494. Carney’s Trump Fightback and the Starmer-Burnham Fallout - The Rest Is Politics Recap

Podcast: The Rest Is Politics

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 1 hr 0 min

Guests: Dominic Sandbrook

Summary

Mark Carney suggests middle powers like the UK can lead the world away from US and Chinese dominance, while Labour Party's internal tensions threaten its unity against Nigel Farage's rise.

What Happened

Mark Carney's speech at Davos proposed a vision for a post-Trump world where middle powers could take on more significant roles, challenging American and Chinese dominance. He suggested that countries like the UK should form new alliances and reduce their reliance on the US, particularly in defense and technology sectors. Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell debated the feasibility of this vision, considering the UK's dependence on the US for its nuclear deterrent and intelligence through GCHQ's integration with the NSA.

The episode also delved into the UK's recent energy agreements with eight European countries, focusing on developing wind farms to reduce dependency on American energy strategies. Carney emphasized the need for middle powers to embrace their power by forming new groupings to address global challenges without the US and China, although Alastair Campbell noted the difficulty due to the sheer size and influence of these superpowers.

The hosts discussed the Labour Party's internal conflict, particularly Keir Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham from running in a by-election. This move is perceived as an attempt to prevent a leadership challenge and reflects Starmer's 'control-freakery,' which might backfire by weakening Labour's position against Nigel Farage's potential return to power.

Burnham, currently the Mayor of Manchester, has shown interest in returning to Parliament, which has caused tensions within the Labour Party. The episode highlighted concerns about election costs and the threat from other parties like the Greens and Reform, which could further splinter Labour's voter base.

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell critically examined the UK's foreign policy stance, particularly its alignment with US and European positions on China. They questioned whether Starmer's leadership could effectively navigate these international waters without compromising national interests.

The episode also touched on global defense spending, noting the US's significant withdrawal from international peacekeeping efforts, which leaves a vacuum that middle powers could fill if they coordinate effectively. However, developing more independence, especially in nuclear capabilities, would require substantial financial commitments, estimated at $25 billion over 10 years.

Finally, the episode hinted at broader geopolitical shifts, with the US's growing focus on China impacting global alliances. The need for a long-term strategic plan to reduce dependence on the US was underscored, with suggestions for a 10-year roadmap to achieve greater independence.

Key Insights