Burnham drills, Putin the “humanitarian”, skeletons in Westminster? – Weekly Wrap-up with Seth and Zoë
The Bunker – Your daily news Deep DiveSummary
A skeleton discovered in Westminster Abbey, believed to be that of a senior medieval monk, has intrigued historians for over a century. Initially found in 1820 and excavated in 1869, the remains have been dated to between 987 and 1052 AD. Researchers suggest the skeleton may belong to either Wolf Noth or Alf Weege, both of whom were prominent figures in the area during that time.
In political news, UK Energy Secretary Miata Fambola has approved the production of the Jackdaw gas field, a decision that has sparked controversy. While proponents argue it will enhance energy security and create jobs, critics claim it undermines climate change efforts and does little to lower energy costs. The government insists this move is essential for energy independence, especially in light of reduced reliance on Russian oil. Environmentalists, however, remain skeptical, arguing that the decision does not significantly address the pressing need for a transition to renewable energy sources.
In France, protests have escalated following unrest over deteriorating educational conditions, leading to curfews in major cities. The government has struggled to address the root causes of the protests, which began with demands for better school facilities. As violence erupted, political factions have attempted to capitalize on the unrest, with both far-right and far-left parties gaining traction. Meanwhile, allegations of foreign interference from Russia and Iran in these protests have emerged, raising concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming presidential election.
In Australia, Independent MP Helen Haynes was struck by a car in what authorities deem a deliberate attack. Following the incident, both of her legs were amputated, but her family reports she remains in good spirits. This attack highlights a troubling trend of violence against politicians, which has been increasing globally. Lastly, King Charles and other royals commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, a tragic event that claimed 144 lives, including many children, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations in industrial practices.
Show Notes
Looking back on the past seven days… Andy Burnham has finally given the Jackdaw gas field the green light – four years and six energy secretaries after it was first approved. Is the left right to call him a “climate vandal”? Or should he have sided with the right and gone further? Plus: Trump’s Ukraine envoy Steve Witkoff calls Putin a “humanitarian” despite Russia’s alleged war crimes, France’s protests spiral out of control and the King and Queen join emotional commemorations at Aberfan. Zoë Grünewald and Seth Thévoz recap the biggest, strangest and most under-reported stories of the week. • Listen to our Deep Dive about Trump’s midterm meddling. • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast
Written and presented by Zoë Grünewald. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Bunker – Your daily news Deep Dive
The stakes in the US midterm elections could not be higher – and Donald Trump has had six years to learn from his failure to overturn the 2020 presidential vote. Democrats are likely to take control of Congress but Trump has intensified his rhetoric, warning this week that the US will “burn” like France if the House and Senate flip on November 3. Can Trump do anything to stop the expected “blue wave”? Will the US collapse into chaos and accusations of voter fraud if the Republicans lose? Could Trump deploy the military? Will some Americans be prevented from voting at all? Atlantic Staff Writer David Graham joins Zing Tsjeng to explore all these terrifying scenarios – and what’s at stake. • Read David’s prescient midterm prediction piece from last October • Buy David’s book The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America from our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • Listen to American Friction for the latest commentary on US politics • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re obsessed with health and wellness, from fixating on last night’s sleep score to swallowing a cocktail of supplements to stave off every ailment. But is there any real evidence behind the health hacks we’re sold? Are we being very professionally ripped off by Big Wellness – now four times larger than Big Pharma? British doctor and BBC broadcastert Dr Xand van Tulleken spent three years investigating the industry. He joins Emma Kennedy to separate the real science from the snake oil. • Buy Dr Xand van Tulleken’s book Make Me Well: A Quest to Understand the Confusing World of Wellness from our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Emma Kennedy. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Was Rishi Sunak not actually as bad as we remember? No, we haven’t hit our heads… Yes, he led the Conservatives to their worst ever defeat and pandered to the far right with the hopeless Rwanda detention scheme. But he also inherited the wreckage of Liz Truss’s 49 days in power. Was Sunak really doomed from the start? Could a better politician have steadied the ship? And might he be the last ever Tory prime minister? Sir Anthony Seldon, the leading political biographer, joins Seth Thévoz in an attempt to make the case for Sunak.
Setting out the stories of the next seven days… France wakes to scenes of urban destruction straight out of wartime. Are the “cost of living protests” even protests any more, and can lame duck president Emmanuel Macron prevent them from running out of control? Also: Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine deepens, but he’s also supposed to be in court for his case against the BBC. Will he turn up? Plus: A decision on the Jackdaw gas field, Brazil on the verge of electing another Bolsonaro, and the iPhone Duo arrives. Rafael Behr looks at the week ahead with Andrew Harrison. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by James Lidell. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Looking back at the past seven days… Donald Trump pumps billions of dollars into Putin’s war chest by easing sanctions on Russian diesel. Is the world’s most hateful bromance back on, or is it a desperate attempt to sway America before the midterms? Plus: Reform sacks more councillors for making sickening remarks on camera. And Nigel Farage steps in as Robert Jenrick vows to use “lethal force” against small boats crossing the Channel. Zoë Grünewald and Jacob Jarvis recap the biggest, weirdest and most under-reported stories of the week. • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.