The Bunker – News without the nonsense

What would Alan Johnson do differently if he was in Suella Braverman’s shoes? The former Home Secretary, who held the post from 2009 to 2010, gives his take on the current crises – and sets the record straight on which party really handles crime better out of Labour and the Tories. “Suella is taking on the Priti Patel mantle… talking about the problems but doing nothing to resolve them.” “It’s the Tories who have really failed on crime and borders.” “When you’re 12 years in you can no longer blame the last Labour government.” “We need the relations with Macron to be really good, because that’s part of the problem.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Hunt’s key task is fixing the damage of Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget – can he get us out of this mess? From freezing the wages of nurses and teachers, to adding VAT to Jaffa Cakes – what options does the Chancellor have? Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies joins Ros Taylor to look at what taxes might increase, how the Government can tempt the over 55s back into the workforce – and if there’s any cause for optimism. “Hunt probably has to look at the serious taxes… though it remains to be seen if this is politically feasible.” “You can’t raise very large amounts of money from inheritance or capital gains tax.” “Younger people have seen very poor earnings growth – the last 15 years have been pretty much the worst since the industrial revolution.” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When there is finally a general election, what will the next batch of MPs look like? With parties deep into selection processes, who is going to be thrust upon us – and who’s being blocked? Journalist, author and Channel 4 legend Michael Crick, who runs Tomorrow’s MPs on Twitter, talks to Andrew Harrison about our future parliamentarians. “The left is doing appallingly within the Labour selections.” “Starmer can’t be seen to interfere too much – that can be the kiss of death for a candidate.” “There is a process of weeding people out on the grounds of their politics.” “When local parties are choosing members of Parliament, they’re also choosing potential future ministers.” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the Bank of England working in our best interests – and what could it do differently that might serve us better? While the last recession was met with a response of ‘quantitative easing’, the next is due to be met with ‘quantitative tightening’. Richard Murphy, professor of accounting practice at Sheffield University, author of the book Money For Nothing and king of the Twitter macroeconomic mega-thread, talks to Justin Quirk about what the central bank is up to. “Quantitative tightening is the opposite of quantitative easing – this means the government spends into the economy.” “Quantitative tightening really shows that the Bank of England doesn’t care.” “Rishi Sunak doesn’t want there to be a recession, because he won’t win the next election.” “The public don’t know how to ask or answer big questions – and politicians aren’t helping.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US midterms could see Biden hamstrung by his political enemies – as the prospect of a 2024 Trump run looms. Is America headed for another period of turmoil and deadlock, with the Republicans controlling the Senate and the House? And in the UK, the political sack race is on between Gavin Williamson and Suella Braverman. Will Sunak ditch either of them – or wait until a more convenient time? Plus, the world turns its eyes to COP27. Andrew Harrison is joined by Alex Andreou to tee up the week ahead. “If the Democrats lose both the House and Senate they could be in for two years of very rough battles.” – Alex Andreou “The Republicans can make a hellscape and know voters will primarily blame Biden for it.” – Alex Andreou “If Sunak is inclined to get rid of Braverman or Williamson, he will do it one day after the budget – while they’re getting slated for their measures.” – Alex Andreou “There is no doubt that for the next two years we will be paying for the Conservatives cock up.” – Alex Andreou Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World leaders are jetting into Sharm El-Sheik in Egypt this week for COP27. But as wild weather continues and predictions are that we have already passed the point of no return – what will we learn from COP27? Andrew Harrison is joined by Madeleine Cuff, environment reporter at the New Scientist to give you the heads up on what the big issues will be, who might derail discussions and what we can do to solve our environmental woes. “A lot of work needs to be done to get this problem under control.” “Under the Paris Agreement the pledges aren’t binding.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past fifty years, America’s politicians have grown increasingly allergic to knowledge. Why is this? Writer, comedian and satirist Andy Borowitz joins Dorian Lynskey to discuss his new book Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber, which looks at why ignoramuses make it to the top of US politics, from Dan Quayle to George Bush, Sarah Palin to Donald Trump. “Politicians have been the greatest comedians of the last 50 years.” ”Dan Quayle was just as ignorant as Reagan, but he lacked any talent to mask it.” “George Bush opened the door for Sarah Palin, who lead to Donald Trump.” “Donald Trump speaks in shorter words than any other president.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production and Music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re not on a great run of political leaders at the moment – is the problem how we pick them? And what if we simply… didn’t? Rather than choosing between a bunch of self-serving, pound-crashing Westminster drones – could democratic lotteries be the answer? Brett Hennig, author of The End of Politicians: Time for a Real Democracy and director of the Sortition Foundation discusses how we pick our representatives, and how we could change it, with Jacob Jarvis. “Politicians often come from a subset of people who aren't best placed to make laws.” “People will only participate in politics if they feel represented.” “The House of Lords is a dinosaur and ripe to be replaced.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we put women back in the history books? Author, playwright, co-founder of The Women’s Prize for Fiction and member of the executive committee of Women of the World, Kate Mosse joins Siân Pattenden to talk about balancing out Margaret Thatcher and Barbara Castle, and her new book, Warrior Queens and Quiet Revolutionaries - How Women (Also) Built the World. “Women were often incredibly well-known in their day. It’s what happens to them after that.” “We talk about Florence Nightingale as a nurse and carer - but never a statistician.” “This isn't about men versus women. It's about patriarchy, a system, that benefits a tiny number of men.” “Women's place in history cannot be about likeability.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warrior-Queens-Quiet-Revolutionaries-Women/dp/1529092191 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The worse Russia’s invasion of Ukraine goes, the more Putin doubles down. Is he truly unhinged? And could his citizens turn on him? Marc Berenson, senior lecturer at the Russia Institute at King’s College London and the author of Taxes and Trust: From Coercion to Compliance in Poland, Russia and Ukraine, talks to Justin Quirk about Putin’s changing worldview, why the President sees Eastern Europe as a “massive DMZ”, and if the Russian people really support his regime. “The truth is that Putin is rational – but with completely different preferences to ours in the West.” “The best outcome for Putin from this war would be him going to jail.” “The West needs to help Russia. If we don’t, we’ll pay for it in the long run.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could nuclear power be the answer to our doomed energy sector? It remains controversial – but why? Ahir Shah talks to Francis Livens, professor of radiochemistry at the University of Manchester and academic director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute about how nuclear works, how the sector has changed, and how hitting net zero carbon by 2050 might be impossible without it. “Without nuclear energy, hitting net zero will be impossible.” “Patronising scientists haven’t created a dialogue with the public about nuclear energy.” “Thinking about old nuclear factories is like comparing cars from today with those from the 1970s.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Home Secretary plays fast and loose with her email security. The former PM’s phone is so compromised that it’s been locked in a secure location. Interest rates are about to go up and the Chancellor is about to tax everything. But hey, at least Bolsonaro lost in Brazil! Yasmeen Serhan fills Ros Taylor in on the events of the coming week. “Twitter was already a hellscape but it looks like it’s going to become an even worse one.” “You have to ask, why are ministers using private phones to conduct government business?” “The silence you hear is Bolsonaro mulling his options.” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Archbold. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brazil’s presidential elections go to round two today. Ahead of Latin America’s most consequential vote in decades, what should we be looking out for? Dr. Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House, talks to Alex Andreou about how Bolsonaro broke Brazilian politics, Lula’s prospects and the environmental impact on the Amazon. “The last four years can be seen as a triumph of institutions. Brazilian institutions are strong and they've survived, despite Bolsonaro.” “Lula's campaign is all about beating Bolsonaro. That's not a long-term winning bet.” “Bolsonaro's election strategy is Bible, beef and bullets.” “For Brazilians, the Amazon is their crown jewel.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After being banned from Twitter, Donald Trump set up Truth Social, his own social media platform. What can you expect to find on the site? Is it just a mouthpiece for the former President? Kayla Gogarty, associate research director at Media Matters America, joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss Trump’s online echo chamber. “Truth Social is a way for Trump to get back online and to avoid moderation.” “It’s an echo chamber of conspiracy theories and harmful rhetoric.” “As the midterms approach we’re seeing election misinformation ramp up.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production and Music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When university fees shot up to £9,000 in 2012 they triggered violent protests. Now Britain’s universities are expecting redundancies and even bankruptcy – and they’re hooked on lucrative foreign students. Can we carry on funding education from fees, or is it time for a graduate tax? And do we need to rethink what students get for their money? Ros Taylor talks to Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank. “Lifelong learning was hit hardest by the increase in fees.” “The fee cap hasn’t gone up in a decade. Universities are losing money on home students.” “Despite how big the fees seem, university staff are being hit hard.” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Like The Bunker? You’ll love Doomsday Watch – and there’s a brand new series out right now. Hear former diplomat and Bunker regular Arthur Snell explore more faultlines and danger zones that threaten global stability. From the balance of power after the Ukraine invasion to the scattered conflicts that spawn bigger confrontations to American’s democratic death spiral, these are the flashpoints of the future. Hear Ep.1 right now here, plus Patreon supporters get every episode a week early. Visit doomsdaywatch.co.uk and sign up to get Episodes 1 and 2 immediately, and subsequent editions a full week early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conservative psychodrama has given us a new PM, a new cabinet and a whole lot more restive MPs. So what should we expect from the party’s latest iteration? Commentator and former Tory MP Matthew Parris talks to Ros Taylor about the “pleasant” Prime Minister Sunak, “appalling” Suella Braverman and what we can expect from his premiership. “The Conservative Party has a sense of burnout.” “Beyond the commentariat, people don’t want a general election.” “Without Sunak’s patronage, Suella would be more or less finished.” “The Home Office destroys everybody. Let’s hope it destroys Suella in a few months.