Episode 426 Summary: Corbyn's Comeback, Musk's New Party, and The Broken SEND System

Host: Alastair Campbell
Co-Host: Rory Stewart
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Podcast: The Rest Is Politics by Goalhanger

1. Jeremy Corbyn's New Party and the UK Left-Wing Dynamics

The episode delves into the resurgence of Jeremy Corbyn with the formation of his new political party. The hosts discuss the potential ramifications of Corbyn’s return, questioning whether his party could inadvertently split the left-wing vote, thereby bolstering the chances of right-wing parties.

Alistair Campbell [03:25]: "Given the Green Party already provides a political home for many on the progressive left, doesn't Jeremy Corbyn's new party risk doing little more than split the left wing vote, inadvertently strengthening the electoral chance of the right?"

Rory Stewart counters this by highlighting systemic issues within British and American politics, suggesting that the fragmentation of the left is symptomatic of deeper democratic dysfunctions rather than solely Corbyn's ambition.

Rory Stewart [04:02]: "I think that our systems in Britain and America are really broken... We need independent parties."

2. Elon Musk's New American Party and Its Impact on US Politics

The discussion shifts to Elon Musk’s foray into politics with his newly formed "America Party." Campbell and Stewart analyze whether Musk’s entry could disrupt the Republican landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.

Rory Stewart [04:00]: "Thank you to Musk's new party could disrupt the Republican 2026 election."

Stewart remains skeptical about Musk's political acumen, emphasizing Musk's lack of political judgment and clear policy proposals.

Rory Stewart [06:09]: "What I don't think Musk does have is either the political judgment or the political appeal or indeed the ideas. What on earth are his ideas?"

Alistair Campbell adds historical context by referencing past attempts at third-party formations in the US, asserting their typical ineffectiveness due to entrenched two-party systems and vast financial requirements.

Alistair Campbell [05:35]: "In America, you start with a huge fortune and you found a political party... But it's never worked."

3. The Broken SEND System: Challenges and Political Implications

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the state of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in the UK. Recent proposals to overhaul or potentially abolish personalized education and healthcare plans (ECHPs) have sparked concern among families and educators.

Alistair Campbell [09:48]: "The recent news that education, healthcare plans for children and young people with SEND might be under threat without any clarification from Bridget Phillipson... is causing great concern."

Rory Stewart underscores the long-term economic and social consequences of not adequately supporting children with special needs, arguing that short-term cost-cutting measures could lead to diminished productivity and well-being in the future.

Rory Stewart [12:41]: "If you think 20% of the children in Britain not getting the support they need now, you might save some money now, but the long term consequences... are devastating for our productivity."

The hosts critique Labour's handling of the issue, suggesting that the party's focus on immediate financial constraints overshadows the essential need for robust support systems.

Alistair Campbell [14:59]: "Politically, this is a nightmare, absolute nightmare."

4. Labour Party's Economic Policies and Internal Struggles

The conversation transitions to Labour Party's economic challenges, particularly the tension between austerity measures and the aspiration to emulate Scandinavian social democracies. Stewart criticizes Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer for their inability to reconcile these conflicting approaches.

Rory Stewart [16:56]: "One idea is austerity... The other one is to go Jeremy Corbyn on this, which is that we need to tax people more, we need to spend more... Labour can't decide what it's doing."

Alistair Campbell reflects on the political missteps within Labour, especially regarding public spending and taxation, which leave the party vulnerable both economically and electorally.

Alistair Campbell [38:19]: "Do you go tight on public spending, keep taxes down, run down public services, or do you tax more and spend more."

5. Texas Floods and Trump's Climate Policy

A pressing international issue addressed in the episode is the severe flooding in Texas and former President Donald Trump's response to the disaster. Campbell and Stewart critique Trump's disregard for climate change implications, attributing the worsening of such natural disasters to his administration's rollback of environmental regulations.

Rory Stewart [30:00]: "The water rose from something like 3 foot to 35ft high in an hour and a half... As the planet gets warmer, Texas will experience more and more of these kinds of events."

Alistair Campbell laments Trump's lack of empathy and failure to acknowledge climate change as a contributing factor to the floods, highlighting the broader political and environmental negligence.

Alistair Campbell [31:30]: "He polls very badly and I think... he's hopeless at politics."

6. Climate Change and Future Political Challenges

Linked to the discussion on Texas floods, the hosts explore the broader implications of climate change on global politics. They emphasize the necessity for robust climate governance to mitigate future disasters and address ongoing environmental degradation.

Rory Stewart [32:10]: "One of the things that we're going to have to do in Britain... put more and more money into flood defenses."

The episode underscores the urgency of addressing climate-related issues to prevent further economic and social upheaval.

7. Additional Topics

• Bosnian State and EU Membership Prospects: Stewart offers an optimistic view on Bosnia’s post-war recovery and its potential eligibility for EU membership, despite lingering political volatility.

• Higher Education Leadership: A lighter segment where Campbell and Stewart discuss their preferences for Chancellor positions at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, sharing personal anecdotes and opinions on candidates.

• Cultural Recommendations: In a more casual exchange, the hosts share their critiques on recent film releases, reflecting their diverse interests beyond politics.

Conclusion

Episode 426 of The Rest Is Politics offers a comprehensive exploration of pressing political issues, ranging from internal party dynamics in the UK and US to broader concerns like climate change and educational support systems. Campbell and Stewart provide insightful analysis, enriched with notable quotes and real-time reactions to current events, making the episode both informative and engaging for listeners seeking depth in political discourse.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart.