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

82. Wes Streeting: Labour, privatisation, and the NHS

Could privatising areas of the NHS save it? How easy is it to reconcile one's faith and sexuality? What is Labour's plan for health and social care?Rory and Alastair are joined by the Shadow ... Continue

274. Sunak vs Starmer: The Final Showdown

Who won the final leadership debate? Did Rishi Sunak's more aggressive tactics pay dividends? What will Team Starmer make of his performance in Nottingham?Join Rory and Alastair for the audio... Continue

273. Question Time: Julian Assange, firing your friends, and why Labour should raise taxes

***TRIP post debate livestream - 9.30pm - Wednesday June 26th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya1K0WSvOAk***How will history remember Julian Assange? Why is Britain’s tax burden so high? D... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s election diary: The Conservatives deserve a superdefeat

What the Tories mean by a ‘supermajority’ is that they are set to lose really, really badly on July 4. Good... Continue

272. Sunak’s betting scandal, Farage in trouble, and will Rory vote Green?

How damaging is the election betting scandal for the Tories? Do Reform UK have a women problem? Is Emmanuel Macron facing electoral oblivion?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for the la... Continue

81. Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor: How to fix Britain’s prisons

What are the powers of the Lord Chancellor? How important are friendships in politics? What needs to change to solve the prison crisis in the UK?Rory and Alastair are joined by Lord Chancello... Continue

Sunak’s new campaign plan revealed

The Conservatives know their best hope of avoiding a wipeout is to stir up apathy... Continue

The Tory voter suppression strategy

The bad news is that it’s beginning to work... Continue