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

245. Are we really heading for a hung parliament?

Is the Conservative brand damaging their politicians? Who is the SNP's new leader? What’s going on in South Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on to... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Mitsotakis’s lessons for Sunak

Unlike our PM, the Greek leader listens to questions and actually answers them... Continue

72. Nancy Pelosi: From JFK’s inauguration to fighting Donald Trump

How did Nancy Pelosi rise up to be the most politically powerful woman in America? What was it like to attend JFK's inauguration? What's the key secret behind fundraising in US politics?Rory ... Continue

244. How to buy the White House

Is there too much money in US politics? Why do people donate to presidential campaigns? Who are the two women vying to be Mexico’s next president? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for... Continue

243. Question Time: The worst political cliches, US voter suppression, and is the left-leaning media too ‘worthy’?

Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inadvertently help Donald Trump defeat Joe Biden? What do politicians really mean when they say "I've been very clear"? How much voter suppression goes on behind c... Continue

242. Scotland in crisis, how to get an opposition MP to defect, and can Britain defend itself?

Who will replace Humza Yousaf as First Minister of Scotland? Will more Conservatives defect to Labour? What's the real story behind the UK's defence spending?TRIP ELECTION TOUR:To buy t... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Britain is better with the NHS

Much of criticism the NHS receives is given by the ministers who helped create its problems... Continue

71. Israel’s former PM on why Netanyahu is finished, the settler movement, and corruption – (Ehud Olmert)

How much do you know about the last serious attempt at a two state solution in the Israel-Gaza conflict? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by former Israeli PM, Ehu... Continue