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

314. Trump stumbles – but did Harris see him off?

Will Tuesday’s US presidential debate be remembered as a turning point in the campaign? Why was Donald Trump so off-message? Did Kamala Harris miss the chance to destroy the MAGA movement o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: At home with Michel Barnier

In 2023, we visited the Barniers at home. I would never have predicted that a year later he’d become Macron’s prime minister... Continue

313. Why Starmer needs to be unpopular

Can Labour make the unpopular popular? Will any change come from the Grenfell inquiry? How worrying is China’s influence in Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions... Continue

97. How to fight fake news and strengthen democracy (Audrey Tang)

Is technology destroying democracy, or can it be used to strengthen it? How did Taiwan improve public trust in politicians by 60%? Could the NHS be transformed by digital consultaions for the... Continue

312. Is America Ready for Gun Reform?

How has Donald Trump tied him self in knots over abortion? Why is there a growing gender divide in politics? Has Kamala Harris reached the end of her honeymoon period?Join Katty Kay and Antho... Continue

311. Question Time: Should Labour ban smoking?

Is Brazil right to suspend X? Why have the press been calling our Deputy PM ‘Angela Raver’? And what is the history of No. 10’s Larry the Cat? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Scottish independence has lost its salience

The issue was conspicuously absent from speeches at the SNP conference... Continue

310. The rise of Germany’s far-right

Who will be the next French Prime Minister? How serious is the threat of Germany’s far right? Should school inspections scrap single-word reviews? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue