James argues the digital ID U-turn doesn’t deserve the hysterical coverage that Westminster lobby journalists have been giving it. Martin concludes the incredible story of a 17th century engineering project – and how it is weirdly similar to HS2 today. And we speak to transport guru Michael Dnes to break down the news that Northern Powerhouse Rail is back – and that there’s going to be a strangely familiar new railway line built between Birmingham and Manchester.

Our original Britcard interview is here.

The Stepchange podcast on the history of coal, which James mentions, is here.

James’s newsletter is here.

Martin’s newsletter is here.

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You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.

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