Britain’s colonial past – a moral reckoning In this episode of SDPtalk, William Clouston is joined by Nigel Biggar, former Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford, and author of several books including the Sunday Times bestseller, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning. As calls for ‘decolonisation’ echo through our institutions and our fellow citizens are urged to view our history as a source of shame, this timely book offers a penetrating and balanced ethical analysis of the British Empire. Nigel and William discuss the ethics of British colonialism, admitting the faults and injustices while challenging widely held falsehoods and exploring its positive contributions to the world in the context of its time. They consider the political and cultural impacts of post-imperial guilt in today’s polarised society and argue that a more honest and nuanced understanding of our history would help to restore national confidence and solidarity. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Culture Transplant - is diversity really our strength? In this episode of SDPtalk, William Clouston is joined by Garett Jones, professor of economics at George Mason University and author of three books known as the Singapore Trilogy. In his latest book The Culture Transplant, Garett demonstrates that immigrants retain the socio-economic norms of their mother country across multiple generations. He claims that full assimilation within a generation or two is therefore impossible. Instead, the cultural attitudes of the immigrants shape the institutions and influence the economic productivity of their new country. Garett and William discuss the implications of this for migration policy, particularly in the most innovative Western nations. They agree that moderate levels of migration bring many benefits, but mass migration from poor to rich countries could ultimately “wound the goose that lays the golden eggs of global innovation and worldwide prosperity.” Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Elections across the world are increasingly being won by parties described as ‘populist’, but what does the term actually mean? According to our national broadcaster, it means “far right-wing, neo-fascist, xenophobic, racist, anti-Islamist…(the list goes on)”. But they would say that, wouldn’t they? Parties described as ‘populist’ may be economically left-leaning, right leaning or centrist - some are Social Democrats - but they are unified in representing the values and aspirations of an electorate let down by the establishment parties and institutions. A vote for any ‘populist’ party is a vote for patriotism, nation state, secure borders, family, faith and community – a sense of rootedness and identity. It is a vote against excessive individualism, globalisation, unchecked free-market capitalism, open labour markets and supra-national organisations. Populism is a revolution against social and economic neoliberalism, an ideology which has grotesquely overreached and is now – thankfully! - destroying itself thanks to its inherent contradictions. Rod Liddle and William Clouston discuss the roots of neoliberalism, its impacts on our society, and its current demise. Good riddance, says Rod: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/good-riddance-to-neoliberalism/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ Promoted by R. Malyn on behalf of the Social Democratic Party at 272 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR

What the Left gets wrong about ethnic minorities In this episode of SDPtalk, William Clouston is joined by writer and research analyst Rakib Ehsan, who specialises in matters of social cohesion, race relations and public security. In his new book Beyond Grievance: what the Left gets wrong about ethnic minorities, Rakib highlights the growing tensions between the liberal-Left cosmopolitanism of the mainstream political parties and the patriotic faith-based conservatism in many of Britain’s ethnic-minority communities. He argues that Britain needs a robust civic patriotism which understands that a stable family unit is the best form of social security. The SDP rejects the current obsession with grievance and identity which divides our society into hostile and opposing camps. We favour strengthening the common bonds which unite us and, in so doing, reinforcing communitarian impulses in public life. Our policies seek to defend and support traditional family life, particularly in welfare and economic policy, education and housing. Rakib and William discuss the impacts of tribal identity politics on social cohesion, and identify the steps that need to be taken to create a more unified and tolerant society. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ Promoted by R. Malyn on behalf of the Social Democratic Party, 272 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss how the SDP would tackle the UK’s housing crisis. The shortage of affordable homes is the largest domestic problem facing the UK. It entrenches immobility between generations and between regions, stifles everyone’s potential and cuts the productivity of the entire country. The SDP have a suite of policies to tackle the shortage by reinvigorating state housebuilding and removing market distortions which prevent housing supply meeting demand. But with a rapidly changing population, how should house-building targets be calculated? Link to SDP housing policy: https://sdp.org.uk/policies/housing/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ Promoted and Published by R Malyn, Social Democratic Party, 272 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JR

Keynote address delivered by Party Leader William Clouston at the SDP Conference on 14th October 2023 in London. The full transcript of the speech can be found here: https://sdp.org.uk/sdptalk/william-cloustons-speech-at-the-sdp-conference-church-house-westminster-saturday-14th-october-2023/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

