Novara Media Downstream: 2025: What Actually Happened? w/ Ash Sarkar and Aaron Bastani
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Dec 29, 2025 
Ash Sarkar is joined by Aaron Bastani, a political commentator and co-founder of Novara Media, for a deep dive into the tumultuous events of 2025. They discuss the complexities surrounding potential ceasefires in Ukraine and the implications of nuclear non-proliferation failures for global stability. The duo also tackles Britain's shifting political landscape regarding immigration and critiques Labour's recent budget. Additionally, they explore the rise of new left parties and make bold predictions for the political climate in 2026.
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A New, Harsher Containment In Gaza
- Gaza's ceasefire is one‑sided and aid remains restricted, producing unlivable conditions under Israeli containment.
- Ash Sarkar argues Israel has learned to pursue ever‑stricter containment while retaining tactical control.
Immigration Became A Cultural Flashpoint
- Immigration's political salience has risen and is now framed as cultural identity, not just numbers or economics.
- Ash Sarkar says this shift fuels symbolic politics and broad public discontent with current migration patterns.
Fertility, Not Just Migration, Drives Demographics
- Britain has endured long‑term below‑replacement fertility that migration alone won't reverse.
- Aaron Bastani argues policy must focus on supporting families rather than relying on stopping migration to solve demographic decline.
