The Rest Is Politics

13 Feb 2026

The Battle for the Arctic

One of the most important political issues of our time - the battle for the Arctic. Why is Russia so dominant there? Why does Trump really want Greenland? And why is Climate Change right at the heart of this?Join Alastair and author Kenneth R. Rosen in the first episode of our new members-only miniseries on the battle for geopolitical control of the icy north, the polar war.

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

Leading

9 Feb 2026

175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)

Do Russia or China represent a bigger risk to UK national security? Why are we underestimating the threat posed by cybercriminals? Who holds the real power - ministers or spies?

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

Latest

353. Question Time: Celeb politicians, Chinese spies, and Ireland vs. Israel

Why is Israel shutting its embassy in Ireland? Who is the alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew? Will the UK ever have a Donald Trump-style leader? Rory and Alastair answer all these q... Continue

352. How to solve the small boats crisis

Will Labour be able to deliver on their promises on immigration? What is the thinking behind some of Trump's cabinet picks? Could German politics swing to the right?Join Rory and Alastair as ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s winners and losers of 2024

In many cases over the last 12 months, the people who looked like winners also turned out to be losers... Continue

112. Bill Clinton: Putin, Palestine, and Trump

Does Bill Clinton feel that the current Israel-Hamas war could have been avoided if former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat had accepted the peace deal in 2001? Does he regret allowing Ch... Continue

351. Question Time: Geopolitics in Crisis

Why did the president of South Korea announce martial law this week? What does the result of the Romanian elections spell for Europe? How can Georgia resolve the protests happening there?Rory... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Farage told me about Musk, Trump & the Tories

It underlined that he views politics mainly through the lens of personality and rarely bothers with policy... Continue

350. Assad in Moscow, Trump meets Zelensky, and Farage’s secret strategy

Is there hope for Syria? What’s next for France? And, why does Nigel Farage have a spring in his step?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Rest Is Politics... Continue

111. Angela Merkel: Putin, Trump, and Europe’s future

What lessons on leadership does Angela Merkel have after 16 years served as Chancellor of Germany? Does she have any regrets from her tenure? What was it like being in East Germany when the B... Continue