The Crisis Room
Global
Former 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.com
"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.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 15, 2025 • 15min
Q&A: Prisoner swaps, women's safety in Afghanistan, & the future of Russian-occupied Ukraine
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
Dec 11, 2025 • 40min
Will Britain break its promises on defence spending?
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.
Dec 8, 2025 • 20min
Q&A: Interviewing Sergei Skripal, potential SAS prosecutions & protecting overseas citizens from terror
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!
Dec 4, 2025 • 38min
British blood on Putin’s hands: Salisbury inquiry unpacked
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.
Dec 1, 2025 • 21min
Q&A: Mahmood's immigration reforms & why is Iraq such a mess?
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.
Nov 27, 2025 • 51min
The Salisbury Poisonings: a crisis like no other
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.
Nov 21, 2025 • 42min
From Marine to Minister: Al Carns exclusive
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.
Nov 20, 2025 • 37min
Negotiation or capitulation? Ukraine's crossroads moment
The discussion centers on a controversial US-Russia plan for peace in Ukraine, with the team questioning its viability and potential implications for Ukrainian forces. They explore the effectiveness of intelligence agencies in negotiations compared to traditional diplomats. The podcast also transitions to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince's diplomatic visit, debating the complexities of balancing strategic alliances with human rights concerns. Finally, they shed light on the troubling presence of a Russian spy ship near British waters, discussing its capabilities and the need for a careful response.
Nov 13, 2025 • 33min
Cock-up or coup: how damaged is the BBC by its latest crisis?
This week’s discussion dives into the scandal engulfing the BBC, with insights on editorial mistakes and the newsroom culture fueling criticism. The hosts debate whether Director General Tim Davie is a victim of a political coup and the potential fallout on the BBC's global influence and charter renewal. They also explore the implications of halting intelligence sharing over controversial strikes in the Caribbean, and how these dilemmas could reshape UK-US relations and media independence, especially in light of Trump’s legal threats.
Nov 10, 2025 • 24min
Q&A: Havana Syndrome, election interference & Houthi Rebels
Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA officer and whistleblower, shares his harrowing experience with Havana Syndrome, detailing a traumatic incident in Moscow that ended his career. He believes there’s a looming government cover-up regarding these mysterious health issues. The discussion also dives into European intelligence independence, the challenges of combating AI-driven disinformation, and the complexities of sharing sensitive information with allies. Additionally, they explore strategies to address Houthi threats in the Red Sea.
