The Bunker – News without the nonsense Gov will tear us apart – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Nov 17, 2025
Rafael Behr, a sharp political columnist, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the chaotic landscape of UK politics. They delve into the controversial asylum proposals and the risks of a hardline migration approach. Behr scrutinizes Keir Starmer's leadership vulnerabilities amidst budget confusion and mixed messaging. The duo also touches on Trump's shifting stances, particularly regarding the Epstein files, and explores the chilling dynamics of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as winter looms. Plus, an eye-opening critique of Amazon's advertising mirrors today's loneliness.
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Refugee Status Made Conditional
- Labour's asylum plan reframes refugee status as conditional, with reviews for up to 20 years.
- Rafael Behr warns this is a dramatic conceptual shift that will provoke major debate within Labour.
Tough Signal May Backfire Politically
- The government frames tough asylum measures as preventing 'darker forces' from rising.
- Behr argues signalling control increases issue salience and may empower the radical right.
Don't Rely On The Home Office To Deliver
- Question whether the Home Office can build the huge bureaucracy needed to review refugees every 2.5 years.
- Be cautious about relying on the Home Office to execute complex, large-scale administrative reforms.