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

229. Putin’s sham election, Sunak under threat, and the rift between France and Germany

Who would Putin’s successor be? Could the Conservatives change leader again? Why is the Franco-German relationship deteriorating?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more on t... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Keir Starmer is better suited to government than opposition

Tom Baldwin’s biography of the Labour leader suggests we will see a return to serious politics if Starmer makes it to No 10... Continue

65. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo: Vladimir Putin, surviving prison, and Serbia

How did peace come to the Balkans? What was it like to be a political prisoner? Is Serbia more allied with the West, or with Putin?Rory and Alastair are joined by the Prime Minister of Kosovo... Continue

228. Question Time: The legacy of Theresa May, abolishing National Insurance, and Sweden joins NATO

What will Theresa May be remembered for as PM? Who are the best and worst prime ministers of the post-war era? What is the significance of Sweden becoming the latest European country to join ... Continue

227. Biden’s aid port in Gaza, Tory defection to Reform, and a mole at the top of the IRA

Are we witnessing a Biden resurgence after his State of the Union address? Will Tory MPs follow Lee Anderson to Reform UK? Who was the double agent at the top of the IRA?Join Rory and Alastai... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Isaac Levido’s tactics have lost their shine

The old tactics of wedge politics, dog-whistling and dead cats are not working quite as well as they once did... Continue

64. Caroline Lucas: Leading the Green Party, leaving politics, and the importance of protest

How hard is it to be a one person party in parliament? What can the left learn from the populist right? Could electoral reform actually help Keir Starmer?On today's episode of Leading, Rory ... Continue

63. Sajid Javid: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Shamima Begum (Part 2)

What is Sajid's biggest regret from his time in politics? What barriers did he come up against in the Shamima Begum case during his time as Home Secretary? Will the NHS survive?Rory and Alast... Continue