HS2 was supposed to transform Britain's rail network. Instead, it has become a symbol of delay, spiralling costs, and a state that struggles to deliver major projects.

In this episode, Sebastian and Hilary examine what went wrong with HS2, from its original vision to its current reality. They discuss why infrastructure projects cost so much in Britain, whether the country can still build ambitious projects, and what a better long-term vision for rail might look like.

They also analyse Tony Blair's recent essay on the "radical centre", the reaction it provoked, and what the debate reveals about growth, democracy, expertise, and political leadership. Can Britain still think big, build big, and govern effectively? Or are our problems deeper than any single railway line?

Recommendations:

Joshi Hermann on Andy Burnham

Check out the SDP website or get in touch:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@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:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@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.

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 Hennig

Check out the SDP website or get in touch:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@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 Winstanley

Check out the SDP website or get in touch:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@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:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@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:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

Recommendations:

Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

I Swear (dir. Kirk Jones)

John's Not Mad

Strangers 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:

www.sdp.org.uk

hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk

sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk