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

250. Why Trump won’t go to jail

What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue

250. TRIP US: Why Trump won’t go to jail

What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue

249. Question Time: Political honeymoons – how quickly could the public turn on Keir Starmer?

Are we sleepwalking into a crisis that could totally overwhelm our prisons? Why is the South West often forgotten in politics? Why do political honeymoons often come to such abrupt endings? A... Continue

248. Battle lines are drawn: defections, defence, and David Gauke

What is Rishi Sunak’s plan to win back voters? Why has Putin removed his ally as Russia’s defence minister? Has Labour’s embrace of a defecting Tory MP backfired? This week, Alastair is... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Britain’s mental health crisis is real – but Sunak doesn’t care

The prime minister's 'sicknote culture' wrongly blames the mentally ill for the country's economic problems... Continue

73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)

"If I were 22 now, I probably wouldn't vote Conservative" - Kwasi KwartengIn the first of two episodes with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rory and Alastair speak to Kwasi about the ... Continue

247. Robert F Kennedy Jr: Donald Trump’s Vice President?

Could a member of the Kennedy clan team up with Donald Trump? What does a vice president actually do? How has a brain worm come into the media circus of the 2024 race for the White House?Join... Continue

246. What Britain thinks: Is the monarchy our greatest soft power asset?

Are UK voters becoming increasingly comfortable with authoritarianism? Why is Thatcher the only past PM currently viewed as 'strong' by the public? What's the secret to achieving visibility a... Continue