<![CDATA[The Crisis Room]]>5f3da013-f1da-5d97-88f0-2f508e9b69f7Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:15:29 +0000Captivate.fmGlobalhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/726c4659-2cc7-4f19-9a4e-ee29b62b73d1/NJdYMXvt3Kmha67ACjdI698O.jpgThe Crisis RoomGlobalGlobalFormer Home Secretary Amber Rudd, renowned journalist Mark Urban, and decorated former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos team up to present The Crisis Room. "The Journalist, The Politician, and The Spy" might sound like the start of a John le Carré thriller - but what’s unfolding in today’s world is all too real. Step inside The Crisis Room where power, politics, and espionage collide. Each week, the team unpicks the biggest crises shaping the UK and the world. With insider perspectives drawn from the gritty underbelly of investigative reporting, the corridors of Westminster, and the shadowy realm of intelligence, they’ll help you understand what’s really happening behind the headlines - and what’s at stake for our future. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.comhttps://the-crisis-room.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastQ&A: The Tories' future, Gaza media coverage & why is Trump taking ICE to the Winter Olympics?Q&A: The Tories' future, Gaza media coverage & why is Trump taking ICE to the Winter Olympics?In this, the final Q&A episode of The Crisis Room, Amber answers listeners' questions about the Conservative Party: does it have any hope of ever winning another General Election? And can it recover from the recent wave of high-profile defections from the Tories to Reform UK?

Mark explains why media coverage of the conflict between Gaza and Israel has dropped off so significantly since the ceasefire began a few months ago, and Marc P gives his verdict on ICE, and whether President Trump should be allowed to take agents from the controversial agency with him to Italy for the Winter Olympics.

]]>In this, the final Q&A episode of The Crisis Room, Amber answers listeners' questions about the Conservative Party: does it have any hope of ever winning another General Election? And can it recover from the recent wave of high-profile defections from the Tories to Reform UK?

Mark explains why media coverage of the conflict between Gaza and Israel has dropped off so significantly since the ceasefire began a few months ago, and Marc P gives his verdict on ICE, and whether President Trump should be allowed to take agents from the controversial agency with him to Italy for the Winter Olympics.

]]>35a10fb3-1577-44cf-9adc-af4cd3731277Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:15:00 +000017:04falsebonus11Iran, Venezuela, Israel & Turkey: the crises ahead in 2026Iran, Venezuela, Israel & Turkey: the crises ahead in 2026In this, the final regular episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, Mark, and Marc P recap an unprecedented last twelve months in geopolitics - and look ahead to which other crises are coming down the track in the year ahead.

From the tensions between Turkey and Israel, from Iran to Greenland, and the question of what the future holds for Venezuela, the team predict which situations pose the most problems for the world in 2026, and discuss whether the UK has any major role to play in helping to solve them.

Amber, Mark, and Marc P also leave us with some parting thoughts - but don't miss the final Q&A episode of The Crisis Room next week.

]]>In this, the final regular episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, Mark, and Marc P recap an unprecedented last twelve months in geopolitics - and look ahead to which other crises are coming down the track in the year ahead.

From the tensions between Turkey and Israel, from Iran to Greenland, and the question of what the future holds for Venezuela, the team predict which situations pose the most problems for the world in 2026, and discuss whether the UK has any major role to play in helping to solve them.

Amber, Mark, and Marc P also leave us with some parting thoughts - but don't miss the final Q&A episode of The Crisis Room next week.

]]>2e9849cb-5933-4126-b840-4aac4746c4ebThu, 29 Jan 2026 15:49:00 +000039:50falsefull136361Q&A: Is Greenland distracting from Ukraine & should MI6 officers give more interviews?Q&A: Is Greenland distracting from Ukraine & should MI6 officers give more interviews?In this week's Q&A, Mark & Amber assess whether the US decision to mobilise troops in the Alaskan Airborne Division is a sign that Trump is still eyeing up a military takeover of Greenland.

They also explain why MI6 officers speak publicly so rarely - and whether that should change. Plus, Mark looks at whether Jeffrey Epstein's geopolitical connections should be more closely examined, while Amber gives her verdict on whether it's time for Nigel Farage's Reform UK to appoint a dedicated spokesperson on defence and security.

Later, they explain why Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this week's Q&A, Mark & Amber assess whether the US decision to mobilise troops in the Alaskan Airborne Division is a sign that Trump is still eyeing up a military takeover of Greenland.

They also explain why MI6 officers speak publicly so rarely - and whether that should change. Plus, Mark looks at whether Jeffrey Epstein's geopolitical connections should be more closely examined, while Amber gives her verdict on whether it's time for Nigel Farage's Reform UK to appoint a dedicated spokesperson on defence and security.

Later, they explain why Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>8ed6c3b5-3bc0-4535-805f-e23eae6fd4eeMon, 26 Jan 2026 00:15:00 +000017:58falsebonus11A wild week for the WestA wild week for the WestAfter a week of high drama in Davos, where leaders from Donald Trump to Mark Carney and Emanuel Macron traded blows and the whole western alliance appeared to be on the brink of collapse, Mark & Amber analyse whether there really is a new world order as the dust starts to settle.

They're joined by George Robertson, the former Defence Secretary and Secretary General of NATO who triggered Article 5 after 9/11, to discuss the future of the Transatlantic Alliance, whether America would come to Europe's aid if an ally was invaded, and why Keir Starmer needs to put his money where his mouth is on defence spending.

Plus, Marc P dials in from an undisclosed location with his reaction to the week's events, and Trump's bizarre speech at the World Economic Forum.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>After a week of high drama in Davos, where leaders from Donald Trump to Mark Carney and Emanuel Macron traded blows and the whole western alliance appeared to be on the brink of collapse, Mark & Amber analyse whether there really is a new world order as the dust starts to settle.

They're joined by George Robertson, the former Defence Secretary and Secretary General of NATO who triggered Article 5 after 9/11, to discuss the future of the Transatlantic Alliance, whether America would come to Europe's aid if an ally was invaded, and why Keir Starmer needs to put his money where his mouth is on defence spending.

Plus, Marc P dials in from an undisclosed location with his reaction to the week's events, and Trump's bizarre speech at the World Economic Forum.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>3236c637-13cc-4909-84ad-21d475ec6d52Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:51:00 +000037:31falsefull135351Q&A: Vance vs Rubio & time for ICE to be shut down?Q&A: Vance vs Rubio & time for ICE to be shut down?In this week's Q&A episode, the team looks at whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio is winning the battle for supremacy in the Republican Party - and how each of them might approach the role of Commander in Chief if they succeed Trump and become the next President of the United States.

Amber, Mark, and Marc also break down how the state of the UK's finances became so dire that there is no more money for extra defence spending, and look at whether Trump might decide to refocus his efforts on making Canada the "51st State" again any time soon.

Plus, in light of the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, The Crisis Room discusses whether the Immigration Agency is still serving a purpose - and responds to a listener question which compares ICE to the Nazis.

Have a question for a future episode? Send it on email to thecrisisroom@global.com or follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this week's Q&A episode, the team looks at whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio is winning the battle for supremacy in the Republican Party - and how each of them might approach the role of Commander in Chief if they succeed Trump and become the next President of the United States.

Amber, Mark, and Marc also break down how the state of the UK's finances became so dire that there is no more money for extra defence spending, and look at whether Trump might decide to refocus his efforts on making Canada the "51st State" again any time soon.

Plus, in light of the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, The Crisis Room discusses whether the Immigration Agency is still serving a purpose - and responds to a listener question which compares ICE to the Nazis.

Have a question for a future episode? Send it on email to thecrisisroom@global.com or follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>a78e7a29-6d0e-41bc-8d0c-c7ed886100a2Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:15:00 +000018:44falsebonus11Iran protests: A dictatorship finally running out of road?Iran protests: A dictatorship finally running out of road?Over the past few weeks Iran has been thrust into one of the most consequential crises of its time. Protests against the regime have swept the country, and security forces have cracked down with lethal force. Trump is warning of ‘very strong action’. But what help is really on the way? Because with Iran in crisis, and Washington is as unpredictable as ever, the region is deep in tension.

Marc P also shares his experiences with 'Havana Syndrome' has tells the story of the leak that suggests that the US Defence Department spent more than a year testing a device that is now thought to have caused the mysterious illness in US spies.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Over the past few weeks Iran has been thrust into one of the most consequential crises of its time. Protests against the regime have swept the country, and security forces have cracked down with lethal force. Trump is warning of ‘very strong action’. But what help is really on the way? Because with Iran in crisis, and Washington is as unpredictable as ever, the region is deep in tension.

Marc P also shares his experiences with 'Havana Syndrome' has tells the story of the leak that suggests that the US Defence Department spent more than a year testing a device that is now thought to have caused the mysterious illness in US spies.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>53511434-0c40-4e87-b20b-84dd58d99e0aThu, 15 Jan 2026 00:05:00 +000037:18falsefull134341Q&A: Trump’s new landscape - Venezuela, Greenland, military illegal orders and rare earth mineralsQ&A: Trump’s new landscape - Venezuela, Greenland, military illegal orders and rare earth mineralsPresident Donald Trump continues to change the landscape for international politics.

Marc P looks at the safety of American citizens who dissent after talk of US troops ignoring illegal orders.

What is the legality of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro?

Would NATO continue to exist if the US actually invades or annexes Greenland?

And what has happened to the supposed rare earth minerals deal in Ukraine?

]]>President Donald Trump continues to change the landscape for international politics.

Marc P looks at the safety of American citizens who dissent after talk of US troops ignoring illegal orders.

What is the legality of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro?

Would NATO continue to exist if the US actually invades or annexes Greenland?