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunak doesn’t surprise us at all, but plods on in a sensible way.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Rishi Sunak keeping Jeremy Hunt in post as Chancellor, the prospect of a new era of austerity looms. But what is left to cut? From hospitals, to prisons and schools – public sector services are at breaking point. And with workers across struggling institutions already threatening strikes, how much worse can it get? Nick Davies from The Institute for Government think tank talks to Justin Quirk about where the government will make cuts and how to assess the damage. “We are looking at a lost generation of public services.” “Now is a very bad time to be unwell.” Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Ukraine’s stunning battlefield successes, Putin responds with missile attacks on civilians, power and transport infrastructure – adding to his toll of war crimes. How is Ukrainian morale eight months into the war? And what happens next? Andrew Harrison talks to Ukrainian journalist, Reuters Institute fellow and disinformation expert Olga Tokariuk about life in Kyiv, Western democracies’ role in the struggle, and whether a cornered Putin would really use a nuclear weapon. “Russia is deliberately and clearly attacking civilian targets.” “Putin is threatening nuclear weapons as blackmail tactics.” “You don’t have to be ethnically Ukrainian to feel close to Ukraine.” Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Johnson’s exit from the leadership race (he definitely had 102 backers), will it be a coronation for Sunak? Or is it going to roll into a bout between him and Mordaunt? Plus, we look at what actual politics is set to happen in Parliament… We also cast a glance over the Chinese Communist Party congress fallout, and unpack what’s next for Musk’s on and off and on again Twitter buyout. Justin Quirk talks to Ros Taylor to chart the days ahead. “Johnson’s astonishingly egotistical statement basically blamed Tory MPs for blocking him.” – Ros Taylor “This is a Government that is not going to be able to push anything remotely ambitious through.” – Ros Taylor “There is no overarching agenda apart from survival for the Conservative Party now.” – Ros Taylor “There will be more pain, there will be more austerity. Anyone who thinks there will be a massive turnaround is kidding themselves.” – Ros Taylor Presented by Justin Quirk with Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How would an alien fix Britain? We hear from Count Binface, who resisted the urge to vapourise Alex Andreou despite some tough questions. The Count discusses standing against Tories like Theresa May (as Lord Buckethead) and Boris Johnson, why he’d junk First Past the Post for PR, plus his new book, WHAT ON EARTH?. “I was passing Earth and it seemed to be the most deranged planet of the lot.” “The Brits play the game, and occasionally write down things.” “You don't have to be a human being to stand for election.” “As a Recyclon, I hope to reuse the best policies from across the galaxy.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. geni.us/whatonearth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 2024 approaches, could Florida Governor Ron DeSantis be the heir to Donald Trump? Or his strongest opponent? Politico Florida bureau chief Matt Dixon joins Andrew Harrison to discuss the man who could be the next Republican flag bearer, his controversial time as Florida Governor, where he stands on the big issues, and if he really is worse than Trump. “DeSantis has captured the imagination of conservatives and Republicans nationwide.” “It’s the worst kept secret in America that DeSantis wants to be President.” “DeSantis is Donald Trump without the charisma.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As separatist movements across the globe try to establish new nations, how do you actually go about creating a new country? What is the project management plan for independence? Political science professor Matt Qvortrup joins Ahir Shah to discuss how a new state is made in the 21st century, covered in his new book I Want to Break Free: A Practical Guide to Making a New Country. “Independence referendums are won by appealing to people’s heart strings.” “The Scottish independence referendum is good example of what not to do in an independence referendum.” “Becoming independent is not a panacea.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 1922 committee is the secretive, unofficial voice of the Conservative party. Who are these Tory ‘men in gray suits’? Former BBC politics correspondent and political editor of the New Statesman, and host of Rock & Roll Politics Steve Richards talks to Alex Rees about prime ministers being held to ransom, the 1922 mindset, and Graham Brady’s secrets. “Tory MPs are more rebellious than ever, so the 1922 committee gets ever more relevant.” “The 1922 committee represents ‘honesty’ for Conservatives – toothless messengers of political truths.” “Graham Brady loves the role, he sees his duty as being to the Party rather than factions.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patrick Minford faded from view in the 2000s – but since Brexit, he’s returned to the fore of Tory economic policy. So who is this Arch-Thatcherite economist and what does he stand for? UCL policy fellow Laurie Macfarlane talks to Andrew Harrison about how he became an icon of the IEA set, and what his cult worship means for Liz Truss’ government, and the cost of living crisis. “Most economists like markets but Minford is extreme.” “The mini-budget was an experiment of Minford in practice.” “There's a risk that we lunge to the other extreme and a return to Osbornite austerity.” “Minford claims to care about government budgets, but he's fine with tax cuts for the wealthy.” www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices