Mark Urban
@markurban.bsky.social
Host @crisisroompod.bsky.social writes for Sunday Times, ex-BBC guy covering war & peace + sometime Newsnight presenter 1990-2024, IWM trustee, author Big Boys Rules, Generals, Rifles, Task Force Black, The Tank War, Skripal Files, Red Devils, Tank & more!
Reposted by Mark Urban
New episode 🚨
In a special episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social look back at the Salisbury Poisonings - Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil.
Listen on @globalplayer.com 🎧
In a special episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social look back at the Salisbury Poisonings - Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil.
Listen on @globalplayer.com 🎧
November 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
New episode 🚨
In a special episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social look back at the Salisbury Poisonings - Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil.
Listen on @globalplayer.com 🎧
In a special episode of The Crisis Room, Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social look back at the Salisbury Poisonings - Russia's extraordinary attempt to assassinate a former spy on British soil.
Listen on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Ukraine? Venezuela? The British Army’s very noisy new vehicle?! We’re doing another Q&A episode of the Crisis Room. Fire any questions you have to thecrisisroom@global.com or put them in the replies here.
November 25, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Ukraine? Venezuela? The British Army’s very noisy new vehicle?! We’re doing another Q&A episode of the Crisis Room. Fire any questions you have to thecrisisroom@global.com or put them in the replies here.
Why trying to rush through a deal won’t work and may even prolong the Ukraine war markurban.substack.com/p/why-you-ca...
Why You can't Force a Peace Deal
As we're seeing once more with Ukraine
markurban.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Why trying to rush through a deal won’t work and may even prolong the Ukraine war markurban.substack.com/p/why-you-ca...
Reposted by Mark Urban
Do you have a burning question you’d like Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social to answer in the next bonus episode? 🤔
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
November 25, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Do you have a burning question you’d like Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social to answer in the next bonus episode? 🤔
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
What made an officer who’d been running a UK special forces task force, and had their next promotion lined up chuck it in to go into the political bearpit and run our notoriously dysfunctional Ministry of Defence? Listen to our Crisis Room special with Al Carns podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
From Marine to Minister: Al Carns exclusive
Podcast Episode · The Crisis Room · S1 Bonus · 42m
podcasts.apple.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:11 AM
What made an officer who’d been running a UK special forces task force, and had their next promotion lined up chuck it in to go into the political bearpit and run our notoriously dysfunctional Ministry of Defence? Listen to our Crisis Room special with Al Carns podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by Mark Urban
Trump's new "peace plan" for Ukraine - a basis for negotiation or capitulation?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social also unpack the Saudi Crown Prince’s controversial White House visit and the sighting of a Russian spy ship near Britain
The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social also unpack the Saudi Crown Prince’s controversial White House visit and the sighting of a Russian spy ship near Britain
The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
November 21, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Trump's new "peace plan" for Ukraine - a basis for negotiation or capitulation?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social also unpack the Saudi Crown Prince’s controversial White House visit and the sighting of a Russian spy ship near Britain
The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social also unpack the Saudi Crown Prince’s controversial White House visit and the sighting of a Russian spy ship near Britain
The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Latest Crisis Room is up - Amber and Marc give some first hand insights on working with the Saudis, we talk about the latest Ukraine peace pitch and whether a corruption scandal could topple Zelenskyy t.co/AYMP1zaxVG
November 20, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Latest Crisis Room is up - Amber and Marc give some first hand insights on working with the Saudis, we talk about the latest Ukraine peace pitch and whether a corruption scandal could topple Zelenskyy t.co/AYMP1zaxVG
Reposted by Mark Urban
I see from a recent answer to a PQ that the UK has supplied 85,000 drones to Ukraine in the past six months. That is rather impressive - not least for it happening with little publicity. It's the right approach: do more, shout about it less.
November 19, 2025 at 12:19 PM
I see from a recent answer to a PQ that the UK has supplied 85,000 drones to Ukraine in the past six months. That is rather impressive - not least for it happening with little publicity. It's the right approach: do more, shout about it less.
Reposted by Mark Urban
UK 🇬🇧 Ministry of Defence (MOD) image of Russian spy ship Yantar, presumably in or near UK waters.
Note that the ROV (remote operated vehicle, a deep-sea robot) A-frame is deployed (red). It’s doing something on the seabed.
Also two new radomes (yellow)
Note that the ROV (remote operated vehicle, a deep-sea robot) A-frame is deployed (red). It’s doing something on the seabed.
Also two new radomes (yellow)
November 19, 2025 at 12:47 PM
UK 🇬🇧 Ministry of Defence (MOD) image of Russian spy ship Yantar, presumably in or near UK waters.
Note that the ROV (remote operated vehicle, a deep-sea robot) A-frame is deployed (red). It’s doing something on the seabed.
Also two new radomes (yellow)
Note that the ROV (remote operated vehicle, a deep-sea robot) A-frame is deployed (red). It’s doing something on the seabed.
Also two new radomes (yellow)
Reposted by Mark Urban
In the meantime may I strongly recommend @markurban.bsky.social's Tank. Excellent history that spans the development and use of Tanks from WWI onwards.
I've been listening to it on audio book, but now I have to get a physical copy so I can really concentrate on it.
I've been listening to it on audio book, but now I have to get a physical copy so I can really concentrate on it.
November 18, 2025 at 9:32 PM
In the meantime may I strongly recommend @markurban.bsky.social's Tank. Excellent history that spans the development and use of Tanks from WWI onwards.
I've been listening to it on audio book, but now I have to get a physical copy so I can really concentrate on it.
I've been listening to it on audio book, but now I have to get a physical copy so I can really concentrate on it.
Reposted by Mark Urban
This piece by @markurban.bsky.social is a refreshing dispelling of the nonsensical ideas that the BBC has no real problem to confront and that there is some kind of "coup" underway at the Corporation markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
The BBC is Deep in Crisis
Some inside scoop on what's happened and why
markurban.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM
This piece by @markurban.bsky.social is a refreshing dispelling of the nonsensical ideas that the BBC has no real problem to confront and that there is some kind of "coup" underway at the Corporation markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution on setting up an International Stabilisation Force + new governing arrangements in the Strip. There were 13 votes for, Russia and China abstained
November 17, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution on setting up an International Stabilisation Force + new governing arrangements in the Strip. There were 13 votes for, Russia and China abstained
Reposted by Mark Urban
"The challenge [for the #BBC] is to take the shared truths, common starting points, that remain, building upon them, and satisfying people who, in these dizzying times, want that Reithian trilogy of information, explanation, and entertainment."
This government fully supports the BBC. So why is it starting to feel like end days? My latest substack markurban.substack.com/p/can-the-bb...
Can the BBC Survive?
The writing on the wall
markurban.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
"The challenge [for the #BBC] is to take the shared truths, common starting points, that remain, building upon them, and satisfying people who, in these dizzying times, want that Reithian trilogy of information, explanation, and entertainment."
Reposted by Mark Urban
'A lot of governments are very nervous'
@markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social unpack how Venezuela’s turmoil pushed the UK to halt intel-sharing with the US—and why this isn’t the first time geopolitics have forced such moves
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
@markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social unpack how Venezuela’s turmoil pushed the UK to halt intel-sharing with the US—and why this isn’t the first time geopolitics have forced such moves
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
November 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
'A lot of governments are very nervous'
@markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social unpack how Venezuela’s turmoil pushed the UK to halt intel-sharing with the US—and why this isn’t the first time geopolitics have forced such moves
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
@markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social unpack how Venezuela’s turmoil pushed the UK to halt intel-sharing with the US—and why this isn’t the first time geopolitics have forced such moves
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
This government fully supports the BBC. So why is it starting to feel like end days? My latest substack markurban.substack.com/p/can-the-bb...
Can the BBC Survive?
The writing on the wall
markurban.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:26 PM
This government fully supports the BBC. So why is it starting to feel like end days? My latest substack markurban.substack.com/p/can-the-bb...
what with the deal for Ukraine to get 100+ Swedish Grippens this is a big upgrade for their air force. Both purchases however will take years to deliver
France plans to arm Ukraine with as many as 100 advanced Rafale fighter jets, a spokesperson for the French president said.
pro.politico.eu/news/208494
pro.politico.eu/news/208494
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
November 17, 2025 at 10:51 AM
what with the deal for Ukraine to get 100+ Swedish Grippens this is a big upgrade for their air force. Both purchases however will take years to deliver
Reposted by Mark Urban
Richard Ayre: @YouGov 2025 found #BBC 2nd most trusted news source in #US after Weather Channel. @markurban.bsky.social: BBC has lost trust of different groups inc older feminists. Says Prescott dossier “leaked” after board v management impasse. Ayre: unitary board not tenable. 1/
On the link now…
Talking about the BBC News crisis to @markurban.bsky.social & former dep chief exec of BBC News Richard Ayre for latest BBC Newswatch. From midnight Fri on link or BBC1 Sat 745am www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
November 15, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Richard Ayre: @YouGov 2025 found #BBC 2nd most trusted news source in #US after Weather Channel. @markurban.bsky.social: BBC has lost trust of different groups inc older feminists. Says Prescott dossier “leaked” after board v management impasse. Ayre: unitary board not tenable. 1/
Reposted by Mark Urban
“Assuming the government itself hasn’t imploded”
Following the BBC fallout, Amber & @markurban.bsky.social tackle the big question: is this a right-wing attempt to reshape a “woke” institution?
