The Bunker – News without the nonsense No Money Mo' Problems – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Nov 24, 2025
Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and political commentator, joins to dissect the UK's looming budget and its potential impacts. He dives into Labour's approach to avoid austerity and the implications for leaders Starmer and Reeves. The discussion touches on a controversial US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine and reflects on COP30's failure to tackle fossil fuel issues. Behr also explores the dynamics in MAGA politics, highlighting Trump's attraction to successful figures. Insightful and engaging!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tax Rise Is Political Reality
- Rachel Reeves must raise taxes despite prior promises because the fiscal situation demands it.
- The broad direction of the budget is clear even if specific measures remain uncertain.
Avoiding Austerity While Controlling Spending
- Labour will try to avoid repeating 2010-style austerity while showing spending is under control.
- Expect tight departmental envelopes and manoeuvres around benefits rather than broad cuts.
Two‑Child Cap And Treasury 'Efficiency'
- The two‑child limit on benefits is likely to be ended while the Treasury pledges savings elsewhere.
- 'Efficiency savings' are politically convenient but vague about actual cuts or savings.