The Real Story of Small Boat Crossings from Journalist & Broadcaster Horatio Clare

Horatio Clare is one of Britain’s most captivating writers and broadcasters. From trekking across two continents following the migration of swallows, to voyaging on container ships, to writing about mental health and the natural world, his work is rooted in curiosity, humanity, and a deep urge to understand the world around us.In this episode, we dive into his brand new book We Came by Sea – a fearless exploration of migration across the English Channel and the stories of those who are helping in what Horatio hails as one of the great search and rescue operations of all time. Horatio talks about immersing himself in both sides of the debate, from spending time in right-wing pubs to listening on the ground in Dover. He shares what he witnessed first-hand at the frontline of Britain’s migration crisis, and why he believes current government policies are not just failing but wasting money.We also step behind the curtain of his writing life: how he shapes ideas, the craft of putting words to paper, and why writing remains for him both an art and an act of public service. For more information on Horatio and his books: https://horatioclarewriter.com/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentioned in the Conversation:Horatio's BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Into The West': https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h9npGet in contact:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahCHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:47 The Welsh Coastline09:17 What it means to be Welsh12:10 British Journalism & their tactics16:07 Horatio's interest in the Dover crossings18:39 Pushbacks21:08 Nigel Farage's vision22:34 Dover's 'Boom-town'24:47 Refugees not assylum seekers or migrants27:35 Making refugee soldiers29:05 The true cost of border enforcement31:31 Other countries methods33:38 Tom witnessing boat crossings35:45 They believe Britain isn't racist37:30 Volunteers looking after welfare41:00 Comparisons between mental health system and asylum43:01 What does it mean to be British?47:41 Horatio's craft as a writer51:34 Research in travel literature55:49 Lessons from Anna Gavalda58:32 Writing from a container ship