The Bunker – News without the nonsense ICE, ICE Badenoch — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler
Oct 6, 2025
Gavin Esler, an experienced journalist and author, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the latest moves from Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative Party. They debate the feasibility of her US-style immigration proposals and the party's relevance amid dwindling membership. Esler explores the risks of strict policing measures and calls out potential leadership turmoil ahead. The discussion extends globally, addressing everything from geopolitical ties with India to the impact of the Ukraine conflict. Insightful and engaging, their conversation delves into the complexities of modern politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Conservative Conference Irrelevance
- Gavin Esler argues Conservative conference felt irrelevant because parties no longer attract mass membership and speak mostly to themselves.
- He links their decline to taking voters for granted and a string of ineffective leaders reducing public engagement.
Bold Migration Plans Risk Big Problems
- Esler says Kemi Badenoch's proposals (leaving ECHR, ICE-style deportations) feel impractical and risk reopening complex agreements like the Good Friday Agreement.
- He doubts her diplomatic capacity and suggests these plans are politically risky and likely unworkable.
Reform's Rise Exposes Tory Weakness
- Esler warns the Conservatives are losing coherence while Reform appears more coherent and attractive to voters.
- He suggests the Conservatives struggle to rebuild and may face quicker leadership challenges due to poor polls.
