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

263. Donald Trump, Silicon Valley and Wall Street: Big Money’s Deal with the Devil

Why are Wall Street and Silicon Valley weighing in behind Donald Trump? Is it true that Joe Biden and Bill Ackman almost got into a fist fight? What's going on at the Mexican border?Join Katt... Continue

263. TRIP US: Donald Trump, Silicon Valley and Wall Street: Big Money’s Deal with the Devil

Why are Wall Street and Silicon Valley weighing in behind Donald Trump? Is it true that Joe Biden and Bill Ackman almost got into a fist fight? What's going on at the Mexican border?Join Katt... Continue

How to fight the populists

First, we have to admit we have a problem... Continue

Political education, political education, political education … time to get serious

Pretty much anyone with a passing interest in politics, including people who weren't around at the time, are aware of Tony Blair's "Education, Education, Education" mantra. It was designed to indicat... Continue

262. Modi loses his majority, Sunak takes on the Treasury, and Welsh Labour in crisis

Where next for India after Modi loses his majority? How should Starmer have dealt with Sunak’s Labour tax claim? Is Rory going to vote Lib Dem on July 4th?Hear the answer to all these quest... Continue

261. Sunak vs Starmer: Who won?

Who emerged victorious from the first leadership debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer? Was ITV's format too restrictive? Where does the election go from here?Join Rory and Alastair as ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s election diary, week two: Levelling up was only ever a slogan

After 14 years of the Tories, the spending gap per student between the state and private schooling system has more than doubled... Continue

260. The return of Nigel Farage: does it matter?

What do Nigel Farage's plans to run as an MP in Clacton mean for Rishi Sunak? Should Ed Davey tone down his campaign stunts? What comes next for South Africa after disastrous election results... Continue