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 taxe...
Nov 10, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 770
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.” “...
Nov 09, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 769
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 t...
Nov 08, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 768
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 a...
Nov 07, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 767
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...
Nov 06, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 766
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 ...
Nov 05, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 765
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...
Nov 04, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 764
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 ...
Nov 03, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 763
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 ...
Nov 02, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 762
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 publ...
Nov 01, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 761
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 c...
Oct 31, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 760
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...
Oct 30, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 759
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 seei...
Oct 29, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 758
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 fee...
Oct 28, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 757
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 ...
Oct 27, 2022•2 min•Season 1Ep. 756
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...
Oct 27, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 755
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 g...
Oct 26, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 754
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 deliber...
Oct 25, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 753
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 bas...
Oct 24, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 752
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 s...
Oct 23, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 751
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...
Oct 22, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 750
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 goo...
Oct 21, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 749
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 Conserv...
Oct 20, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 748
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.” “The...
Oct 19, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 747
It feels like something is changing in the country – but is a real shift occurring? A vibe shift, if you will... Poll fiend and senior data journalist at the New Statesman Ben Walker talks to Ros Taylor about whether the political mood of the UK has fundamentally changed, with Brexit, culture wars, climate change and COVID. “If the Labour Party used Take Back Control, it would do well as a slogan.” “Younger Brits are more inclined towards personal, not national, identities. But it's the same thi...
Oct 18, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 746
It’s the first new look Bunker, and as Jeremy Hunt prepares for a big budget announcement, are we ready for Austerity 2.0? And if Liz Truss is really done for, who could replace her as PM? Plus, Trump on trial, and China’s zero COVID response - Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou set out the days ahead. “ Truss now looks like a stress dream made reality.” “ Ben Wallace won ’ t want to take over the Titanic after it ’ s hit the iceberg.” “ No-one with half a brain would want the job of PM now.” “Trump ...
Oct 17, 2022•27 min•Ep. 745
Plenty of us enjoy blasting out a few swear words – but what makes it feel so good? Richard Stephens , a senior lecturer in psychology at Keele University and author of Black Sheep: The Hidden Benefits of Being Bad , tells Jacob Jarvis how swearing can stop pain, make us stronger and help us form closer friendships. “Swearing does appear to make you stronger.” “People are more disinhibited after swearing.” “Swearing can be a social bonding tool.” “You can enjoy a well placed swear word, can’t yo...
Oct 16, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 744
China’s leader Xi Jinping is poised to smash precedent and take on a third term. But how has he consolidated his power? And what role have stringent regional Covid lockdowns played in him tightening his grip? Alex Andreou discusses this with Steve Tsang , director of the SOAS China Institute and regular contributor to the China in Context podcast. “China’s lockdown policy has increased the ability of the communist party to gain control.” “Xi likes the narrative that China is the only country to ...
Oct 16, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 743
If talk of gilt markets, securities, and liabilities leaves you baffled – then fear not, we’ve got you covered. In just twenty minutes, Giles Wilkes, former economics special adviser to Theresa May and Vince Cable and now a senior fellow at the Institute of Government, explains to Alex Andreou what gilts are and why they are at the centre of the current economic storm. “ The gilt market has never reacted this badly to anything in my memory. ” “Interest rates play a billion roles in the economy…t...
Oct 15, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 742
Has France replaced the UK in the so-called ‘special relationship’ with the US? Journalist and European Research Fellow Rym Momtaz talks to Ros Taylor from Paris about the similarities between Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, that awkward AUKUS moment over submarines, and why Macron might become the “Obama of France”… “When Trump was President, Macron tried to set up a bromance.” “It's a misconception that Democrats get along better with their European counterparts.” “Macron is trying to be seen a...
Oct 14, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 741