And what has happened to the supposed rare earth minerals deal in Ukraine?

]]>92416681-c626-4977-bdb3-86a5ca7c94aeMon, 12 Jan 2026 00:15:00 +000019:10falsebonus11Is Nato's worst nightmare about to become a reality?Is Nato's worst nightmare about to become a reality?Former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace joins The Crisis Room to dissect the events of the past week, and to look ahead to what the next few months might hold. He speaks candidly about the reality of what the US leaving NATO would mean for the alliance and the security of the West, and whether Keir Starmer is right to pledge to send troops to Ukraine if Putin ever agrees to a ceasefire. Ben also reveals what it's like to have lunch with Donald Trump, and why it was a mistake to tell him about his great-grandfather's golfing prowess.

Marc P also describes how the CIA would have planned the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Mark & Amber explain the panicked conversations which will be taking place across Europe as fears grow of a US invasion of Greenland.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace joins The Crisis Room to dissect the events of the past week, and to look ahead to what the next few months might hold. He speaks candidly about the reality of what the US leaving NATO would mean for the alliance and the security of the West, and whether Keir Starmer is right to pledge to send troops to Ukraine if Putin ever agrees to a ceasefire. Ben also reveals what it's like to have lunch with Donald Trump, and why it was a mistake to tell him about his great-grandfather's golfing prowess.

Marc P also describes how the CIA would have planned the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Mark & Amber explain the panicked conversations which will be taking place across Europe as fears grow of a US invasion of Greenland.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>e11cb9ef-b063-4934-ae60-1052b1649ae6Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:12:00 +000040:52falsefull133331Q&A: Bondi terror attack, life after Trump, & existential crisis for the BBC?Q&A: Bondi terror attack, life after Trump, & existential crisis for the BBC?After the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach, Marc P and Amber explain what precautions are taken by governments to try and prevent similar attacks from happening.

What will life look like after Donald Trump's presidency in terms of international relations and will the US carry the same weight internationally?

Mark debates whether the BBC is facing an existential crisis with a potential multi billion dollar lawsuit looming.

]]>After the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach, Marc P and Amber explain what precautions are taken by governments to try and prevent similar attacks from happening.

What will life look like after Donald Trump's presidency in terms of international relations and will the US carry the same weight internationally?

Mark debates whether the BBC is facing an existential crisis with a potential multi billion dollar lawsuit looming.

]]>a4a08bed-ce68-490e-a71d-74e99ce3e9f7Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +000021:16falsebonus11Is the West at war with Russia?Is the West at war with Russia?It's rare that the head of MI6 and the head of the Armed Forces both speak publicly in the same week. But that's what's happened in the past few days, with both warning of the imminent threat the UK faces from Russia. In this episode, The Crisis Room asks: is it time for the UK - and the West as a whole - to admit that we are at war with Russia?

Amber explains the conversations she was involved in about how to deal with Russia during her time as Home Secretary - and whether enough has changed since then for Keir Starmer to take a tougher approach now. Meanwhile, Mark and Marc P unpick Putin's grey-zone warfare tactics - from sending drones to disrupt European airspace, to deploying spy ships in British waters - and discuss which specific measures the UK should take to prepare for more Russian hostility in 2026.

Later, the team each choose their defining crisis of 2025 - and look ahead to the crises we can expect in the year ahead.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>It's rare that the head of MI6 and the head of the Armed Forces both speak publicly in the same week. But that's what's happened in the past few days, with both warning of the imminent threat the UK faces from Russia. In this episode, The Crisis Room asks: is it time for the UK - and the West as a whole - to admit that we are at war with Russia?

Amber explains the conversations she was involved in about how to deal with Russia during her time as Home Secretary - and whether enough has changed since then for Keir Starmer to take a tougher approach now. Meanwhile, Mark and Marc P unpick Putin's grey-zone warfare tactics - from sending drones to disrupt European airspace, to deploying spy ships in British waters - and discuss which specific measures the UK should take to prepare for more Russian hostility in 2026.

Later, the team each choose their defining crisis of 2025 - and look ahead to the crises we can expect in the year ahead.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>f3fc8556-9686-41f7-9520-182786a11b41Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:23:00 +000035:27falsefull132321Q&A: Prisoner swaps, women's safety in Afghanistan, & the future of Russian-occupied UkraineQ&A: Prisoner swaps, women's safety in Afghanistan, & the future of Russian-occupied UkraineIn this Q&A episode, Mark explains what is happening to civilians currently in Russian occupied Ukraine and what lies in store for them in the future.

Amber replies to claims that she has said it is now safe for Afghan refugees to return back home.

Mark, Amber and Marc P all discuss the use of anti-migrant rhetoric and immigration in both US and UK elections.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com and follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this Q&A episode, Mark explains what is happening to civilians currently in Russian occupied Ukraine and what lies in store for them in the future.

Amber replies to claims that she has said it is now safe for Afghan refugees to return back home.

Mark, Amber and Marc P all discuss the use of anti-migrant rhetoric and immigration in both US and UK elections.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com and follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>0471552d-6194-4c76-99df-f080334fddc3Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +000015:13falsebonus11Will Britain break its promises on defence spending?Will Britain break its promises on defence spending?After a week where Trump has left Europe wondering if it faces a future where it can't rely on America to protect it - The Crisis Room debates whether Britain will come good on Keir Starmer's promise to massively increase defence spending, and what it will mean if he fails to hit his own targets.

Philip Hammond, the former Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, joins the podcast for an exclusive interview - and questions whether the government is really prepared to cut spending on other departments to fund national security.

The team also debate why the US is appearing to take such a reconciliatory tone with Russia, while taking a hostile approach to its European allies. Plus they ask: is the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker the start of a full-blown attempt at regime change in Latin America?

Later, Mark reports on the latest failures of the UK's controversial Ajax armoured vehicles - and why the MoD should be so concerned by leaked videos of the faulty kit appearing all over social media.

Follow us: @crisisroompod

]]>After a week where Trump has left Europe wondering if it faces a future where it can't rely on America to protect it - The Crisis Room debates whether Britain will come good on Keir Starmer's promise to massively increase defence spending, and what it will mean if he fails to hit his own targets.

Philip Hammond, the former Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, joins the podcast for an exclusive interview - and questions whether the government is really prepared to cut spending on other departments to fund national security.

The team also debate why the US is appearing to take such a reconciliatory tone with Russia, while taking a hostile approach to its European allies. Plus they ask: is the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker the start of a full-blown attempt at regime change in Latin America?

Later, Mark reports on the latest failures of the UK's controversial Ajax armoured vehicles - and why the MoD should be so concerned by leaked videos of the faulty kit appearing all over social media.

Follow us: @crisisroompod

]]>4a8f8f21-5fe1-46dc-b5ee-e5c9cac39a13Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:29:00 +000040:28falsefull131311Q&A: Interviewing Sergei Skripal, potential SAS prosecutions & protecting overseas citizens from terrorQ&A: Interviewing Sergei Skripal, potential SAS prosecutions & protecting overseas citizens from terrorIn this Q&A episode, Mark opens up about his personal dealings and interviews with former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, before the 2018 Salisbury poisonings. Meanwhile Amber explains why Theresa May was confident in blaming Russia for the attacks so soon afterwards.

Marc P speaks about the role that US and UK governments play in protecting and rescuing citizens when at risk from terrorism overseas.

Plus - Amber and Mark have their say on the potential prosecutions of SAS soldiers for their role in the war in Afghanistan.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this Q&A episode, Mark opens up about his personal dealings and interviews with former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, before the 2018 Salisbury poisonings. Meanwhile Amber explains why Theresa May was confident in blaming Russia for the attacks so soon afterwards.

Marc P speaks about the role that US and UK governments play in protecting and rescuing citizens when at risk from terrorism overseas.

Plus - Amber and Mark have their say on the potential prosecutions of SAS soldiers for their role in the war in Afghanistan.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>dacb262a-99fc-42f4-8e5e-740e3f2728a6Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +000019:47falsebonus11British blood on Putin’s hands: Salisbury inquiry unpackedBritish blood on Putin’s hands: Salisbury inquiry unpackedVladimir Putin is 'morally responsible' for the death of Dawn Sturgess - the British woman killed by Novichok poisoning back in 2018. That was the key finding of a public inquiry which was published today - and in this episode, Mark and Amber give their reactions to the report.

Could and should the government have done anything differently in response to the initial poisonings back in 2018? Should Wiltshire Police really have been told a former Russian agent was living on their patch? Are there still unanswered questions, more than 7 years on from the Salisbury Poisonings?

Plus, the team explains why the EU is unable to agree on whether to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine from defending itself against Putin's invasion. Amber recalls her personal experiences of dealing with the EU, and Marc P reveals why some people believe Trump and the US are backing the Belgians not to release the funds, in a bid to help Russia reintegrate into the international community.

Later: why is US Defece Secretary Pete Hegseth being accused of war crimes? Is he too gaffe-prone even for President Trump and are his days in office numbered?

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Vladimir Putin is 'morally responsible' for the death of Dawn Sturgess - the British woman killed by Novichok poisoning back in 2018. That was the key finding of a public inquiry which was published today - and in this episode, Mark and Amber give their reactions to the report.

Could and should the government have done anything differently in response to the initial poisonings back in 2018? Should Wiltshire Police really have been told a former Russian agent was living on their patch? Are there still unanswered questions, more than 7 years on from the Salisbury Poisonings?

Plus, the team explains why the EU is unable to agree on whether to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine from defending itself against Putin's invasion. Amber recalls her personal experiences of dealing with the EU, and Marc P reveals why some people believe Trump and the US are backing the Belgians not to release the funds, in a bid to help Russia reintegrate into the international community.

