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

222. Question Time: Banning phones in schools and parliament, citizens’ assemblies, and American isolationism

Should mobiles be banned from schools and the House of Commons? What is Labour's grand plan for citizens' assemblies really about? Is there growing Russian influence in Britain?Join Rory and ... Continue

221. The Killing of Alexei Navalny

What happened at the Munich Security Conference? Will Putin ever be held accountable? How will Trump fund his legal problems and a presidential campaign?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The prime minister is sunk

I'm starting to think the Tories are heading back, not a day too soon, into opposition... Continue

60. Anthony Scaramucci: What it’s like to be Donald Trump’s Communications Director

Would a second Trump presidency be far more right wing? What drives the former US president? Is he trying to do a deal with Taylor Swift?In this week's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair a... Continue

220. Sunak’s by-election disaster, Reform UK gains momentum, and political crisis in Rochdale

Will the rise of Reform UK be the downfall of the Conservatives? How consequential are Labour's by-election victories? Who will win in Rochdale?Join Rory and Alastair for an impromptu Friday ... Continue

219. Question Time: Vladimir Putin’s strategy, Labour’s selection headache, and VAT on private schools

Will Azhar Ali still stand as a Labour candidate in the Rochdale by-election? How revealing was Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin? Why do politicians seem to see apologising as a... Continue

218. Could the Democrats replace Joe Biden? What’s next for Imran Khan? Why are young people deserting British conservatism?

What do Trump’s Nato threats mean for Europe? Could Pakistan’s military have the final say in the election? Why are young people turning against the Conservatives in Britain? Join Rory an... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Laura Trott’s car crash economics get a free ride

The reaction to her catastrophic interview would have been inescapable if Trott were a Labour minister... Continue