And why does so much point back to Sir Robbie Gibb?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Following the BBC fallout, Amber & @markurban.bsky.social tackle the big question: is this a right-wing attempt to reshape a “woke” institution?
And why does so much point back to Sir Robbie Gibb?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
November 14, 2025 at 5:17 PM
“Assuming the government itself hasn’t imploded”
Following the BBC fallout, Amber & @markurban.bsky.social tackle the big question: is this a right-wing attempt to reshape a “woke” institution?
And why does so much point back to Sir Robbie Gibb?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Following the BBC fallout, Amber & @markurban.bsky.social tackle the big question: is this a right-wing attempt to reshape a “woke” institution?
And why does so much point back to Sir Robbie Gibb?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
Reposted by Mark Urban
🚨 New episode alert!
C**k-up or coup?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social break down the BBC’s chaotic week, whether its brand is damaged for good, and if Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing plot
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#BBC #Trump #Bias
C**k-up or coup?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social break down the BBC’s chaotic week, whether its brand is damaged for good, and if Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing plot
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#BBC #Trump #Bias
November 14, 2025 at 1:56 PM
🚨 New episode alert!
C**k-up or coup?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social break down the BBC’s chaotic week, whether its brand is damaged for good, and if Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing plot
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#BBC #Trump #Bias
C**k-up or coup?
Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social break down the BBC’s chaotic week, whether its brand is damaged for good, and if Tim Davie was the victim of a right-wing plot
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#BBC #Trump #Bias
Reposted by Mark Urban
Last night was the worst bombing I have experienced in Kyiv since the war began. 7 hours of non stop aerial attacks across the city.
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Last night was the worst bombing I have experienced in Kyiv since the war began. 7 hours of non stop aerial attacks across the city.
Reposted by Mark Urban
If you haven't read @markurban.bsky.social's insider takes on the BBC 'crisis' (scare quotes since there is one every five years or so- see the experience of almost every previous DG), they are very worth it and an interesting contrast with @lewisgoodall.com
markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
The BBC is Deep in Crisis
Some inside scoop on what's happened and why
markurban.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:02 PM
If you haven't read @markurban.bsky.social's insider takes on the BBC 'crisis' (scare quotes since there is one every five years or so- see the experience of almost every previous DG), they are very worth it and an interesting contrast with @lewisgoodall.com
markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
Reposted by Mark Urban
NEWS: The UK is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. edition.cnn.com/2025/11/11/p...
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:06 PM
NEWS: The UK is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. edition.cnn.com/2025/11/11/p...
Reposted by Mark Urban
“The Israelis may take a different view”
Weeks after the “historic” Gaza peace deal, phase 2 still hasn’t begun. @markurban.bsky.social & Amber explore a key sticking point — who will keep Hamas in check?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#Gaza #GazaPeacePlan #Ceasefire
Weeks after the “historic” Gaza peace deal, phase 2 still hasn’t begun. @markurban.bsky.social & Amber explore a key sticking point — who will keep Hamas in check?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#Gaza #GazaPeacePlan #Ceasefire
November 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM
“The Israelis may take a different view”
Weeks after the “historic” Gaza peace deal, phase 2 still hasn’t begun. @markurban.bsky.social & Amber explore a key sticking point — who will keep Hamas in check?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#Gaza #GazaPeacePlan #Ceasefire
Weeks after the “historic” Gaza peace deal, phase 2 still hasn’t begun. @markurban.bsky.social & Amber explore a key sticking point — who will keep Hamas in check?
Listen to The Crisis Room on @globalplayer.com 🎧
#Gaza #GazaPeacePlan #Ceasefire
Reposted by Mark Urban
Do you have a burning question you’d like Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social to answer in the next Q&A episode? 🤔
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Do you have a burning question you’d like Amber, @markurban.bsky.social & @mpolymer1.bsky.social to answer in the next Q&A episode? 🤔
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
Drop your suggestions below 👇🏻
#QnA #questions #podcast
I've been talking to BBC insiders about why the Director General resigned and whether the talk of a 'coup' has any basis - here's my latest markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...
The BBC is Deep in Crisis
Some inside scoop on what's happened and why
markurban.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I've been talking to BBC insiders about why the Director General resigned and whether the talk of a 'coup' has any basis - here's my latest markurban.substack.com/p/the-bbc-is...