Later: why is US Defece Secretary Pete Hegseth being accused of war crimes? Is he too gaffe-prone even for President Trump and are his days in office numbered?

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>39c1bf67-415f-4321-8509-35d1f61e02a5Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:03:00 +000038:06falsefull130301Q&A: Mahmood's immigration reforms & why is Iraq such a mess?Q&A: Mahmood's immigration reforms & why is Iraq such a mess?In this Q&A episode, Amber gives her reaction for the first time to the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration reforms - and the possibility of the UK leaving the ECHR. Are these reforms too harsh? Or is it exactly what the UK needs to stop the far-right from gaining traction?

Marc P has his say on issues over in the US in light of a major row over military personnel ignoring potential unlawful orders. Plus, he explains why Iraq is still such a mess and what, if anything, the Trump administration is doing about it.

Mark also gives his latest thoughts on the crisis at the BBC - and explains why he was mentioned multiple times by former BBC adviser Michael Prescott when he gave evidence to MPs last week. Later, he responds to a question about whether the MoD needed more funding in last week's Budget, and whether we should all be concerned by the state of Britain's drone and air defence systems.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this Q&A episode, Amber gives her reaction for the first time to the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration reforms - and the possibility of the UK leaving the ECHR. Are these reforms too harsh? Or is it exactly what the UK needs to stop the far-right from gaining traction?

Marc P has his say on issues over in the US in light of a major row over military personnel ignoring potential unlawful orders. Plus, he explains why Iraq is still such a mess and what, if anything, the Trump administration is doing about it.

Mark also gives his latest thoughts on the crisis at the BBC - and explains why he was mentioned multiple times by former BBC adviser Michael Prescott when he gave evidence to MPs last week. Later, he responds to a question about whether the MoD needed more funding in last week's Budget, and whether we should all be concerned by the state of Britain's drone and air defence systems.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>016a0665-a19c-45d8-b865-10c714e10755Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +000021:26falsebonus11The Salisbury Poisonings: a crisis like no otherThe Salisbury Poisonings: a crisis like no otherIn this special episode, The Crisis Room takes you back to March 2018 and Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil. Not only did the Novichok attack in Salisbury kill Dawn Sturgess, but the incident left dozens of other innocent civilians injured and prompted an international backlash against Putin and his regime.

Amber was Home Secretary at the time and led the UK's response to this crisis - and in this week's episode she reveals what it was like to chair COBRA meetings, visit Salisbury and victims of the attack in the days afterwards, and to deal with government colleagues - such as Boris Johnson - who were trying to use the story for personal political gain.

Mark remains the only journalist to have ever interviewed Sergei Skripal - the Russian agent who was the intended victim of the attack - and he explains why the former spy was targeted, and what this brazen assassination attempt told the West about Putin. Meanwhile Marc P looks at the role Donald Trump and other world leaders played in responding to this crisis - and whether Russia ultimately emerged from this episode as the winner.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this special episode, The Crisis Room takes you back to March 2018 and Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil. Not only did the Novichok attack in Salisbury kill Dawn Sturgess, but the incident left dozens of other innocent civilians injured and prompted an international backlash against Putin and his regime.

Amber was Home Secretary at the time and led the UK's response to this crisis - and in this week's episode she reveals what it was like to chair COBRA meetings, visit Salisbury and victims of the attack in the days afterwards, and to deal with government colleagues - such as Boris Johnson - who were trying to use the story for personal political gain.

Mark remains the only journalist to have ever interviewed Sergei Skripal - the Russian agent who was the intended victim of the attack - and he explains why the former spy was targeted, and what this brazen assassination attempt told the West about Putin. Meanwhile Marc P looks at the role Donald Trump and other world leaders played in responding to this crisis - and whether Russia ultimately emerged from this episode as the winner.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>236e07cf-2030-4696-aaf0-72320eaf5459Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:45:00 +000051:24falsefull129291From Marine to Minister: Al Carns exclusiveFrom Marine to Minister: Al Carns exclusiveAl Carns isn't your average Member of Parliament. After more than twenty years of decorated service in the Royal Marines, last year he became an MP, and days later, he became part of the government. Now the Armed Forces Minister, in this exclusive and extended interview, he opens up to The Crisis Room about what he learned from two decades of special operations and the strategic challenges facing the UK in 2025.

Plus, as more and more former top brass speak out over prosecutions of Northern Ireland veterans, the team press Al on whether the government is doing enough to protect our former soldiers from "lawfare" and unfair legacy prosecutions.

He also speaks candidly about the idea of bringing back national service and the urgency of increasing defence spending as the threat from Russia refuses to go away.

Follow us on social media: @thecrisisroom

]]>Al Carns isn't your average Member of Parliament. After more than twenty years of decorated service in the Royal Marines, last year he became an MP, and days later, he became part of the government. Now the Armed Forces Minister, in this exclusive and extended interview, he opens up to The Crisis Room about what he learned from two decades of special operations and the strategic challenges facing the UK in 2025.

Plus, as more and more former top brass speak out over prosecutions of Northern Ireland veterans, the team press Al on whether the government is doing enough to protect our former soldiers from "lawfare" and unfair legacy prosecutions.

He also speaks candidly about the idea of bringing back national service and the urgency of increasing defence spending as the threat from Russia refuses to go away.

Follow us on social media: @thecrisisroom

]]>31e3622e-fe21-4c55-acf2-e6cc081d6cf1Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +000041:30falsebonus11Negotiation or capitulation? Ukraine's crossroads momentNegotiation or capitulation? Ukraine's crossroads momentWith Russia and the US reportedly coming up with a 28 point plan to bring an end to the War in Ukraine, The Crisis Room team dissects whether this plan has any chance of leading to a just and lasting peace - or if, in reality, it's simply a surrender.

The team reveals how backchannel negotiations work: why intelligence bosses can sometimes be more effective negotiators than diplomats, and why this so-called peace plan fails on several crucial fronts.

Later, Amber and Marc P recall their dealings with Saudi Arabia as the team analyses the Crown Prince's controversial visit to the White House. Should Mohammed Bin Salman be treated as an invaluable ally to the West, or a pariah after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi? They explain why the equation for Western governments and world leaders isn't quite that straightforward.

Plus Mark tells us what defines a "spy ship" - and whether we should be worried by reports that a Russian spy ship has returned to British waters.

]]>With Russia and the US reportedly coming up with a 28 point plan to bring an end to the War in Ukraine, The Crisis Room team dissects whether this plan has any chance of leading to a just and lasting peace - or if, in reality, it's simply a surrender.

The team reveals how backchannel negotiations work: why intelligence bosses can sometimes be more effective negotiators than diplomats, and why this so-called peace plan fails on several crucial fronts.

Later, Amber and Marc P recall their dealings with Saudi Arabia as the team analyses the Crown Prince's controversial visit to the White House. Should Mohammed Bin Salman be treated as an invaluable ally to the West, or a pariah after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi? They explain why the equation for Western governments and world leaders isn't quite that straightforward.

Plus Mark tells us what defines a "spy ship" - and whether we should be worried by reports that a Russian spy ship has returned to British waters.

]]>91c5d020-3a3b-419a-a9c4-fcd874b84b5aThu, 20 Nov 2025 16:05:00 +000037:28falsefull128281Cock-up or coup: how damaged is the BBC by its latest crisis?Cock-up or coup: how damaged is the BBC by its latest crisis?After a week where the BBC has dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Mark draws on his 35 years of working for the Corporation to assess what's gone wrong - and whether this latest scandal will damage its brand for good. He also gives his verdict on whether the BBC is to blame for the mess it finds itself in, and assesses how much merit there is to the theory that Director General Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing coup.

Amber reveals the discussions she was party to in government about the BBC and its global soft power - and explains whether this episode will affect the broadcaster's chances of having its Charter renewed in 2027. Plus, Marc relays the impact this story has had in the US - and the team discuss whether this row could even impact Prime Minister Keir Starmer's carefully curated relationship with a furious President Trump.

Later, Amber, Mark, and Marc explain why Britain and France have paused intelligence sharing with the US over the controversial strikes on narco-boats in the Caribbean, and give you a heads up about an exclusive interview coming on The Crisis Room feed next week.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>After a week where the BBC has dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Mark draws on his 35 years of working for the Corporation to assess what's gone wrong - and whether this latest scandal will damage its brand for good. He also gives his verdict on whether the BBC is to blame for the mess it finds itself in, and assesses how much merit there is to the theory that Director General Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing coup.

Amber reveals the discussions she was party to in government about the BBC and its global soft power - and explains whether this episode will affect the broadcaster's chances of having its Charter renewed in 2027. Plus, Marc relays the impact this story has had in the US - and the team discuss whether this row could even impact Prime Minister Keir Starmer's carefully curated relationship with a furious President Trump.

Later, Amber, Mark, and Marc explain why Britain and France have paused intelligence sharing with the US over the controversial strikes on narco-boats in the Caribbean, and give you a heads up about an exclusive interview coming on The Crisis Room feed next week.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>f05f90a3-0838-4617-9f40-013f0b783310Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:49:00 +000033:12falsefull127271Q&A: Havana Syndrome, election interference & Houthi RebelsQ&A: Havana Syndrome, election interference & Houthi RebelsIn this Q&A episode, Marc P opens up to Mark and Amber for the first time about his experience with Havana Syndrome - a serious health issue also known as Anomalous Health Incidents. He reveals why his experience in a Moscow hotel room ultimately led to a premature end to his CIA career - and explains why he believes that a major US government cover-up on Havana Syndrome will soon be brought to light.

