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:

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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/B0C69XCZFB

Scottish Religious Poetry: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Religious-Poetry-Century-Present/dp/071520775X

HMS 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:

www.sdp.org.uk

[email protected]

[email protected]

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]

[email protected]

sdp.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/10a5896

Bluey - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000vbrk/bluey

Moulin 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]