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
150 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 52min
515. Starmer’s Foreign Aid Betrayal, Islamophobia & Australia’s Far Right (Question Time)
A sharp tour through Britain’s foreign aid cuts, and why they are stirring such fierce backlash. The conversation then jumps to Australia, where a landslide win offers a striking counterpoint to far-right politics. There is also a tense look at how Islamophobia is being used in modern political strategy, plus a quick sweep across Brexit, big national projects, and a stack of timely book picks.
309 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 54min
514. Who Is Profiting from Trump's Iran Catastrophe?
Trump’s clash with Iran sparks a tense look at who really gains, from Russia and Israel to shifting Gulf alliances. There’s a sharp debate over whether Britain should stay out entirely. The conversation also turns to economic shock, diplomatic realignment, and fears of a much wider conflict.
460 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 53min
513. Inside Iran: The Country Trump Cannot Control? (Question Time)
Karim Sadjadpour, a Carnegie Endowment Iran analyst, unpacks why Iran is so often misunderstood. He explores how nationalism helps a weak regime endure. The conversation ranges from Mojtaba Khamenei’s fraught succession to risks of regional escalation, oil chokepoints, proxy networks, and why Trump may face a conflict that pauses but never truly ends.
310 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 10min
512. Trump’s Iran Disaster and the GB News Propaganda Machine
Trump’s clash with Iran sparks talk of chaos in the Gulf, shaky allies, and why Russia could come out smiling. Then the focus shifts to claims that GB News acts more like Reform’s megaphone than a broadcaster. There’s also a grim look at England’s toxic water, sewage scandals, and the politics of privatized failure.
213 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 55min
511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)
Tony Blair’s comments add fresh drama to Keir Starmer’s tightrope act over Iran and Trump. The conversation digs into cabinet leaks, Europe’s struggle to stand up to Washington, and Britain’s weakened military position. It also explores life inside Iran, the regime’s likely next moves, and how the conflict may strengthen Netanyahu at home.
470 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 6min
510. How The Iran War Is Spiralling Into a Global Crisis
A tense breakdown of how recent strikes in Iran have rapidly escalated into a global crisis. They probe strategic vulnerabilities like the Straits of Hormuz, oil and fertilizer shocks, and maritime risks. Discussion covers how renewables, drones, electronic warfare and shifting alliances are reshaping geopolitics. The segment also explores economic contagion, regional signaling, and the erosion of global trust in security guarantees.
102 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 9min
The Future of Warfare: Anthropic vs OpenAI
They debate whether Europe is becoming dependent on American AI and what that means for sovereignty. They unpack private firms' deals with the military and whether companies should set red lines. They explore how vendor services and compute access shape modern warfare. They discuss risks from competition, politicised AI negotiations, and calls for a European AI coalition.
211 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 42min
509. Labour's Polanski Problem and the Student Loans Scandal (Question Time)
A sharp breakdown of a surprise Green win and what it reveals about Labour's messaging and strategy. A heated look at student loans that frames the system as a punitive burden on graduates. A wide-ranging debate on whether the UK can reclaim global influence through culture, media and soft power. Short takes on identity politics, demographic targeting and the future of youth employment.
283 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 1min
508. Is Starmer Sleepwalking into War with Iran?
They debate whether UK leadership is being drawn into a conflict with Iran and unpack shifting political signals. They examine US objectives, Trump’s role, and mixed messaging from Washington. They trace regional missile and drone strikes, risks to oil routes, and Gulf state responses. They question legal justifications and call for a coordinated middle-power foreign policy.
398 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 1h 3min
507. The Ayatollah Is Killed - REACTION
They react to the confirmed killing of Iran's supreme leader and the immediate power vacuum. They debate precision strikes, low-risk warfare, and how technology and politics lower barriers to force. They consider likely Iranian retaliation, succession scenarios, legal and alliance consequences, and the broader regional fallout and polarization.
