Take Me Home

Hilary and Sebastian explore the rise of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and whether banning everyday behaviours undermines community responsibility, before diving into the pros and cons of citizens’ assemblies and their role in modern politics.Recommendations:The End of Politicians - Brett HennigCheck out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary and Sebastian discuss the Green Party's attempt to soften their controversial policies and Reform’s “vibes over detail” approach. What are voters really responding to on the doorstep? How can parties adapt as they chase mainstream appeal?They also take a serious look at maternity care in the UK, breaking down the causes behind maternal deaths and what needs to change to improve outcomes.Recommendations:Bricking It - Charlie WinstanleyCheck out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

In this episode of Take Me Home, Sebastian and Hilary discuss whether trade union power is really making a comeback or if today’s headlines are misleading. They explore the shift from collective action to individual rights and what that means for workers and businesses. Plus, a debate on free speech and state power following the UK’s decision to deny Kanye West a visa.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

With Dr Ken McLaughlin, Hilary and Sebastian unpack how social forces shape mental health, from race and diagnosis to medicalising everyday life, and the trade-off between liberty and intervention.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:Heart of Darkness - Joseph ConradI Swear (dir. Kirk Jones)John's Not MadStrangers and Intimates - Tiffany Jenkins

After Denby announced there is a risk of the British company collapsing, Sebastian suggests ways we might reinvent our manufacturing sector. Hilary looks at the recent inflation figures. The way they are measured tells us something interesting about our changing society.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Jacob Reynolds, policy director at MCC Brussels who attempts to answer the question of what role sovereignty will play in a new political settlement.Check out the SDP website or get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:Vassal State - Angus HantonMCC Brussels PodcastThe Academy Summer CampLiving Freedom Summer School

In this episode of Take Me Home, Sebastian Moore and Hilary Salt discuss two major issues shaping politics today.First, they examine the escalating conflict involving Iran, the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and what the situation means for global energy supplies and Britain’s national interest. They debate whether the UK should support intervention abroad or focus on a more cautious, non-interventionist approach.They also turn to domestic politics, looking at the Courts and Tribunals Bill and the proposal to restrict jury trials. The conversation explores why jury trials matter, their historical roots in Magna Carta, and the wider implications for trust, democracy and the justice system.Along the way they reflect on the recent Gorton and Denton by-election, upcoming local elections, and the broader challenges facing Britain today.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/sebastianmooresdp/https://www.facebook.com/people/Sebastian-Moore/61560022995037/#https://www.tiktok.com/@sebastianmooresdp

Hilary and Sebastian talk to author Dolan Cummings about what belonging means in the UK in 2026. What does the Raise the flag movement signify and can we talk about faith, flag, and family without veering into fascism? In a welcome return to Culture Club, Gilbert and Sullivan make a repeat appearance and we hear a poem from a 12th century monk.Dolan’s substack: https://dolancummings.substack.com/Dolan’s latest book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pictish-Princess-stories-before-Scotland-ebook/dp/B0C69XCZFBScottish Religious Poetry: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Religious-Poetry-Century-Present/dp/071520775XHMS Pinafore at the ENO: https://www.eno.org/operas/hms-pinafore/Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary Salt and Sebastian Moore explore the current political landscape in the UK and ask whether social democracy is needed now more than ever. Each week, they will look at important stories, attempt to offer solutions to the many crises, and share their suggestions for books, films, and events that have impacted their lives.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary Salt and Sebastian Moore explore the current political landscape in the UK and ask whether social democracy is needed now more than ever. Each week, they will look at important stories, attempt to offer solutions to the many crises, and share their suggestions for books, films, and events that have impacted their lives.Check out the SDP website or get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.uk

In a special Christmas edition of Take Me Home, Hilary and Sebastian hand out their own awards for the best politician, the best speech and many others.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian and Hilary talk with Dr Richard Johnson about his new YouGov poll on sovereignty — and what it really tells us about Brexit. Richard explains why public frustration isn’t about wanting to rejoin the EU, but about the UK failing to use the powers Brexit returned. They explore the 20 policy areas tested, the strong cross-party support for national decision-making, and why labels like “leave” and “remain” hide a deeper consensus.Recommendations:YouGov Sovereignty Poll Results: https://sovereignuk.org/sovereignty-bombshell-poll/Battle of Ideas: https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

In this episode of Take Me Home, Sebastian Moore and Hillary Salt are joined by Ed Rennie, co-founder of Climate Debate UK, to explore climate change, energy policy, and the politics surrounding both. Ed unpacks the complexities of climate science, separating evidence from opinion, and examines the nuances within IPCC reports, including areas of consensus and ongoing debate. He critiques alarmist narratives and the misrepresentation of scientific authority while highlighting practical solutions like a "gas to nuclear" energy strategy. The discussion also touches on the real-world implications of energy policy, net zero targets, and public understanding of climate issues, emphasizing reasoned debate over ideological groupthink.Recommendations:Climate change homework:LSE - Grantham Institute debunking of Climate the Movie: https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitu...Link to Climate the Movie:    • Climate The Movie (The Real Truth)   Christopher Booker's Case Study in Groupthink: https://thegwpf.org/publications/new-... Direct PDF link: https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploa... Energy Abundance - SDP Green PaperCulture Club:Hercules the Musical: https://www.herculesthemusical.co.uk/Mythos by Stephen Fry https://www.waterstones.com/book/myth...The Gold: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...Brave New World: https://www.waterstones.com/book/brav...Redeeming Economics: John D Mueller: Redeeming Economics by John D. Mueller | WaterstonesGet in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.uksdp.org.uk

In this episode of Take Me Home, Hilary and Sebastian speak with international relations lecturer Tara McCormack about Britain’s foreign policy since 1945. They explore how the “special relationship” with the United States has shaped Britain’s global role, why foreign policy has remained outside democratic control, and what a more independent approach might look like.Get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:Buffy - https://www.itv.com/watch/buffy-the-vampire-slayer/10a5896Bluey - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000vbrk/blueyMoulin Rouge - https://moulinrougemusical.co.uk/world-tour/

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by veteran Labour MP Graham Stringer. Graham has represented the Blackley area in North Manchester since 1997, and before that led Manchester city council. He has a reputation for being straight-talking and independent, especially on issues such as Brexit and climate change.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian gives an update on the new towns proposed by the Labour government. Will they be nice places where people want to live? Hilary questions the current way of assessing the amount of council tax people pay and explains what the government is doing to fix it.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian looks at what's going on in Texas. Hilary asks if Brits still want to be outside of the EU?Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Tom Slater, editor at spiked-online. We ask Tom what Spiked is all about and whether it has lost its left-wing roots. We explore how old ideas of left and right might be redundant but principles like free speech, democracy and a better life for ordinary working people are still important. We move on to the Online Safety Act and its effect on journalism and on discussion more widely. And we ask are we one hot summer evening away from civil revolt? In Culture Club, Sebastian is enthusiastic about his ParkRun at The Eden Project. And Tom has recommended reading.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:https://www.spiked-online.comKurt Vonnegut: Cat's Cradlehttps://www.edenproject.com/

Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert is an educator, academic, author and campaigner who heads up the advocacy group Don't Divide Us. She makes the case that the Equality Act is doing more harm than good.Get in touch: [email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:The Equality Act Isn't Working (Don't Divide Us Report)

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Philip Cunliffe to discuss his new book, The National Interest: Politics After Globalization. The conversation explored his central argument that applying the test of national interest to every political issue could reshape the country’s future. Should we intervene in wars and famines abroad? What defines our nation in the first place?Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]: The National Interest: Politics After Globalization - Philip Cunliffe https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=the-national-interest-politics-after-globalization--9781509561100

Sebastian shares his recent experience at the Living Freedom conference which helps him to understand the issue surrounding Bob Vylan's comments on the stage at Glastonbury. Hilary looks at the recent vote on the Government's attempts to reform the welfare system.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian and Hilary both share their recent experience of a conference which suggested that the left can make a success of Brexit. Hilary also talks about the struggles at the heart of the British economy.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Adam Williams, the SDP's new Campaigns Organiser. They discuss the requirement for employers to produce an action plan on their gender pay gap. Sebastian asks whether we really want Boris Johnson back. Adam looks at the cuts to the funding for medical courses.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Jan Macvarish, Events Director at the Free Speech Union, joins Hilary and Sebastian to discuss the work she's involved and why it's more important than ever to defend the right to freedom of speech.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:Bearded Theory Festival: https://beardedtheory.co.uk/Democrafest: https://www.democrafest.co.uk/The Fifth Step - https://sohoplace.org/shows/the-fifth-step/

