The Crisis Room

Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace shares his insights on NATO and the potential fallout from a US exit. He discusses the implications for the alliance, Europe’s military financing needs, and the urgency for rearmament amid fears of a US invasion of Greenland. Wallace sheds light on his lunch with Donald Trump and critiques the NATO spending target, expressing concerns about public support for defense funding. He also addresses the feasibility of deploying UK troops to Ukraine and the challenge of European military independence from US technology.

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.

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

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

Philip Hammond, former UK Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, delves into the pressing issues surrounding the UK's defence spending. He discusses the £45 billion gap and the political hurdles in reallocating budgets from social services to national security. Hammond critiques the U.S.'s reconciliatory stance toward Russia and warns of the strategic risks posed by a Russia-China alliance. The conversation also touches on NATO's credibility and the ongoing issues with the UK's Ajax armoured vehicles.

Mark shares intriguing details from his interviews with Sergei Skripal before the infamous poisoning incident. Amber dissects the quick attribution of blame to Russia and the scientific evidence supporting it. The hosts delve into the complexities of government roles in safeguarding citizens abroad, alongside the challenges of responding to terrorist threats. Unpacking the potential SAS prosecutions, they explore serious allegations and the murky waters of military accountability post-Afghanistan. It's a thought-provoking discussion packed with insights!

A recent inquiry highlights Vladimir Putin's moral responsibility for the Novichok poisoning death of Dawn Sturgess. The hosts discuss whether the government and local police acted adequately during the crisis. They delve into EU debates on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with allegations of US influence complicating the issue. Additionally, the podcast examines accusations against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding potential war crimes linked to drone strikes. Tensions around local safety and international politics are explored throughout.

Amber reacts to Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration reforms and debates their potential impact on the UK's far-right. The discussion shifts to the chaos in Iraq, tracing its roots back to the 2003 intervention and the lingering influence of Iranian militias. Meanwhile, in the US, a major dispute erupts over military personnel's responses to unlawful orders. The podcast also covers pressing concerns about Britain's defense systems, including drone vulnerabilities and budget allocations.

Dive into the gripping saga of the 2018 Novichok attack in Salisbury, where a former spy became the target of a bold assassination attempt. Amber Rudd recounts the chaotic response, from COBRA meetings to visiting affected civilians. Journalist Mark Urban shares insights from his exclusive interview with Sergei Skripal, shedding light on why he was targeted. The podcast explores Russia's strategic maneuvers, international repercussions, and the chilling implications of state-sponsored poisonings, all while examining the human cost of this crisis.

In this engaging discussion, Al Carns, a decorated former Royal Marine turned UK Minister for the Armed Forces, shares his journey from military service to politics. He dives into the challenges of modern defence policy, including the need to protect veterans from unfair prosecutions and the importance of increasing defence spending. Carns also discusses the implications of the Ukraine conflict and the integration of technology in military operations. With candid insights, he emphasizes the necessity for societal resilience and improved recruitment processes.