The Bunker – News without the nonsense Gov will tear us apart – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Nov 17, 2025
Rafael Behr, a sharp political columnist, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the chaotic landscape of UK politics. They delve into the controversial asylum proposals and the risks of a hardline migration approach. Behr scrutinizes Keir Starmer's leadership vulnerabilities amidst budget confusion and mixed messaging. The duo also touches on Trump's shifting stances, particularly regarding the Epstein files, and explores the chilling dynamics of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as winter looms. Plus, an eye-opening critique of Amazon's advertising mirrors today's loneliness.
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Don't Rely On The Home Office To Deliver
- Question whether the Home Office can build the huge bureaucracy needed to review refugees every 2.5 years.
- Be cautious about relying on the Home Office to execute complex, large-scale administrative reforms.
Leadership Crisis Colors Every Policy Move
- Leadership rumours now focus on the timing and method of replacing Keir Starmer, not if it will happen.
- Behr says this lens makes government actions seem like succession positioning and weakens the PM.
Delegation Masks Lack Of Cohesive Purpose
- Starmer appointed Shabana Mahmood to be a tough Home Secretary and now lets her lead on migration.
- Behr sees this as consistent with his 'chairman of the board' style but lacking a cohesive personal priority.