Hilary looks at the ever growing problem of students using large laguage models to help them with assignments. Sebastian shares his recent experience of Norway's Constitution Day and gets a little help from a special guest, Stine Nygaard.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian explains what's in the UK-EU pact and is particularly interested in the e-gates. Hilary has been looking at David Gauke's prison review.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Author Ben Cobley joins Hilary and Sebastian to discuss his book The Progress Trap. He explains why so many progressives think the rest of the world needs to catch up with them.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:The Progress Trap - Ben Cobley: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=9781509567621SDP members can get 40% off by using the discount code in the newsletter.The Tribe - Ben CobleyThe Flashman Series - George MacDonald FraserThe Power Broker - Robert Caro

Following on from a period of elections in the UK, Australia, and Canada, Sebastian looks at different voting systems and asks if there is a better way. Hilary shares feedback from viewers.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Tanya de Grunwald, HR commentator and host of the This Isn't Working podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@This-Isnt-Working. They discuss where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion went wrong and why it's not as clear cut as you might think.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian looks at the recent debate between Douglas Murray and Dave Smith about the Isreal-Gaza war and asks if podcasts are starting to deteriorate. Hilary explains how the labour force numbers are measured.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

In a special St George’s Day edition, Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Professor Peter Ramsay, Professor of Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science.We discuss the meaning of the nation. Why have our political classes embraced a global approach to everything, preferring Davos to Westminster? Do ordinary citizens by contrast still value the concept of a sovereign nation state? Is the debate on a Great Repeal Act useful? Can we reclaim the nation in a way that revives a true democratic spirit?In Culture Club, lest anyone think the episode is too England-centric, Peter talks about new folk music including Scotland’s Ryan Young.Get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:The Northern Star blog: https://thenorthernstar.online/Taking Control: Sovereignty and Democracy After Brexit : https://amzn.eu/d/897CVkmForthcoming book: The National Interest: Politics After Globalization: Philip Cunliffe: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=the-national-interest-politics-after-globalization–9781509561100The Rise and Fall of the British Nation: A Twentieth-Century History: David Edgerton: https://amzn.eu/d/fMsUdxTRyan YoungThe Bird’s Nest/’S Iomadh Run A’Chunnaic Mi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk8zy9kpVc0Spiro:The City and the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2V0z5Ke24E

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Dr Philip Kiszely, a cultural historian and political commentator. They discuss the recent supreme court ruling on the definition of a woman as well as what led us to this point. Philip struggles with the idea of separating art from the artist. In Culture Club, Sebastian summarises the Christian holiday of Easter and Philip shares his love of detective novels.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:https://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/

With so many of the world's ships being made in Asia, what can we do to catch up? After the Supreme Court's ruling that the definition of a woman should be based on biological sex, Hilary suggests what impact this may have on single sex spaces.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Sebastian takes on the controversial issue of bicycle lanes, asking whether we should be making it more difficult for cars. Hilary gives her opinion on companies deciding to float in the US.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected] Hitchens on cars: https://thelampmagazine.com/blog/the-great-god-zil

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Baroness Fox of Buckley who argues that the House of Lords must be abolished if we want a democratic system. She also suggests how she would reform government if given a magic wand. In Culture Club, Hilary shares her new found passion and Claire brings a TV series that should appeal to SDP minded people.Get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/Yellowstone - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80238738Girl - Edna O'Brien

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Alastair Donald, co-convenor of the Battle of Ideas and Organiser of Living Freedom. Alastair discusses the 'vibe shift' and how politics has changed since Donald Trump was re-elected last year.Fantastic Opportunity for 18-30s: We are sponsoring two fully funded places at the Living Freedom summer school for Take Me Home listeners. Listen to the podcast to find out how to apply and two applicants chosen by Alastair will attend this prestigious event over three days in London for free.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:https://livingfreedom.org.uk/https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/https://debatingmatters.com/https://www.jonathanbaz.com/2025/03/witness-review.htmlhttps://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/siena-the-rise-of-painting

In light of the World Happiness Report being published, Sebastian asks what makes a country happy. Hilary explains what was in Rachel Reeves' spring statement.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Adam Hibbert, the SDP's Head of Policy. Adam explains where policy comes from and how a party's democracy should emulate that of its ideal for the political system.In Culture Club, Sebastian recalls his visit to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and Adam shares his thoughts on Adolescence.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]: Liverpool Art Gallery, Adolescene (Netflix)

Sebastian explains why some Labour MPs are calling for a wealth tax. Hilary shines a light on the Romanian presidential election after the front runner was barred from standing.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by William Matthews, a leading expert on China. William explains how China's growing power will affect the international order and what the UK can do to best deal with the country.In Culture Club, Hilary looks at Manchester's most beautiful building and William shares his love of action figures.Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, [email protected], [email protected]:Manchester Town Hall - https://www.manchester.gov.uk/ourtownhallWarlord Games - https://store.warlordgames.com/Warhammer - https://www.warhammer.com/en-GB/home

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by SDP Leader, William Clouston, who asks whether we actually want a trade deal with the US. He goes on to explain why he's against the Chagos Islands deal and tells the hosts the story of the SDP's rebirth.Get in touch:⁠⁠https://sdp.org.uk/⁠⁠[email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Sebastian shares his experience of a community group where he lives and asks how we can strengthen our sense of place? Hilary explains what is in the Employment Rights bill that is making its way through parliament.Get in touch:⁠https://sdp.org.uk/⁠[email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Henry Bolton who shares the story of his political journey. We discuss how the UK lacks any political vision and consider whether playing an independent role on the world stage in organisations such as the OSCE might be part of reforging a diplomatic role for the UK and a way to create that future vision.In Culture Club, we discuss Shrove Tuesday - or is it Pancake Tuesday? Why do we eat pancakes and how do you like yours? And we think about the therapeutic benefits of oil painting. Get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.uk

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by SDP Chair, Stephen Balogh, as he gives his views on how transport can be improved. In Culture Club, there are pilgrims and folk singers.

In our stand-alone news section, Sebastian looks at the minerals deal the US is trying to sign with Ukraine and Hilary explains why energy bills are rising.

In our new stand-alone news section, Sebastian gets very excited about JD Vance's speech to the Munich Security Conference. Hilary worries about the number of people claiming sickness benefit in the UK.

SDP member Dickie Fletcher discusses free speech issues; self censorship, state overreach and how this reduces our resilience. In Culture Club, we appreciate brass bands, and audio books including JD Vance's Hillbilly Elegy.Get in touch:https://sdp.org.uk/[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:https://www.blackdykeband.co.uk/Brassed Off (1996)Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. VanceA History of Christianity - Diarmaid MacCulloch

Hilary dissects the scandal involving Labour MPs' messages on a WhatsApp group. Sebastian explains the difference between asylum seeker and refugee. Ron Brown joins the hosts to argue for more choice in adult care. And in Bring Me Solutions, there are pirates, uncontacted tribes, and Cillian Murphy.Check out the SDP website or get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:Pirates of Penzance (English National Opera)Small Things Like These (2024)The Mission (2023)

Sebastian shares the potentially good news about the latest Large Language Model. Hilary has mixed feelings about the Government's infrastructure announcements. In Bring Me Solutions, Alex Moore joins the hosts to reflect on his experience as a small-business owner. And in Culture Book, it's time for Hygge.Check out the SDP website or get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:Hygge Cafes: https://www.hyggecafes.com/The Little Book of Hygge - Meik WikingNutcracker in Havana: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/136//carlos-acosta-s-nutcracker-in-havana

In a change up to the order, Joan Kennedy joins the podcast to explain how she is trying to improve public discourse about politics through her group Politics in Pubs. In Culture Club, Burns night and Incredible Edible are the topics of discussion. For the stories that caught their eye this week, Hilary looks at the impact working from home is having on the economy and Sebastian explains what quangos are. Check out the SDP website or get in touch:[email protected]@sdp.org.uk Recommendations: Politics in Pubs - www.politicsinpubs.org.uk Incredible Edible - https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/