharp attention.
80 snips
May 11, 2026 • 1h 8min
Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story
Angela Rayner, former Deputy Prime Minister and housing campaigner, talks about reconnecting politics with Gen Z. She explores why young people feel hopeless, the lure of outsider figures, housing and job pressures, and the need for long-term policy, political education and authentic communication. Short, sharp conversations on power, poplar appeal and practical reforms.
155 snips
May 9, 2026 • 18min
Divided or Dependent? The Real Gen Z Story
Bobby Duffy, generations expert and director at the King’s Policy Institute, offers data-driven takes on Gen Z. He challenges claims of radical generational change. They discuss shrinking community spaces, online life and loneliness, rising dependence on family, and slower transitions into adulthood.
278 snips
May 8, 2026 • 1h 4min
530. Is Starmer the Next Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair React to Local Elections
They dig into seismic local election results and what they mean for the future of UK party politics. They explore Reform’s surge, funding and media advantage. They debate whether Labour’s leader is in a Biden-like position and who might replace them. They discuss tactics to win back centre voters and urgent priorities like growth, immigration and AI.
145 snips
May 6, 2026 • 54min
529. Antisemitism, Polarisation, and How the King Outplayed Trump
A sharp tour through rising antisemitism, fear, and the way polarisation is tearing at minority solidarity. Then it pivots to the King’s subtle political theatre in Washington and what it revealed about Trump-era America. It also heads to Mali and the Sahel, where Russia’s influence, insurgency, and strongman image-making come under the spotlight.
165 snips
May 5, 2026 • 1h 2min
528. Trump vs. Germany and Farage’s £5m ‘Gift’
Trump’s threat to pull troops from Germany sparks a tense look at Europe’s shaky strategy for dealing with him. Britain’s local elections raise big questions about Labour, Starmer, and the rise of five-party politics. Nigel Farage’s £5 million crypto-linked donation also comes under the spotlight, along with the scrutiny around it.
80 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 17min
Lucky or Left Behind? The Gen Z Money Story
Dr Eliza Filby, a historian and generational analyst, dives into why Gen Z feels both hyper-informed and financially cornered. She explores the collapse of the old university-to-stability path. She looks at how family wealth shapes opportunity, why student debt now feels like a trap, and how weak wages and housing costs are turning a generational squeeze into a political flashpoint.
275 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 54min
527. Are American Tech Billionaires Threatening British Democracy?
Tech power, government dependence and the health of democracy take center stage. There’s also a sharp look at Britain’s retreat from international law, plus a big conversation on young people’s mental health, housing and insecurity. It also ranges into grief, media bias, Gaza, Reform and why Suez still matters.
335 snips
Apr 28, 2026 • 58min
526. Trump's Orwellian Maths and the King's Special Relationship Mission
A sharp tour through Britain’s wobbling ties with Washington and whether the King could influence Trump. It digs into Europe’s struggle for defence and tech independence, and the danger of political contempt for basic facts. Then it heads to Serbia and Kosovo, where old conflicts, nationalist memory and transactional power politics still shape Europe’s future.