The team are also asked about whether Europe needs to become less reliant on intelligence-sharing with the US, whether intelligence agencies are properly equipped to combat the threat of AI and election interference, and what can be done to stop the Houthis disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In this Q&A episode, Marc P opens up to Mark and Amber for the first time about his experience with Havana Syndrome - a serious health issue also known as Anomalous Health Incidents. He reveals why his experience in a Moscow hotel room ultimately led to a premature end to his CIA career - and explains why he believes that a major US government cover-up on Havana Syndrome will soon be brought to light.

The team are also asked about whether Europe needs to become less reliant on intelligence-sharing with the US, whether intelligence agencies are properly equipped to combat the threat of AI and election interference, and what can be done to stop the Houthis disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>ba81c006-a893-4c26-9960-aed415810ec0Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:15:00 +000024:03falsebonus11What’s happened to the Peace Plan for Gaza?What’s happened to the Peace Plan for Gaza?Weeks after Trump's triumphant trip to the Middle East to celebrate what he called a "historic" peace deal - his plan for long-term peace in Gaza is still yet to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. So what's behind the delay in assembling an International Stabilisation Force? What are Arab nations saying about the idea of being a part of such a Force? And is the US still involved in negotiations, or has the issue already lost the President's attention?

In this episode, Mark reveals the details of a conversation he had this week with an Arab official close to negotiations over the Gaza Peace Plan - and explains why momentum appears to have stalled at the crucial moment.

Later, Marc P reveals that the newly elected Governor of Virginia is a close friend of his - as well as a former CIA intelligence officer. The team discuss why people still choose to go into politics - and Amber gives her verdict on whether it's worth the personal abuse that comes with the job.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Weeks after Trump's triumphant trip to the Middle East to celebrate what he called a "historic" peace deal - his plan for long-term peace in Gaza is still yet to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. So what's behind the delay in assembling an International Stabilisation Force? What are Arab nations saying about the idea of being a part of such a Force? And is the US still involved in negotiations, or has the issue already lost the President's attention?

In this episode, Mark reveals the details of a conversation he had this week with an Arab official close to negotiations over the Gaza Peace Plan - and explains why momentum appears to have stalled at the crucial moment.

Later, Marc P reveals that the newly elected Governor of Virginia is a close friend of his - as well as a former CIA intelligence officer. The team discuss why people still choose to go into politics - and Amber gives her verdict on whether it's worth the personal abuse that comes with the job.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>6e0b5066-da69-4a04-adf0-c98abc6c3f96Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +000031:39truefull126261Q&A: Maccabi Tel Aviv, New York Mayor & Le Carré's view on spiesQ&A: Maccabi Tel Aviv, New York Mayor & Le Carré's view on spiesWhat does it say about the UK's police and the country more generally that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending their match against Aston Villa? Amber and Mark break down why the authorities reached the wrong decision - and Marc P explains why the story has made news in America as part of this week's Q&A episode.

Amber also reveals how a massive emergency service response is co-ordinated at an incident like the Manchester Arena bombing, while Mark and Marc discuss whether it's time to give Russia a taste of their own medicine and deploy some grey-zone warfare against them.

Plus Marc P gives his view on whether Zohran Mamdani will win this week's Mayoral election in New York - and the team give their response to John Le Carré's view that the intelligence services are 'incompetent scavengers of the public purse'!

Have a question for a future episode? Email it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>What does it say about the UK's police and the country more generally that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending their match against Aston Villa? Amber and Mark break down why the authorities reached the wrong decision - and Marc P explains why the story has made news in America as part of this week's Q&A episode.

Amber also reveals how a massive emergency service response is co-ordinated at an incident like the Manchester Arena bombing, while Mark and Marc discuss whether it's time to give Russia a taste of their own medicine and deploy some grey-zone warfare against them.

Plus Marc P gives his view on whether Zohran Mamdani will win this week's Mayoral election in New York - and the team give their response to John Le Carré's view that the intelligence services are 'incompetent scavengers of the public purse'!

Have a question for a future episode? Email it to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>ccb4b50b-9c47-4f35-a9fc-be6fe7e53290Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:15:00 +000024:24falsebonus11Omnishambles at the Home Office: what next?Omnishambles at the Home Office: what next?It's been another week where Amber's old department, the Home Office, has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. So is breaking up the Home Office and creating a separate Department of Immigration the solution? Amber explains what will have gone on behind the scenes of government this week as the Hadush Kebatu saga has lurched from one crisis to another - and why dividing up the Home Office isn't the silver bullet that some are claiming it would be.

Later, the team break down Donald Trump's announcement that the US will restart its nuclear weapons testing programme - and whether this means we are entering a new kind of Cold War.

Plus, as season two of The Diplomat hits our screens, Amber, Mark and Marc P reveal which TV series offer the most accurate depictions of politics and diplomacy - and Mark does his Jacques Chirac impression.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>It's been another week where Amber's old department, the Home Office, has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. So is breaking up the Home Office and creating a separate Department of Immigration the solution? Amber explains what will have gone on behind the scenes of government this week as the Hadush Kebatu saga has lurched from one crisis to another - and why dividing up the Home Office isn't the silver bullet that some are claiming it would be.

Later, the team break down Donald Trump's announcement that the US will restart its nuclear weapons testing programme - and whether this means we are entering a new kind of Cold War.

Plus, as season two of The Diplomat hits our screens, Amber, Mark and Marc P reveal which TV series offer the most accurate depictions of politics and diplomacy - and Mark does his Jacques Chirac impression.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>e5cf79d8-ba4f-4fe3-9ad2-2036ba1adab6Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:20:00 +000036:58truefull125251Q&A: Prince Andrew's titles & is Brexit to blame for the small boats crisis?Q&A: Prince Andrew's titles & is Brexit to blame for the small boats crisis?In the latest Q&A episode, the team tackle your questions on a variety of crises. Amber analyses what has been achieved through stripping Prince Andrew of his titles, while Marc P gives us an update on when we might finally see the Epstein Files published. Meanwhile, Amber and Mark discuss whether it's fair to say that Nigel Farage and Brexit are largely responsible for the small boats issue about which Farage and Reform UK are so unhappy.

Plus Mark explains the challenges facing journalists in a world where generative AI and misinformation are so prevalent, and Marc P tries to work out what is influencing Trump's attitude towards Putin and the war in Ukraine, as the US President veers from one position to another with every passing week.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it by email to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In the latest Q&A episode, the team tackle your questions on a variety of crises. Amber analyses what has been achieved through stripping Prince Andrew of his titles, while Marc P gives us an update on when we might finally see the Epstein Files published. Meanwhile, Amber and Mark discuss whether it's fair to say that Nigel Farage and Brexit are largely responsible for the small boats issue about which Farage and Reform UK are so unhappy.

Plus Mark explains the challenges facing journalists in a world where generative AI and misinformation are so prevalent, and Marc P tries to work out what is influencing Trump's attitude towards Putin and the war in Ukraine, as the US President veers from one position to another with every passing week.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it by email to thecrisisroom@global.com

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>3caa6e4a-6c0b-4166-b419-4461e26b0a25Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:15:00 +000020:17falsebonus11The reality of the world’s most dangerous borderThe reality of the world’s most dangerous borderFrom British colonial rule to Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, tensions have run high on the Durand Line - the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan - since it was first drawn over 100 years ago. And with fighting having once again recently broken out between the two sides, in this episode Mark takes us through the history of what has become known as one of the world's most dangerous borders - and tells the story of when he was thrown in jail for attempting to cross it while embedded with the Soviet Army.

Marc P tells his own stories of running US bases in the region during his time in the CIA - and Amber tries to explain the delicate diplomatic calculations that Western governments will be making as they wait to see if the current ceasefire holds.

Amber also reveals the surprising safeword she was assigned when she visited Pakistan as Home Secretary - and Marc P recounts what it was like to witness the anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests firsthand last weekend.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

Have a question for a Q&A episode? Send it on email to thecrisisroom@global.com

]]>From British colonial rule to Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, tensions have run high on the Durand Line - the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan - since it was first drawn over 100 years ago. And with fighting having once again recently broken out between the two sides, in this episode Mark takes us through the history of what has become known as one of the world's most dangerous borders - and tells the story of when he was thrown in jail for attempting to cross it while embedded with the Soviet Army.

Marc P tells his own stories of running US bases in the region during his time in the CIA - and Amber tries to explain the delicate diplomatic calculations that Western governments will be making as they wait to see if the current ceasefire holds.

Amber also reveals the surprising safeword she was assigned when she visited Pakistan as Home Secretary - and Marc P recounts what it was like to witness the anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests firsthand last weekend.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

Have a question for a Q&A episode? Send it on email to thecrisisroom@global.com

]]>e2dc77ea-2460-4d04-94af-833fe8ff464aThu, 23 Oct 2025 13:37:00 +000039:08falsefull124241Q&A: Can Tomahawk missiles win the war for Ukraine?Q&A: Can Tomahawk missiles win the war for Ukraine?Amber, Mark and Marc P are answering your questions in this first ever Q&A episode of The Crisis Room! Mark and Marc analyse how damaging it could be for Russia if Trump gives Ukraine Tomahawk missiles - and they also break down why Hamas' violent reprisals against rivals in Gaza is such an obstacle to the peace plan continuing into phase two.

Amber gives her verdict on the political purpose of the UN - and whether this year's General Assembly played a key role in bringing about the Middle East ceasefire - and the team are also asked about how great a threat China and climate change pose to national security.

Have a question for a future episode? Email thecrisisroom@global.com

Or follow us on social media and leave a question there: @crisisroompod

]]>Amber, Mark and Marc P are answering your questions in this first ever Q&A episode of The Crisis Room! Mark and Marc analyse how damaging it could be for Russia if Trump gives Ukraine Tomahawk missiles - and they also break down why Hamas' violent reprisals against rivals in Gaza is such an obstacle to the peace plan continuing into phase two.

Amber gives her verdict on the political purpose of the UN - and whether this year's General Assembly played a key role in bringing about the Middle East ceasefire - and the team are also asked about how great a threat China and climate change pose to national security.

Have a question for a future episode? Email thecrisisroom@global.com

Or follow us on social media and leave a question there: @crisisroompod

]]>86f69d57-4bf8-4a4f-aab9-a5f2c06d0767Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:15:00 +000021:40falsebonus11What does the MI5 boss really think about the collapse of the China spy trial?What does the MI5 boss really think about the collapse of the China spy trial?Today, the MI5 boss has spoken out about his 'frustration' at the recent collapse of the China spy trial. But how will he really be feeling about this saga which has caused so much controversy for Keir Starmer and in national security circles? Amber reveals what Ken McCallum said when she saw the spy chief this week - and why the security services will be furious that the case has fallen apart.

Mark also explains why there is so much risk attached to any trial involving spying and national security - and what he learned about the scale of Chinese espionage from his trip to FBI HQ 20 years ago.

Plus Marc P gives his forthright view on whether Hamas can be persuaded to give up their weapons - and on whether Gaza's Arab neighbours really have the 'cojones' to provide a stabilising force to keep the peace in Gaza.

Later: why is Trump talking openly about the CIA's supposedly covert action in Venezuela? Is the US heading for war with the Latin American nation?

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Today, the MI5 boss has spoken out about his 'frustration' at the recent collapse of the China spy trial. But how will he really be feeling about this saga which has caused so much controversy for Keir Starmer and in national security circles? Amber reveals what Ken McCallum said when she saw the spy chief this week - and why the security services will be furious that the case has fallen apart.

Mark also explains why there is so much risk attached to any trial involving spying and national security - and what he learned about the scale of Chinese espionage from his trip to FBI HQ 20 years ago.

Plus Marc P gives his forthright view on whether Hamas can be persuaded to give up their weapons - and on whether Gaza's Arab neighbours really have the 'cojones' to provide a stabilising force to keep the peace in Gaza.

Later: why is Trump talking openly about the CIA's supposedly covert action in Venezuela? Is the US heading for war with the Latin American nation?

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>bc74f974-0bd7-4a10-9072-1c18f854289cThu, 16 Oct 2025 16:46:00 +000036:39falsefull123231Dealing with Trump and the Taliban: the Mark Sedwill interviewDealing with Trump and the Taliban: the Mark Sedwill interviewHow do you handle President Trump? Is China a national security threat to the UK - and should it be allowed its new 'Super Embassy' in central London? And could a future government potentially strike a migrant returns deal with the Taliban? These are just some of the questions Amber, Mark, and Marc put to Mark Sedwill - the UK's former National Security Adviser and Ambassador to Afghanistan - in a rare and wide-ranging interview.

Hear his candid view on the recent collapse of the Chinese spy trial, the terror threat to the UK in light of events in the Middle East, and anecdotes about how previous governments stopped migrants illegally entering Britain through the Channel Tunnel - and what this administration can learn when it comes to stopping the boats.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>How do you handle President Trump? Is China a national security threat to the UK - and should it be allowed its new 'Super Embassy' in central London? And could a future government potentially strike a migrant returns deal with the Taliban? These are just some of the questions Amber, Mark, and Marc put to Mark Sedwill - the UK's former National Security Adviser and Ambassador to Afghanistan - in a rare and wide-ranging interview.

Hear his candid view on the recent collapse of the Chinese spy trial, the terror threat to the UK in light of events in the Middle East, and anecdotes about how previous governments stopped migrants illegally entering Britain through the Channel Tunnel - and what this administration can learn when it comes to stopping the boats.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>32f295d0-5708-475a-9a66-787e6315251aThu, 09 Oct 2025 15:15:00 +000034:07falsefull122221Special episode: Manchester terror attack - what happens next?Special episode: Manchester terror attack - what happens next?Yesterday's terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester left three people dead, several more injured, and an entire community shaken. But what happens in the immediate aftermath of such an incident? Amber calls on her experience of responding to five terror attacks as Home Secretary in 2017 to explain what happens at COBRA, and what the security services do next to try and prevent any further attacks.

Plus Mark gives his personal response to the rising levels of anti-Semitism in the UK, Marc describes the role the intelligence agencies will be playing in the investigation, and the team debate whether Pro-Palestinian protests planned for this weekend should be allowed to go ahead in light of the tragedy in Manchester.

Later, Andy Hughes from The Crime Agents dials in from the scene of the attack to break news of a major development in this story.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Yesterday's terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester left three people dead, several more injured, and an entire community shaken. But what happens in the immediate aftermath of such an incident? Amber calls on her experience of responding to five terror attacks as Home Secretary in 2017 to explain what happens at COBRA, and what the security services do next to try and prevent any further attacks.

Plus Mark gives his personal response to the rising levels of anti-Semitism in the UK, Marc describes the role the intelligence agencies will be playing in the investigation, and the team debate whether Pro-Palestinian protests planned for this weekend should be allowed to go ahead in light of the tragedy in Manchester.

Later, Andy Hughes from The Crime Agents dials in from the scene of the attack to break news of a major development in this story.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>5367fe44-920e-4a03-9a37-bf8fcfb3497eFri, 03 Oct 2025 15:08:00 +000032:22falsefull121211Antidotes and assassinations: how Middle East spycraft really worksAntidotes and assassinations: how Middle East spycraft really worksIn light of Benjamin Netanyahu's recent apology to Qatar, The Crisis Room takes a look back at 1997 - and a previous occasion when Bibi was forced to apologise for a botched assassination attempt on foreign soil. Mark and Marc unknowingly almost crossed paths when Mossad tried to take out a former Hamas leader in Jordan 28 years ago - and here they explain how that episode unfolded and give us a unique insight into spycraft in the Middle East.

The team also react to the latest proposal for a Gaza peace plan, and discuss the merits of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair being involved in running the territory in the future.

Later, they unpack the controversial speeches made by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth to America's top brass at a summit this week - and warn of the consequences of the US military becoming overly politicised under President Trump. With this in mind, Amber reveals why British troops were forced to help police the streets of the UK in the wake of the Manchester bombing while she was Home Secretary in 2017.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>In light of Benjamin Netanyahu's recent apology to Qatar, The Crisis Room takes a look back at 1997 - and a previous occasion when Bibi was forced to apologise for a botched assassination attempt on foreign soil. Mark and Marc unknowingly almost crossed paths when Mossad tried to take out a former Hamas leader in Jordan 28 years ago - and here they explain how that episode unfolded and give us a unique insight into spycraft in the Middle East.

The team also react to the latest proposal for a Gaza peace plan, and discuss the merits of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair being involved in running the territory in the future.

Later, they unpack the controversial speeches made by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth to America's top brass at a summit this week - and warn of the consequences of the US military becoming overly politicised under President Trump. With this in mind, Amber reveals why British troops were forced to help police the streets of the UK in the wake of the Manchester bombing while she was Home Secretary in 2017.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>138bca9d-fb17-438a-990f-f7575ed9ea66Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:15:00 +000035:28truefull120201Is NATO letting itself be bullied by Russian drones?Is NATO letting itself be bullied by Russian drones?From fighter jets in Estonia, to drones in Poland, Romania - and possibly now Denmark too - Russia has been taunting NATO for weeks. So is it time for the alliance to take a tougher stance? Is NATO suffering a crisis of confidence? Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss whether Russian jets should be shot down the next time they enter NATO airspace - and what the consequences might be if they are.

Later, Amber gives her verdict on the growing rumours of Andy Burnham's leadership challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party Conference approaches - and tells stories of how Boris Johnson would attempt to derail Tory Conferences while David Cameron was party leader.

Plus Marc P explains whether we can trust the new Syrian President after he was welcomed to the UN with open arms this week - and why we could be close to a historic security deal between Israel and Syria on the horizon.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>From fighter jets in Estonia, to drones in Poland, Romania - and possibly now Denmark too - Russia has been taunting NATO for weeks. So is it time for the alliance to take a tougher stance? Is NATO suffering a crisis of confidence? Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss whether Russian jets should be shot down the next time they enter NATO airspace - and what the consequences might be if they are.

Later, Amber gives her verdict on the growing rumours of Andy Burnham's leadership challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party Conference approaches - and tells stories of how Boris Johnson would attempt to derail Tory Conferences while David Cameron was party leader.

Plus Marc P explains whether we can trust the new Syrian President after he was welcomed to the UN with open arms this week - and why we could be close to a historic security deal between Israel and Syria on the horizon.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>d9083fee-8702-46ab-b96b-fee02417ad8cThu, 25 Sep 2025 16:31:00 +000035:09falsefull119191Was Britain right to roll out the red carpet for Trump?Was Britain right to roll out the red carpet for Trump?Trump’s State Visit has come to a close, and it seems to have come off without any hitches. As he soaked up the glory of state banquets and royal guards, today brought less of the pageantry and more of the politics. But was the UK right to host Trump for an unprecedented second State Visit? And how is his visit being viewed here, and back in the US?

Later, we’re joined by Former US Former National Security Advisor under Kamala Harris, Phil Gordon to talk about how different things might have been under a Kamala Harris presidency.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Trump’s State Visit has come to a close, and it seems to have come off without any hitches. As he soaked up the glory of state banquets and royal guards, today brought less of the pageantry and more of the politics. But was the UK right to host Trump for an unprecedented second State Visit? And how is his visit being viewed here, and back in the US?

