Britain and America’s link is often called the “special relationship”. But is it that special anymore – or is it actually pretty one-sided? Angus Hanton is a businessman and entrepreneur and the author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain. He argues that the relationship has changed for the worse – and that Britain has become the 51st state of the United States at great cost to its economy. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss.
Buy Vassal State: How America Runs Britain 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’re being taken over at scale and the government doesn’t care.” – Angus Hanton
• “I think this has contributed to our impoverishment and higher tax rates.” – Angus Hanton
If you want more US politics – listen to our new podcast American Friction, out every Friday in the run up to November’s election. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit,
Support us on Patreon.
Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. 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
“The most shambolic campaign launch in history” – Steve Richards on Election ’24
India votes – Why the biggest election in history matters to you
Extreme Economics – What monetarism meant for Britain, with ex-Thatcher’s advisor Tim Lankester
Why is everyone suddenly an expert? (Even when they’re not)
Iranian helicopter crash, infected blood scandal – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou
The quality of Mersey – Why The Boys From The Blackstuff still matters
The Kremlin court – how Putin’s inner circle keeps him in power
Why Britain's spy problem is getting worse – with ex-MI6 boss Nigel Inkster
Will bird flu be the next big pandemic? – Alex Andreou asks Prof. Devi Sridhar
Britain abroad – Why do we have such a bad reputation?
Rishi Sunak, Prophet of Doom – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison
Does politics need a bit more swearing?
Iron Lad – How Thatcherite is Starmer really?
Foregone delusion – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis
The fandom menace – How politics is shaped by obsessives
Extra: A taster of American Friction
“I watched Fox News for a week… here’s what I found out.”
Why Donald Trump is truly a cult leader
Having a laugh? Why satire won't die – with impressionist Jan Ravens
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Origin Story
The News Agents
Coffee House Shots
Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
Newscast