I’m steel standing! — Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Apr 14, 2025
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Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and political analyst, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect current political events. They analyze the ongoing chaos surrounding Trump's tariffs and the intricate tensions in U.S.-China trade relations. Behr sheds light on Britain’s diplomatic strategies amid a crisis in its steel industry. The conversation highlights the challenges the UK faces with China and the evolving political landscape. Additionally, they address the complexities of recent deportation cases and the ramifications for political activism and voter sentiment.
The podcast highlights the internal conflicts within the Trump administration over tariff policies, reflecting a battle between traditional business interests and radical ideologies.
It examines the UK’s struggle to maintain trade relations amid high tariffs and reduced significance in U.S. trade priorities, particularly regarding its steel industry.
Deep dives
Current Tariff Situation and Internal Conflicts
The podcast analyzes the ongoing tariff situation between the United States and China, highlighting a temporary pause that has led to public confusion. Despite the pause, U.S. tariffs remain significantly higher than before, indicating a continuing trade war sparked by the U.S. Officials have debated potential exemptions for high-tech imports, particularly concerning companies like Apple, suggesting a battle within the Trump administration between traditional business interests and more radical ideologies advocating for strict tariffs. The contrasting views reflect internal administration struggles, where some argue for maintaining vital import routes for U.S. economy stability, while others push aggressive tariff policies that could jeopardize international trade.
UK's Diplomatic Strategy Amidst Tariff Challenges
The podcast discusses the British government's approach to navigating the complex landscape created by U.S. tariff policies, wherein Keir Starmer's cautious strategy seems to emphasize maintaining diplomatic channels with the Trump administration. While some view Starmer's method as sensible, the host notes that it hasn't significantly improved Britain's trade relations, pointing to existing high tariffs and the lack of negotiable terms. The UK's position is further complicated due to its diminished significance in the eyes of U.S. trade priorities, overshadowed by larger players like the EU and China. Because of this, the podcast posits that the UK's influence may be less impactful than hoped, requiring constant recalibration of expectations.
Domestic Challenges Facing British Steel
The conversation shifts to the British steel industry and the recent government intervention regarding Scunthorpe Steel, which has devolved into an effective form of nationalization. The government has taken control due to worries over maintaining steel production capacity, crucial for national interests, amid fears of economic manipulation by the Chinese owners. As the podcast mentions, while this emergency move aims to stabilize production, the long-term viability of such government involvement is uncertain. Ultimately, the emphasis is on urgent actions needed to preserve steel manufacturing capacity while navigating complex stakeholder dynamics within a challenging economic context.
U.S. Immigration Policy and Political Ramifications
Finally, the podcast delves into the ongoing, controversial deportations under the Trump administration, highlighting a recent case where a man was wrongfully deported, prompting broader discussions about the legality and morality of current immigration practices. The individual’s deportation reflects systemic issues within immigration enforcement that some commentators describe as arbitrariness concerning constitutional rights. Additionally, there are concerns that such practices could provoke backlash against the administration, as public protests rise against perceived injustices in immigration policy and governance. As the podcast notes, while the left increasingly organizes against these actions, the challenge remains in translating grassroots movements into a coherent political force capable of impacting policy.
The Trump tariff mayhem rolls on and back at home steel is grabbing the headlines. What’s going on now and how will these stories develop? Rafael Behr joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss all this and more in Start Your Week.
We are sponsored by Indeed. Go toIndeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.
Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Rafael Behr. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.