Later, we’re joined by Former US Former National Security Advisor under Kamala Harris, Phil Gordon to talk about how different things might have been under a Kamala Harris presidency.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>6a7b631e-2164-4098-be77-2904569b67eaThu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +000036:47falsefull118181Why is the Home Office the ultimate political poisoned chalice?Why is the Home Office the ultimate political poisoned chalice?Another week, another Home Secretary - so what makes this great office of state so difficult and treacherous for politicians of all parties? This week, Amber reveals how a reshuffle really works - and takes us inside the government's most troublesome department to explain why the Home Office has ended so many ministerial careers, and why Shabana Mahmood has such a daunting in-tray.

Later, Amber, Mark, and Marc are joined by Gerard Araud - the former French Ambassador to the US and Israel. He explains the importance of starting a meeting with Donald Trump with a compliment, why Anthony Scaramucci once asked President Macron to call the White House at five o'clock in the morning, and why Europe won't be able to rely on American support even after Trump's second term comes to an end.

Ambassador Araud also discusses whether Emanuel Macron can cling to power in France after yet another government collapse, and why Benjamin Netanyahu is 'doomed' if he continues to expand Israel's military operations in the Middle East.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>Another week, another Home Secretary - so what makes this great office of state so difficult and treacherous for politicians of all parties? This week, Amber reveals how a reshuffle really works - and takes us inside the government's most troublesome department to explain why the Home Office has ended so many ministerial careers, and why Shabana Mahmood has such a daunting in-tray.

Later, Amber, Mark, and Marc are joined by Gerard Araud - the former French Ambassador to the US and Israel. He explains the importance of starting a meeting with Donald Trump with a compliment, why Anthony Scaramucci once asked President Macron to call the White House at five o'clock in the morning, and why Europe won't be able to rely on American support even after Trump's second term comes to an end.

Ambassador Araud also discusses whether Emanuel Macron can cling to power in France after yet another government collapse, and why Benjamin Netanyahu is 'doomed' if he continues to expand Israel's military operations in the Middle East.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>23e2bf73-639f-4ee2-a9db-f338c25ff5bdThu, 11 Sep 2025 12:40:00 +000043:42falsefull117171Robot wolves & underwater drones: should we fear China's military might?Robot wolves & underwater drones: should we fear China's military might?World leaders - including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un - flocked to Beijing this week to hold hands with President Xi and watch a massive military parade. China showed off an arsenal including nuclear weapons, 'robot wolves' and underwater drones - so is the West taking the threat posed by China seriously enough? Amber, Mark, and Marc unpick what we learned from this week's summit, why Trump is playing into China's hands at every turn, and how close we are to a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

They also analyse the controversial - and lethal - strike by US forces on a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean. Is Trump trying to start a war with the Latin American drug cartels that he calls 'narco-terrorists'? And has the President thought through the consequences of a potential conflict? Marc gives his verdict on whether these groups are terrorists like Al-Qaeda or ISIS, and whether this strike was done by fair means or foul.

Later, Amber recalls her own high-profile resignations from ministerial roles, and reveals whether she thinks Angela Rayner's position is untenable given the ongoing inquiry into her tax affairs.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>World leaders - including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un - flocked to Beijing this week to hold hands with President Xi and watch a massive military parade. China showed off an arsenal including nuclear weapons, 'robot wolves' and underwater drones - so is the West taking the threat posed by China seriously enough? Amber, Mark, and Marc unpick what we learned from this week's summit, why Trump is playing into China's hands at every turn, and how close we are to a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

They also analyse the controversial - and lethal - strike by US forces on a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean. Is Trump trying to start a war with the Latin American drug cartels that he calls 'narco-terrorists'? And has the President thought through the consequences of a potential conflict? Marc gives his verdict on whether these groups are terrorists like Al-Qaeda or ISIS, and whether this strike was done by fair means or foul.

Later, Amber recalls her own high-profile resignations from ministerial roles, and reveals whether she thinks Angela Rayner's position is untenable given the ongoing inquiry into her tax affairs.

Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

]]>30649a6e-97f0-42f1-b36c-c61b63adbaecThu, 04 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +000031:17falsefull116161The end of the rules-based order: is Trump leading the charge?The end of the rules-based order: is Trump leading the charge?Does the idea of a rules-based world order still cary any weight? Or, in the age of Donald Trump, is it just a comforting but outdated concept? This week, Amber, Mark, and Marc debate whether Trump's unique style is convincing more and more politicians to break the rules - and if the world's post-1945 system is close to collapse.

And in a week when the US President once again hinted that he likes the idea of becoming a dictator, the team look at what the consequences of a global rise in authoritarianism will be.

Later, General Sir Nick Carter, the most recent former Chief of the Defence Staff, joins The Crisis Room. He discusses whether Trump's America is a reliable ally, if the UK government understands the level of threat posed by Putin's Russia, and the idea of bringing back national service to fix the armed forces' recruitment woes.

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]]>Does the idea of a rules-based world order still cary any weight? Or, in the age of Donald Trump, is it just a comforting but outdated concept? This week, Amber, Mark, and Marc debate whether Trump's unique style is convincing more and more politicians to break the rules - and if the world's post-1945 system is close to collapse.

And in a week when the US President once again hinted that he likes the idea of becoming a dictator, the team look at what the consequences of a global rise in authoritarianism will be.

Later, General Sir Nick Carter, the most recent former Chief of the Defence Staff, joins The Crisis Room. He discusses whether Trump's America is a reliable ally, if the UK government understands the level of threat posed by Putin's Russia, and the idea of bringing back national service to fix the armed forces' recruitment woes.

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]]>c431ef68-74e0-449f-8cc7-c86bbf36e82fThu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +000039:02falsefull115151Does Labour have a solution to the asylum hotel crisis?Does Labour have a solution to the asylum hotel crisis?Europe's leaders averted a disaster in their White House summit with President Trump. But what comes next in the West's efforts to end the war in Ukraine? Can the UK's hollowed-out armed forces really provide a meaningful security guarantee if there's a peace deal? How will Vladimir Putin react if we do send peace-keeping troops to Ukraine? And is Keir Starmer ready for a possible public backlash if he does put boots on the ground?

These are just some of the questions that Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss in this week's episode, as they lay bare just how stretched the British military is, and why the West can't rely on Trump and the US to deter future Russian aggression.

Later, Amber gives her verdict on the issue of asylum hotels, as the government faces a crisis at home over where to house immigrants who have arrived in the UK illegally. Is Nigel Farage becoming the next Prime Minister inevitable if Labour can't get a grip of this problem?

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]]>Europe's leaders averted a disaster in their White House summit with President Trump. But what comes next in the West's efforts to end the war in Ukraine? Can the UK's hollowed-out armed forces really provide a meaningful security guarantee if there's a peace deal? How will Vladimir Putin react if we do send peace-keeping troops to Ukraine? And is Keir Starmer ready for a possible public backlash if he does put boots on the ground?

These are just some of the questions that Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss in this week's episode, as they lay bare just how stretched the British military is, and why the West can't rely on Trump and the US to deter future Russian aggression.

Later, Amber gives her verdict on the issue of asylum hotels, as the government faces a crisis at home over where to house immigrants who have arrived in the UK illegally. Is Nigel Farage becoming the next Prime Minister inevitable if Labour can't get a grip of this problem?

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]]>6f27e853-fefb-40f9-a2fc-8ad158499616Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:01:00 +000036:04falsefull114141Who is playing who? Trump, Putin, and the Alaska ‘Peace Summit’Who is playing who? Trump, Putin, and the Alaska ‘Peace Summit’The world is holding its breath as Presidents Trump and Putin prepare to meet in Alaska - but will the leaders take a step towards a landmark peace deal, or will this go down as a diplomatic disaster? Just how worried should Ukraine and President Zelensky be about what might unfold? Amber, Mark, and Marc reveal what will be happening behind the scenes in a desperate attempt to make the event go to plan - and share their memories of the trickiest summits they've ever been involved in.

Plus the team are joined by Fiona Hill - Trump's former Russia adviser and part of the US delegation the last time the two Presidents met one-to-one back in 2018 - who explains how Putin will be trying to play Trump against Zelensky, and why the press conference is where her old boss is most vulnerable to slipping up.

Later: is Washington DC really more violent than Baghdad? That's what Donald Trump claimed this week as he deployed the National Guard to America's capital. As someone who worked in Iraq and now lives in DC, Marc provides a unique insight into whether there's any justification for his President's decision.

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]]>The world is holding its breath as Presidents Trump and Putin prepare to meet in Alaska - but will the leaders take a step towards a landmark peace deal, or will this go down as a diplomatic disaster? Just how worried should Ukraine and President Zelensky be about what might unfold? Amber, Mark, and Marc reveal what will be happening behind the scenes in a desperate attempt to make the event go to plan - and share their memories of the trickiest summits they've ever been involved in.

Plus the team are joined by Fiona Hill - Trump's former Russia adviser and part of the US delegation the last time the two Presidents met one-to-one back in 2018 - who explains how Putin will be trying to play Trump against Zelensky, and why the press conference is where her old boss is most vulnerable to slipping up.

Later: is Washington DC really more violent than Baghdad? That's what Donald Trump claimed this week as he deployed the National Guard to America's capital. As someone who worked in Iraq and now lives in DC, Marc provides a unique insight into whether there's any justification for his President's decision.

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]]>d5876e1a-fa8b-4f8b-87bc-ed38ec1e9258Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:27:00 +000039:49falsefull113131The future of espionage: is AI making spies redundant?The future of espionage: is AI making spies redundant?In a time of AI, facial recognition and rapid technological advances - is the era of human intelligence-gathering over? Could AI soon put James Bond out of a job?

This week, in a special episode, The Crisis Room looks at how espionage is grappling with the challenges posed by modern technology. After all, in a world of UTS - Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance - can anyone really be expected to successfully go undercover?

Marc explains how he and his colleagues used to recruit agents to act as human intelligence sources during his time in the CIA - and why it's almost impossible for his successors to use the same methods now. Amber, Mark, and Marc are also joined by Ed Bogan - a decorated former CIA station chief - to find out how intelligence agencies all around the world are changing how they work.

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]]>In a time of AI, facial recognition and rapid technological advances - is the era of human intelligence-gathering over? Could AI soon put James Bond out of a job?

This week, in a special episode, The Crisis Room looks at how espionage is grappling with the challenges posed by modern technology. After all, in a world of UTS - Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance - can anyone really be expected to successfully go undercover?

Marc explains how he and his colleagues used to recruit agents to act as human intelligence sources during his time in the CIA - and why it's almost impossible for his successors to use the same methods now. Amber, Mark, and Marc are also joined by Ed Bogan - a decorated former CIA station chief - to find out how intelligence agencies all around the world are changing how they work.

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]]>cc31738b-bd22-4805-b17c-092c97d4cef3Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:20:00 +000045:22falsefull112121What will Trump make of Starmer's decision to recognise Palestine?What will Trump make of Starmer's decision to recognise Palestine?This week, Keir Starmer followed in the footsteps of President Macron and declared that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state by September, unless Israel holds to a ceasefire. Did he make the right call? Or will he regret breaking from the Americans on this major foreign policy issue?

And, is Britain really ready for war with China? We'll take a look at recent comments by the British Defence Secretary John Healey, who declared the UK is ‘ready to fight’ if Taiwan is invaded by China.

Later, Mark Urban reveals why he was once considered a threat to UK National Security!

]]>This week, Keir Starmer followed in the footsteps of President Macron and declared that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state by September, unless Israel holds to a ceasefire. Did he make the right call? Or will he regret breaking from the Americans on this major foreign policy issue?

And, is Britain really ready for war with China? We'll take a look at recent comments by the British Defence Secretary John Healey, who declared the UK is ‘ready to fight’ if Taiwan is invaded by China.

Later, Mark Urban reveals why he was once considered a threat to UK National Security!

]]>e6e51a75-964b-45cd-8c82-e4336812108cThu, 31 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +000041:45falsefull111111Should the UK follow France in recognising Palestine?Should the UK follow France in recognising Palestine?As famine spreads in Gaza, the team discuss whether the international community - and particularly the US and the UK - should be taking stronger action against Israel. And they ask: would officially recognising the State of Palestine make any difference to the lives of ordinary Gazans? Amber, Mark, and Marc are joined by the former British Ambassador to the US, Lord Darroch to discuss this, and whether there is still any hope for a two-state solution.

Mark also recalls watching the Jewish settlements being cleared from Gaza in 2005, and wonders how far the peace process has been set back in the time since October 7th 2023. Amber explains why it's politically so difficult for the UK to change its Middle East policy without American support, plus Marc gives his view on Israel's recent airstrikes on Syria.

And the team discuss how badly impacted President Trump will be by the crisis he's facing over The Epstein Files. Will this damage his relationship with the MAGA base for good?

]]>As famine spreads in Gaza, the team discuss whether the international community - and particularly the US and the UK - should be taking stronger action against Israel. And they ask: would officially recognising the State of Palestine make any difference to the lives of ordinary Gazans? Amber, Mark, and Marc are joined by the former British Ambassador to the US, Lord Darroch to discuss this, and whether there is still any hope for a two-state solution.

Mark also recalls watching the Jewish settlements being cleared from Gaza in 2005, and wonders how far the peace process has been set back in the time since October 7th 2023. Amber explains why it's politically so difficult for the UK to change its Middle East policy without American support, plus Marc gives his view on Israel's recent airstrikes on Syria.

And the team discuss how badly impacted President Trump will be by the crisis he's facing over The Epstein Files. Will this damage his relationship with the MAGA base for good?

]]>c9a80c2d-abd0-4f3b-8d33-159940c4b21aThu, 24 Jul 2025 18:17:00 +000049:53falsefull110101Which world leader is best at dealing with Donald Trump?Which world leader is best at dealing with Donald Trump?It's one of the big diplomatic dilemmas of the modern era: how do you solve a problem like President Trump? It's a dilemma that world leaders from Keir Starmer, to Emanuel Macron, to Mark Carney have grappled with over the past six months - some choose to stand up to the US President, while others bend the knee. NATO chief Mark Rutte has even hailed Trump a 'great man' in a recent interview - a comment which has Marc P's blood boiling! The team discuss which world leader has the best approach to dealing with the President.

Before that, Mark breaks down the major new military aid package for Ukraine announced by Trump and Rutte last week. Will it really move the dial and change the outcome of this war in Ukraine's favour? Or does it just buy Putin and Russia more time to continue their offensive?

Plus: should heads roll over the Afghanistan data breach? Amber gives her response to the crisis engulfing the British government, and explains why the far-right are trying to exploit this story to stoke unrest in the UK.

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]]>It's one of the big diplomatic dilemmas of the modern era: how do you solve a problem like President Trump? It's a dilemma that world leaders from Keir Starmer, to Emanuel Macron, to Mark Carney have grappled with over the past six months - some choose to stand up to the US President, while others bend the knee. NATO chief Mark Rutte has even hailed Trump a 'great man' in a recent interview - a comment which has Marc P's blood boiling! The team discuss which world leader has the best approach to dealing with the President.

Before that, Mark breaks down the major new military aid package for Ukraine announced by Trump and Rutte last week. Will it really move the dial and change the outcome of this war in Ukraine's favour? Or does it just buy Putin and Russia more time to continue their offensive?

Plus: should heads roll over the Afghanistan data breach? Amber gives her response to the crisis engulfing the British government, and explains why the far-right are trying to exploit this story to stoke unrest in the UK.

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]]>0485a123-4a3d-4a4c-8608-14c0d7cfc289Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:07:00 +000035:36falsefull1991One in, one out: is this really a solution to the migrant crisis?One in, one out: is this really a solution to the migrant crisis?'This can't go on' - that's what Keir Starmer and President Macron have said about the migrant crisis this week. But will their new 'one in, one out' deal make any real difference to stopping the boats? Amber also reveals what was said in government conversations about illegal migration during her time as Home Secretary - and which of her cabinet colleagues would privately ask her to make sure the overall migration numbers stayed high so their departments weren't adversely affected.

Plus: ID cards - an unacceptable intrusion into our right to privacy? Or a silver bullet in the battle with illegal immigration? Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss what difference ID cards could make - and whether the UK government can learn anything from President Trump's immigration crackdown in the US.

And the team ask whether there is any merit to Benjamin Netanyahu nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize - and Mark explains what world leaders can learn from the Oslo Peace Process in the 1990s.

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]]>'This can't go on' - that's what Keir Starmer and President Macron have said about the migrant crisis this week. But will their new 'one in, one out' deal make any real difference to stopping the boats? Amber also reveals what was said in government conversations about illegal migration during her time as Home Secretary - and which of her cabinet colleagues would privately ask her to make sure the overall migration numbers stayed high so their departments weren't adversely affected.

Plus: ID cards - an unacceptable intrusion into our right to privacy? Or a silver bullet in the battle with illegal immigration? Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss what difference ID cards could make - and whether the UK government can learn anything from President Trump's immigration crackdown in the US.

And the team ask whether there is any merit to Benjamin Netanyahu nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize - and Mark explains what world leaders can learn from the Oslo Peace Process in the 1990s.

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]]>54fc96cd-e0dd-45d3-87f5-81d92f197526Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:08:00 +000040:23falsefull1881Will proscribing Palestine Action backfire on the Government?Will proscribing Palestine Action backfire on the Government?In this week's episode, The Crisis Room team discuss the Home Secretary's proscribing of Palestine Action as terrorist group, despite warnings that a ban on the group criminalises legitimate protest.

Lord Anderson, former reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in the UK, joins us in the studio to talk about why governments take these measures, and how they can combat radicalisation across the UK.

Later, why has the White House suspended the delivery of weapons to Ukraine? And why is there such a shift in tone from Trump since NATO last week?

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]]>In this week's episode, The Crisis Room team discuss the Home Secretary's proscribing of Palestine Action as terrorist group, despite warnings that a ban on the group criminalises legitimate protest.

Lord Anderson, former reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in the UK, joins us in the studio to talk about why governments take these measures, and how they can combat radicalisation across the UK.

Later, why has the White House suspended the delivery of weapons to Ukraine? And why is there such a shift in tone from Trump since NATO last week?

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]]>bb95ecca-d63f-49c2-8b0f-1c67481faa1aThu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +000035:36falsefull1771Iran-Israel war: has Trump shown Netanyahu who's in charge?Iran-Israel war: has Trump shown Netanyahu who's in charge?With a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appearing to hold - for now - how much have the events of the past two weeks changed the Middle East in the longer term? In this week's episode, The Crisis Room team discuss the seismic shifts we've seen in the region, and they consider whether Iran will ever agree to return to the negotiating table after attacks from the US and Israel in the last fortnight.

They're also joined by Sir Simon Gass - a former British Ambassador to Tehran who helped to negotiate the Obama nuclear deal - who reveals what it's really like to negotiate with the Iranians.

And they look at this week's NATO summit and question how real Sir Keir Starmer's commitment is to the UK soon spending 5% on defence and security, and whether President Donald Trump is truly committed to Article 5.

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]]>With a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appearing to hold - for now - how much have the events of the past two weeks changed the Middle East in the longer term? In this week's episode, The Crisis Room team discuss the seismic shifts we've seen in the region, and they consider whether Iran will ever agree to return to the negotiating table after attacks from the US and Israel in the last fortnight.

