The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Delve into the intriguing world of Prince Andrew as his connections to a suspected Chinese spy raise eyebrows. Explore the implications of his controversial social circle amid geopolitical tensions. The hosts also discuss the bitter US healthcare debate and the criticisms surrounding it. From innovative car vending machines to the shifting UK political landscape, get insights into current events. Plus, enjoy seasonal cheer with festive anecdotes and gift ideas. It's a mix of serious commentary and light-hearted reflections!

Jason Hazeley, a sharp comedy writer and co-author of The Centrist Dad Handbook, dives into the intriguing rise of the Centrist Dad phenomenon. He explores how this once-mocked archetype is now a dominant force in politics, including his curious journey to becoming Prime Minister. Hazeley shares personal anecdotes and cultural reflections on centrist ideals, humorously dissecting the blend of reasonableness and cringe-worthy dad jokes that defines this peculiar figure. Tune in for laughs and insights on modern political identities!

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!It’s been a busy time in the USA – so you’d be forgiven for having missed the latest UFO hearings. To help you catch up, Jacob Jarvis spoke to Tom Phillips, co-author of Conspiracy: A History of B*llocks Theories, and How Not to Fall For Them, to discuss what was said and if any of it actually hinted at Alien life…  www.patreon.com/bunkercast   Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Productionhttps://www.podmasters.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A stunning shift unfolds in Syria as Bashar al-Assad's long reign crumbles, igniting celebrations among citizens eager for change. Experts discuss the potential for a unified government and the factionalism that could threaten progress. With tensions rising from international airstrikes, the civilian impact becomes a focal point. Amidst this turmoil, a cautious optimism emerges, highlighting the aspirations for peace and justice as families reunite and the nation seeks a hopeful future.

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!French politics is in turmoil at the moment with President Macron facing pressure over who he names as the nation’s next Prime Minister. Can the different factions in France be brought together? And can Macron fend off his enemies – or might someone else be better suited? Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief of The Economist, joins Ros Taylor to discuss the chaos and what might come of it. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. www.patreon.com/bunkercast   Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!The fall of the Assad regime in Syria is dominating headlines – what does it mean for the future of the country and the region more broadly? Ros Taylor discusses with Jacob Jarvis. Plus, they discuss domestic news including the fallout of Starmer’s reset and a war on NIMBYs. And – France, what’s going on and can Macron weather the political storm?We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. www.patreon.com/bunkercast   Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eliza Filby, a historian and author of *Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad*, dives into the impact of parental financial support on millennials and Gen Z. She highlights how reliance on the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' is intensifying wealth inequality and reshaping the housing market. The discussion also explores how financial support affects marriage dynamics, with educated women struggling to find partners of equal affluence. Filby critiques the notion of meritocracy, revealing deep generational divides that complicate social mobility.

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!How much impact would Musk giving $100 million to Farage and Reform UK have on British politics? And how would such a move be legal – and could it be blocked in any way? Ros Taylor is joined by Peter Geoghegan, author of the Democracy for Sale substack, to discuss how this sort of funding is regulated – and how analogue rules struggle to keep up in a digital world. • “It’s both the money and the might of Musk behind Farage, we’ve never seen a tech oligarch involved in British politics like this.”• “We have very few rules on what you’d call third party campaigning. You can really run and do whatever you want.”• “There are no caps when it comes to donations to a political party – you can give them your house, you can give them everything if you like.”Read Peter’s recent piece on his Democracy for Sale Substack.We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.www.patreon.com/bunkercast   Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Smith, the Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, joins to dissect Kamala Harris's surprising presidential defeat and her potential comeback for 2028. They explore how this loss reflects the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis and the pressures it faces in today's political landscape. The discussion also touches on the challenges unique to women of color in politics and the impact of Biden's recent pardons, revealing the complex narratives of political accountability and the road ahead for Harris and her party.

Patrick Diamond, a former policy advisor to New Labour and now a Professor of Public Policy, dives into Labour's current communication woes. He compares the party's struggle with messaging to the successful strategies of Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell. Diamond discusses the complexities of inheritance tax reforms and the need for clear messaging to regain public confidence. He also highlights Labour’s reactive media strategies, urging a more proactive approach to tackle ethical scandals and reshape public perception.