The Crisis Room

Amber Rudd, former Home Secretary and Conservative MP turned political analyst. She discusses the Conservatives’ survival versus Reform UK and her Prosper UK one-nation pitch. Conversation covers polling, party positioning and Kemi Badenoch’s strategy. Also explores US GOP dynamics, ICE at the Winter Olympics, and why Gaza coverage has waned since the ceasefire.

A wide-ranging look at looming global flashpoints in 2026, from rising Iran tensions to the unstable futures of Venezuela and Gaza. The panel flags a renewed Israel–Turkey rivalry and examines shifting US credibility and European defence dilemmas. They explore how changing alliances, intelligence ties and domestic politics could shape the crises ahead.

They debate whether US troop moves and talk of seizing Greenland are diverting attention from Ukraine. They unpack why MI6 officers rarely speak publicly and whether that should change. The conversation touches on Epstein's geopolitical links and whether Reform UK needs a defence spokesperson. They also explain why Israel decided to recognise Somaliland and the strategic thinking behind it.

In this engaging discussion, George Robertson, former UK Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General, shares insights on the evolving landscape of global alliances. He reflects on invoking Article 5 after 9/11 and assesses whether the U.S. would come to Europe's aid in a crisis. The conversation dives into NATO's strains, the need for Europe to enhance defense spending wisely, and the importance of unity amid rising global tensions. With sharp commentary on recent events and Trump’s unpredictable leadership, Robertson offers a thought-provoking take on the future of transatlantic ties.

The discussion heats up around the rivalry between JD Vance and Marco Rubio in the Republican Party. The hosts dive into the implications of their potential leadership styles if they succeed Trump. Financial woes in the UK lead to a debate on military spending constraints. Meanwhile, the troubling case of an ICE officer's actions raises questions about the agency's purpose, with a stark historical comparison drawing attention. Finally, Trump's potential ambitions for Canada add another layer to the political landscape.

Recent protests in Iran have ignited intense unrest, met with deadly government crackdowns. Discussions explore the implications of US intervention, from military options to the political consequences of regime change. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's actions adds to regional tensions. In a surprising turn, the conversation shifts to the mysterious Havana Syndrome, revealing potential links to a US Defense Department-tested device, with personal accounts highlighting the illness’s devastating effects. Will these events reshape the future of Iran and US foreign policy?

This discussion dives into President Trump's evolving impact on global politics. It examines the legality of capturing Nicolás Maduro and the implications for American military personnel concerning illegal orders. The hosts explore NATO's potential response to a US move on Greenland and how these tensions might encourage European defense independence. Additionally, there’s skepticism about the practicality of a rare earth minerals deal in Ukraine, labeled by one host as 'nonsense,' sparking a critical look at its strategic value.

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