They're also joined by Sir Simon Gass - a former British Ambassador to Tehran who helped to negotiate the Obama nuclear deal - who reveals what it's really like to negotiate with the Iranians.

And they look at this week's NATO summit and question how real Sir Keir Starmer's commitment is to the UK soon spending 5% on defence and security, and whether President Donald Trump is truly committed to Article 5.

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]]>bc9c7edc-855c-4d0d-8775-b381b819c706Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:20:00 +000038:21falsefull1661"I may do it, I may not" - will Donald Trump strike Iran?"I may do it, I may not" - will Donald Trump strike Iran?What conversations are taking place in the White House Situation Room right now? How will the British government be responding to the war between Iran and Israel in its own Crisis Room, COBRA? Amber, Mark, and Marc recreate those scenes by dissecting the political, military, and intelligence aspects of this issue, and assess whether the US is likely to join in with Israeli strikes on Iranian sites - and whether it should.

The team also looks in detail at President Donald Trump's handling of this crisis. Why is he failing to bring peace to the world's conflicts, as he promised to during his election campaign? Is there still any path to a negotiated deal between Israel and Iran? And are there major divisions between Trump and other G7 leaders?

Plus: you've probably heard that MI6 has appointed its first-ever female chief. But what is Blaise Metreweli really like? Marc Polymeropoulos reveals his personal experience of working with the new C, and Amber and Mark explain what the in-tray looks like for the new boss of the Secret Intelligence Service.

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]]>What conversations are taking place in the White House Situation Room right now? How will the British government be responding to the war between Iran and Israel in its own Crisis Room, COBRA? Amber, Mark, and Marc recreate those scenes by dissecting the political, military, and intelligence aspects of this issue, and assess whether the US is likely to join in with Israeli strikes on Iranian sites - and whether it should.

The team also looks in detail at President Donald Trump's handling of this crisis. Why is he failing to bring peace to the world's conflicts, as he promised to during his election campaign? Is there still any path to a negotiated deal between Israel and Iran? And are there major divisions between Trump and other G7 leaders?

Plus: you've probably heard that MI6 has appointed its first-ever female chief. But what is Blaise Metreweli really like? Marc Polymeropoulos reveals his personal experience of working with the new C, and Amber and Mark explain what the in-tray looks like for the new boss of the Secret Intelligence Service.

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]]>68ab0fa9-0cfe-4e98-a0e5-dce8e79c20c6Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:13:00 +000034:14falsefull1551Emergency episode: Israel hits Iran - can this crisis be contained?Emergency episode: Israel hits Iran - can this crisis be contained?In the first-ever emergency edition of The Crisis Room, Mark, Amber, and Marc unpack Israel’s dramatic overnight attacks on Iran, and what they could mean for global security. The situation is so urgent, Marc joins the conversation from a plane. Yes, really. 

The team dissect Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s latest military gamble, question what President Trump may have known in advance, and take you inside the high-stakes decision-making playing out right now in real-world crisis rooms across the Middle East and beyond.

Plus, they’re joined by Eric Brewer, former National Security Council official and leading Iran expert, to assess one of the biggest questions looming over this moment: Will Iran now pursue a nuclear weapon?

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]]>In the first-ever emergency edition of The Crisis Room, Mark, Amber, and Marc unpack Israel’s dramatic overnight attacks on Iran, and what they could mean for global security. The situation is so urgent, Marc joins the conversation from a plane. Yes, really. 

The team dissect Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s latest military gamble, question what President Trump may have known in advance, and take you inside the high-stakes decision-making playing out right now in real-world crisis rooms across the Middle East and beyond.

Plus, they’re joined by Eric Brewer, former National Security Council official and leading Iran expert, to assess one of the biggest questions looming over this moment: Will Iran now pursue a nuclear weapon?

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]]>965da9fe-54f8-4439-8c17-d26eb87b2e89Fri, 13 Jun 2025 17:55:00 +000029:14falsefull1441The inside story: What it's like to run SAS operations in IraqThe inside story: What it's like to run SAS operations in IraqHave you ever wondered what it was like to be part of Special Forces operations during the Iraq War? In an exclusive interview, former SAS Commanding Officer Richard Williams reveals what it was like to run those units in Baghdad at a time when Al-Qaeda were detonating 100 suicide bombs every month - and just how big an impact his men had on restoring some sense of order to the Iraqi capital.

For the first time, Richard also publicly shares his strong views on the controversial public inquiry into SAS operations in Afghanistan, while Mark and Amber discuss their experiences of working - and going out on operations - with the world-famous regiment.

Plus Marc Polymeropoulos is back to give his view on the recent political upheaval in Syria, a country he lived and worked in during his long career with the CIA. Tune in to hear Marc admit that President Trump has finally made a foreign policy decision he can support!

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]]>Have you ever wondered what it was like to be part of Special Forces operations during the Iraq War? In an exclusive interview, former SAS Commanding Officer Richard Williams reveals what it was like to run those units in Baghdad at a time when Al-Qaeda were detonating 100 suicide bombs every month - and just how big an impact his men had on restoring some sense of order to the Iraqi capital.

For the first time, Richard also publicly shares his strong views on the controversial public inquiry into SAS operations in Afghanistan, while Mark and Amber discuss their experiences of working - and going out on operations - with the world-famous regiment.

Plus Marc Polymeropoulos is back to give his view on the recent political upheaval in Syria, a country he lived and worked in during his long career with the CIA. Tune in to hear Marc admit that President Trump has finally made a foreign policy decision he can support!

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]]>5526a1e9-d2b8-4c92-aece-bc40c86a0ab9Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:10:00 +000042:43falsefull1331Does Britain need to wake up to the prospect of war?Does Britain need to wake up to the prospect of war?Is the UK ready to take part in an armed conflict? Do the British people understand what being war-ready really means? And is the government willing to cough up and pay what it takes to keep the public safe in the long-term?

This week, Amber and Mark discuss Britain's war-readiness in light of the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, and they speak to Dr. Fiona Hill, one of the authors of that review.

They also ask Fiona whether the US can be seen as a reliable ally under her old boss Donald Trump, and even though there's no Marc Polymeropoulos this week, there's still a 'ding-dong' in there to keep him happy.

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]]>Is the UK ready to take part in an armed conflict? Do the British people understand what being war-ready really means? And is the government willing to cough up and pay what it takes to keep the public safe in the long-term?

This week, Amber and Mark discuss Britain's war-readiness in light of the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, and they speak to Dr. Fiona Hill, one of the authors of that review.

They also ask Fiona whether the US can be seen as a reliable ally under her old boss Donald Trump, and even though there's no Marc Polymeropoulos this week, there's still a 'ding-dong' in there to keep him happy.

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]]>d425c261-3049-4700-8322-2a6f4643a614Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:07:00 +000037:39falsefull1221Should police have revealed the Liverpool suspect was white and British?Should police have revealed the Liverpool suspect was white and British?Step into The Crisis Room. In this first episode, Amber, Mark, and Marc unpack the controversial move by Merseyside Police to reveal key details about the Liverpool incident suspect. Smart transparency, or a risky precedent?

They also dive into the war in Ukraine: has Europe let Ukraine down? Why is Trump so dismissive of the intelligence community? And are world leaders scared of provoking Vladimir Putin?

Amber shares insider stories from her time as Home Secretary during the Skripal poisoning and the Trump years, while Mark and Marc clash over how far the West should go to support Ukraine.

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]]>Step into The Crisis Room. In this first episode, Amber, Mark, and Marc unpack the controversial move by Merseyside Police to reveal key details about the Liverpool incident suspect. Smart transparency, or a risky precedent?

They also dive into the war in Ukraine: has Europe let Ukraine down? Why is Trump so dismissive of the intelligence community? And are world leaders scared of provoking Vladimir Putin?

Amber shares insider stories from her time as Home Secretary during the Skripal poisoning and the Trump years, while Mark and Marc clash over how far the West should go to support Ukraine.

For more content, please follow us:

https://x.com/CrisisRoomPod

https://bsky.app/profile/crisisroompod.bsky.social

https://www.youtube.com/@crisisroompod

https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisroompod

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuBXweSJe/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/crisisroompod/?hl=en

https://www.threads.com/@crisisroompod?hl=en

]]>bbda5d05-7212-4dbe-80a2-d5fdd6e2ec9aThu, 29 May 2025 18:42:00 +000035:54falsefull1111Introducing: The Crisis RoomIntroducing: The Crisis RoomFormer Home Secretary Amber Rudd, renowned journalist Mark Urban, and decorated former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos tell you all about their new podcast The Crisis Room.

Listen for a flavour of the stories they'll share, from careers spent reporting from the frontlines, responding to terror attacks from the corridors of Westminster, and spying in the Middle East.

Each week, the team unpicks the biggest crises shaping the UK and the world, drawing on their three very different perspectives to help you understand what’s really happening behind the headlines - and what’s at stake for our future.

Episode One is available from tomorrow - May 29th. Subscribe on Global Player so you never miss an episode. Download it from the App Store or go to globalplayer.com

]]>Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd, renowned journalist Mark Urban, and decorated former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos tell you all about their new podcast The Crisis Room.

Listen for a flavour of the stories they'll share, from careers spent reporting from the frontlines, responding to terror attacks from the corridors of Westminster, and spying in the Middle East.

Each week, the team unpicks the biggest crises shaping the UK and the world, drawing on their three very different perspectives to help you understand what’s really happening behind the headlines - and what’s at stake for our future.

Episode One is available from tomorrow - May 29th. Subscribe on Global Player so you never miss an episode. Download it from the App Store or go to globalplayer.com

]]>8f15fb11-a5f0-4bb1-9620-9daae983d9d3Tue, 27 May 2025 00:14:00 +000002:16falsetrailer11