43. HS2 and Tony Blair

Cheryl Hudson: 250 Years of Freedom

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, what does the Fourth of July actually mean, and what does it tell us about the state of the USA today? In this episode of Take Me Home, Sebastian Moore and Hilary Salt are joined by Dr Cheryl Hudson, lecturer in US political history at the University of Liverpool, to explore the origins of the Declaration of Independence, the ideas that shaped the American republic, and how successive generations have interpreted the nation's founding. Recommendations: The Odyssey - Homer, Daniel Mendelsohn (Translator): https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464703/the-odyssey-by-mendelsohn-homer-and-daniel/9780241733592 The Lost Continent - Bill Bryson: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/326423/the-lost-continent-by-bill-bryson/9781784161804 Check out the SDP website or get in touch: www.sdp.org.uk hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

46. Starmer Gone and Migrant Protests

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

Frank Furedi: In Defence of Populism

Sebastian and Hilary are joined by sociologist and author Frank Furedi to discuss his book In Defence of Populism. They explore what populism actually means, why it is so often misunderstood, and how it relates to democracy, identity, and representation. The conversation also touches on elite culture, education, and the growing sense that many people feel politically unheard. Recommendations: In Defence of Populism [https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=in-defence-of-populism--9781509571673] Frank's Substack [https://frankfuredi.substack.com/] The Madison [https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/the-madison/] The Count of Monte Cristo [https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-count-of-monte-cristo] Check out the SDP website or get in touch: www.sdp.org.uk hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

45. Resignations and Palantir

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

44. World Cup and Pubs

The World Cup is just days away, and this week, Sebastian asks whether the tournament is exposing some uncomfortable truths about modern America. From eye-watering ticket prices and transport costs to the controversy surrounding New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, he explores the online clash between European and American approaches to cities, transport, and public spaces. Hilary turns her attention closer to home and discusses the decline of the British pub. With hundreds of pubs facing closure, rising costs, new regulations, and changing habits, are we in danger of losing one of the country's most important social institutions? Check out the SDP website or get in touch: www.sdp.org.uk hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk