The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Alastair McLellan, a veteran journalist focused on the NHS, joins media professional Ros Taylor to dissect the alarming findings of the Lord Darzi review. They explore severe staffing shortages and the impact of past reforms, especially post-pandemic stress on healthcare workers. The discussion delves into the challenges of digital transformation within the NHS, highlighting both the potential of technology and the need for better resource management. Together, they examine pathways for positive change amidst the ongoing crisis.

Carol Vorderman, the former Countdown maths expert and outspoken political commentator, dives into her journey from TV star to political activist. She discusses the backlash she faces from right-wing circles and the challenges of navigating Twitter's hostile landscape. Vorderman shares insights from her new book, proposing ways to mend 'broken Britain' and critiquing media elitism. Amidst the chaos, she emphasizes women's mobilization for safety and rights, and acknowledges the power of grassroots activism in reshaping politics.

Wolfgang Munchau, an expert in European politics and director at Eurointelligence, joins Ros Taylor to dissect the nuanced UK-Germany relationship post-Brexit. They discuss the historical context and recent political shifts, highlighting challenges in Germany's coalition government. Munchau emphasizes the significance of youth exchanges over immigration and explores the complexities of the Ukraine conflict affecting ties. Additionally, the conversation addresses Germany's new border controls and the necessity of cultural exchange to foster better understanding between nations.

Daniel Levy, a former advisor to Israeli governments with extensive experience in peace negotiations, joins Gavin Esler to dissect the intricate dynamics of the ongoing Gaza conflict. They discuss what a potential ceasefire might look like amidst deep-rooted humanitarian crises. Levy critiques the political motivations of Israeli leadership and the role of Hamas within the context of Palestinian resistance. He also highlights the challenges of U.S. diplomatic efforts and examines the shifting international influence that complicates pathways to peace.

A shocking second assassination attempt on Donald Trump is set to dominate the election narrative, raising questions about its impact on the campaign. Meanwhile, Labour's pivotal conference looms, with tensions around Starmer's meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. The intense Conservative leadership contest heats up as four candidates vie for power, and the UK's military stance on Ukraine adds another layer to the political landscape. Plus, a deep dive into the Murdoch family's complex legal drama highlights the intersection of media and familial ambition.

Hannah Fearn speaks with Pete Apps, a housing journalist and author who tackles critical issues in construction, about the recent Grenfell Tower inquiry report. They discuss the shocking systemic failures that led to the tragedy, emphasizing that the 72 deaths were preventable. The conversation reveals how political narratives misrepresented safety regulations and highlights urgent lessons for reforming building codes. They stress the need for accountability and a robust regulatory framework to prioritize public safety and prevent similar disasters in the future.

While America may be Britain’s most important ally, we are just one of many special relationships the US maintains worldwide. How has the nature of our relationship changed over the decades? And how might it differ under a Harris or Trump presidency? In the fourth episode of our Foreign Affairs mini-series, Gavin Esler discusses the past and future of UK-US relations with Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist Gideon Rachman.  We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Harris and Trump’s election debate clash, do you want to know what actually mattered from their showdown? In a teaser for our sibling podcast American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones are joined by Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, to discuss the highs, lows and the facts and lies from the event.  Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, you’ll find out everything you need to know, in plain English. Listen here.    We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  We’re on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod Follow us on social media: TwitterInstagram TikTokWritten and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hear a lot about the personalities of infamous figures like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un – but relatively little about one of the most powerful people in the world: Xi Jinping. Who is Xi, how did he get to where he is today, and what does he want? To find out, Ros Taylor talks to Michael Sheridan, whose new book The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China charts the leader’s incredible rise to power. Buy The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US presidential debates are part spectacle, part showdown, and sometimes total sh*tshow. What is it about American politics that lends itself to these televised debates, and how have they evolved over time? Ahead of the Harris-Trump debate, Seth Alexander Thévoz spoke to Alan Schroeder, emeritus professor in the School of Journalism at Northeastern University and author of Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail, about the weird history of US presidential debates. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Seth Alexander Thévoz. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices