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

241. From White House To Courthouse: Trump On Trial

Will Donald Trump's hush money trial derail his presidential bid? What's happening on college campuses in the US? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for the first episode of The Rest Is Po... Continue

240. Question Time: Should Britain nationalise its railways?

How is Modi silencing journalists in India? What is the case for imposing a voting age limit? What does the Maldives changing relationship with China spell for the region?Rory and Alastair an... Continue

239. The Rwanda ruling, Trudeau in trouble, and The Rest Is Politics: US edition

What is the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda? What will happen next after the US Congress approves aid for Ukraine? Is Justin Trudeau’s future as Canadian Prime Minister... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Sunak’s sick note moral mission is nothing of the sort

Targeting ill and disabled people is a desperate move from the prime minister. Sick, you might say... Continue

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott

Alastair Campbell on broken politics, the Iraq War, and why he’s grateful for his breakdown. ... Continue

70. Sadiq Khan: Faith, power, and the truth about Boris Johnson

How much power does the Mayor of London actually have? Have we moved forward - or backwards - as a country when it comes to religion in politics? Should London take a leaf out of New York's b... Continue

238. Question Time: Liz Truss, climate change deniers, and why print media is so polarised

What actions can government take to mitigate the impact of smartphones on the mental health of children? What are the advantages and disadvantages of voting for an independent Mayor? With all... Continue

237. Iran, Israel, and the Middle East: Stopping the slide into all-out war

How will Israel respond to Iran’s attack? What is Joe Biden’s long-term plan for Ukraine? What has Liz Truss' new book revealed about her short spell in Downing Street?Join Rory and Alast... Continue