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

298. Question Time: Venezuela’s fate, Hezbollah’s response, and how prisoner swaps really work

What impact have US sanctions had on Venezuela? Is Tom Tugendhat a Tory Keir Starmer? How should Hezbollah respond to attacks without risking domestic support?Rory and Alastair answer all the... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Trump-Vance ticket is laughable

Ironically, the Trump campaign is trying to paint Kamala Harris’s likeability as a joke... Continue

297. Far-right chaos, Harris’ running mate, and Bangladesh’s power vacuum

What is fuelling the far-right riots spreading across England? Who is Kamala Harris’ new running mate? Why has Bangladesh’s prime minister fled the country?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue

88. Bush and Iraq, being J.D. Vance’s boss, and why Trump loses (David Frum)

What was George W Bush like behind closed doors? Why did Trump really choose ‘never-Trump guy’ JD Vance as his running mate? How can Kamala Harris win the election?Rory and Alastair are j... Continue

296. Could Donald Trump drop out?

What will the impact be of Trump's nightmare week? Will he make it to polling day? Why do evangelicals stick by him no matter what?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all the... Continue

295. Question Time: Israel vs. Hezbollah, legalising cannabis, and Kamala Harris’ Middle East strategy

Will the attack on the Golan Heights push Israel and Hezbollah into war? How does Harris’ approach to the Middle East differ from Trump's? How do Rory and Alastair square their beliefs with... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: JD Vance’s questionable rise to political fame

Vance is an odd choice. Insights from his memoir only make the decision stranger... Continue

294. Labour’s defining moment and the next Tory leader

Is Labour planning austerity 2.0? Who is in the running to be the next Conservative leader? Should politics play a role at the Olympics? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and mor... Continue