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

323. Question Time: How it feels to become “the story”

Why are so many young men supporting the AFD in Germany? Would Trump be welcome on TRIP? And who, out of the pair, has the best Dame Maggie Smith story? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The unwelcome return of the Brexit grifters

Michael Gove and Boris Johnson are journalists at heart and for years have got away with far more from their own kind as a consequence... Continue

322. Israel vs Hezbollah: Iran’s next move

What does the killing of Hezbollah’s leader mean for the Middle East? Who will be Labour’s next cabinet secretary? How did the far right win in Austria? Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue

100. Anne Applebaum: Corruption, Populism, and Ending the War in Ukraine

What constitutes an autocratic state? How did populism come to dominate global politics from 2012-2014? When and how will the war in Ukraine end? On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Ala... Continue

321. Question Time: Why do politicians leak to the press?

Was the recent election in Brandenburg really a “huge success” for the far-right AfD? Why are MPs allowed to be on their phones in the House of Commons? And what are Rory and Alastair’s... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Keir Starmer must do now

The prime minister must stop giving the media the chance to go into frenzy or outrage mode... Continue

320. Labour’s struggle to define itself, Hezbollah vs. Israel, and understanding Long Covid

Does Starmer’s government lack a strategic vision? Are we on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East? Why has society turned a blind eye to those living with Long Covid? Join Rory and A... Continue

99. Team of Rivals: Blair, Brown and the secrets of New Labour (Douglas Alexander)

What was the rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown really about? How easy is it to find work as an ex-politician? What can the Labour Party do going forward to strengthen the UK's relat... Continue