The Crisis Room

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

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

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

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

Phil Gordon, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and former National Security Advisor, shares his insights on pivotal global issues. He discusses Trump's controversial state visit to the UK, reflecting on its political implications. Gordon delves into how Biden's decisions shaped his legacy and what a Kamala Harris administration might have looked like, particularly in terms of foreign policy. He further critiques U.S. migration policy and its electoral repercussions, while also warning about the dangers of West Bank expansion and the Gaza conflict.

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

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

General Sir Nick Carter, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, shares insights on whether Trump's America remains a trustworthy ally and the UK government's grasp of the threat from Putin's Russia. He discusses the pressing need to tackle recruitment issues in the armed forces, suggesting a revival of national service as a potential solution. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of shifting global power dynamics and the erosion of democratic norms sparked by populism and authoritarian influences.

The podcast dives into the potential role of British troops in Ukraine and the complex implications of peacekeeping efforts. It questions whether the UK's military can truly provide effective security guarantees amid stretched resources. The hosts consider Vladimir Putin's likely reactions to increased Western involvement and the potential backlash facing Labour's leadership over military decisions. Additionally, there’s a sharp critique of the UK’s immigration issues, particularly the controversial asylum hotel situation and its political fallout.

Fiona Hill, a former Russia advisor to Donald Trump, shares her insights on the upcoming Alaska summit between Trump and Putin. She explains how Putin might manipulate the situation to his advantage, particularly regarding Ukraine. The discussion includes the unpredictable nature of past summits and the psychological tactics at play in high-stakes diplomacy. They also delve into the media's role in shaping diplomatic narratives and contrast the safety perceptions in Washington D.C. with those in war zones like Baghdad.