The Bunker – News without the nonsense

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.

This week, the hosts tackle Keir Starmer's political maneuvers, dissecting the fine line between rebranding and genuine change. They dive into Trump's global outreach at Mar-a-Lago and the ripple effects of his diplomatic approach. The unfolding turmoil in Russia and its economic decline comes into focus, especially in light of the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, they address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, paired with an unexpected discussion on UFO sightings and their potential implications for national security.

Annie Gray, author of "The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker," passionately explores the decline of Britain's high streets, emphasizing their historical role as community hubs. She discusses the evolution of retail from medieval markets to modern shopping, highlighting the cultural significance of coffee houses and china shops. Gray also examines the rise of superstores and the challenges local businesses face today, urging listeners to appreciate the potential for revitalization in these iconic spaces.

Join ITV News's UK Editor Paul Brand, who covers pivotal issues, and Coco Khan, a prominent political commentator, as they tackle the heated assisted dying debate. They discuss the ethical implications and public sentiment surrounding new legislation. The conversation also touches on the audacious idea of Jeremy Clarkson spearheading a populist party. With a mix of humor and serious reflection, they explore the need for authentic representation in politics while navigating the complexities of modern political communication.

Jamie Tahsin and Matt Shea, journalists and co-authors of "Clown World," dive into the intriguing landscape of the manosphere and its impact on young male voters. They dissect how figures like Andrew Tate have reshaped political views, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's appeal. The discussion unpacks the irony of self-proclaimed rebels like Tate thriving in mainstream media and explores the challenges leftist groups face in resonating with this demographic. Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of online culture and politics.

Derek Robertson, a contributor to Politico, dives into the darker implications of The Matrix's red pill symbolism. He discusses how this iconic film's original critique of capitalism has been twisted by extremist groups to fuel harmful ideologies. The conversation also touches on the Wachowskis' perspectives on their creation being misappropriated and the growing influence of right-wing narratives. Plus, he explores the film's complex themes of disillusionment and its broader cultural impact in today's political landscape.

The podcast dives into the heated debate over assisted dying, addressing the ethical dilemmas and political divides surrounding the bill. MPs are split on the issue, raising concerns about oversight and the necessity for better palliative care. It also highlights the latest news from COP29 and a crackdown on benefits reform. Additionally, discussions include the UK’s stance on Ukraine amidst cybersecurity threats, migration, and an intriguing art sale involving a banana, prompting reflections on societal values.