William Clouston, Liam Halligan, Kristian Niemietz and Charlotte Gill discuss "The UK housing crisis - causes and solutions" in a debate organised by the SDP and held in London on 19th September. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDPtalk, William Clouston is joined by photographer, artist and author Laura Dodsworth. We are constantly bombarded with attempts to influence our behaviour, our speech and even our thoughts. Some are overt and transparent, such as advertisements which seek to persuade you to buy their product instead of a competitor’s. Others are more insidious, such as the ‘nudge’ tactics and fear propaganda deployed by the Behavioural Insights Team during the Covid pandemic. In their bestselling book Free Your Mind, Laura and her co-author Patrick Fagan discuss how to spot and resist the increasing manipulation present in our everyday lives.  Why are some attempts at political or social manipulation more successful than others? Can such tactics ever be justified? And what are the implications for freedom of thought and for democracy? Laura is also a guest speaker at the SDP Conference in October 2023. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the Chinese economy. After decades of spectacularly rapid growth to become the world’s second largest economy, China now seems to be faltering.  Local government debt has risen sharply due to over-investment in infrastructure, while income from land sales and land taxes has plummeted.  Large corporations are defaulting on repayments to investors.  Youth unemployment is at a record high.  China’s workforce and consumer base is shrinking, while the cohort of retirees continues to grow. This is sure to cause an extended period of low growth, but is the situation more serious than that?  And what are the likely political ramifications? William and Michael discuss whether China’s current problems could develop into a crisis and consider the potential impacts on the global economy. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss whether our leaders are acting in citizens’ interests. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address concluded with the resolve that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”  This should be the crucial test of any government’s actions but is clearly a far cry from what we have in the UK today. Successive governments have sold off our assets and allowed critical infrastructure to fall into foreign hands.  Institutions have been captured by fashionably ideology, distracting them from their core purpose.  Economically damaging policies are pushed through without debate to bolster politicians’ egos and make the country ‘look good on the world stage’. William and Michael discuss how we have come so far from this basic principle of good governance – and what can be done about it. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the Conservative Party’s proposals to abolish inheritance tax. Inheritance tax is paid at 40% on assets over £325,000. The tax-free threshold is inherited by a surviving spouse and rises to £500,000 if the beneficiary is a child or grandchild, meaning that no tax is paid on the first £1m inherited by direct descendants of a married couple. Over £7 billion per year is raised through inheritance tax, which is spent on public services. The Conservative Party are said to be considering abolishing inheritance tax entirely as part of their next general election manifesto. Is it reasonable for parents to expect to build up wealth and pass it on tax-free, or would this simply entrench existing inequalities? William and Michael explore the practical and ethical problems with this proposal. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the Conservative Party’s sudden change of direction on the environment. The Prime Minister’s proposal to grant over one hundred new oil and gas licences for the North Sea is sensible for economic and environmental reasons. But has it been thought through, or is it simply a knee-jerk reaction to public concern over the economic impacts of net zero targets, as expressed in the recent by-elections? William and Michael discuss the challenges that would confront new drilling proposals due to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) regulations and consider whether nationalisation could be the solution. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode of SDPtalk, William Clouston is joined by philosopher Kathleen Stock, the prominent gender critical feminist and author of ‘Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism’. The view that gender identity is distinct from biological sex, and that it should have greater recognition and legal protection than biological sex, is increasingly accepted in our institutions. Our language and laws are being altered to fit this new ideology. Challenging these assertions tends to provoke a serious backlash, yet most people instinctively know that biological sex is real and crucially important in contexts such as healthcare, sports and women-only spaces. Kathleen and William explore the philosophical ideas behind gender identity theory and discuss the social, political and legal impacts of denying biological reality. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss UK public debt. At the end of May, public sector net debt exceeded 100% of GDP for the first time since 1961. A staggering 40% of this debt is due to the short-term funding of Covid borrowing, which Michael calls ‘the most expensive blunder in the history of British government finance’. William and Michael discuss whether our increasing debt-to-GDP ratio should be cause for concern or whether global economic growth will enable us to avoid financial ‘doom loops’. Links to Michael’s articles on the short-term funding of Covid debt: https://sdp.org.uk/sdptalk/how-to-pay-for-covid-19/ https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/the-worst-blunder-in-uk-financial Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the causes and impacts of the UK’s epidemic of family breakdown. The IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities states that parental separation is more frequent in poorer households and can further entrench existing inequalities through adverse effects on parents and children. The proportion of British children who have experienced family breakdown by age 16-17 grew from 9% of those born in 1958 to 43% of those born in 2002. The SDP’s New Declaration asserts that a stable and secure family life is the foundation of society and critical to raising responsible citizens. The defence and support of family life lies at the heart of all SDP policies, particularly on industry, economics, welfare and housing. William and Michael discuss the relative importance of economic and cultural factors in driving increasing levels of family breakdown, and argue that the problem can only really be addressed through a nation-building approach. Links SDP New Declaration https://sdp.org.uk/new-declaration/ SDP Policies on Family https://sdp.org.uk/policies/family/ Institute of Fiscal Studies Deaton Review of Inequalities: Families and Inequalities https://ifs.org.uk/inequality/families-and-inequalities/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the increasing integration of digital technology into our lives. Digital technology offers many benefits, such as instant communication and access to information and entertainment. While some are concerned about implications for privacy, many people seem prepared to ‘pay with their data’ for the convenience it offers. But how convenient is it? William and Michael argue that the enforced use of digital technology for everyday activities – paying for parking, travelling by train, even getting a drink of water – is often inefficient, over-complex, fragile and dehumanising. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our latest SDP Talks, Toby Green discusses The COVID Consensus with SDP Leader William Clouston in front of an audience of SDP members in London. Toby Green is a British historian who is a Professor of Precolonial and Lusophone African History and Culture at King’s College London. He is the author, along with Thomas Fazi, of ‘The Covid Consensus: The Global Assault on Democracy and the Poor―A Critique from the Left’, which explores how the Covid-19 response had devastating social and economic consequences worldwide, disproportionally impacting the poorest in society. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the Bank of England’s recent decision to increase interest rates to 5% in an attempt to tackle inflation. As the UK’s current inflation is driven by supply issues, raising interest rates to crush demand will not resolve the situation. The immediate impact on mortgage holders will cause wider economic damage as well as hardship and stress for families. However, over a decade of extremely low interest rates have distorted markets, created asset bubbles and deterred debt redemption. William and Michael explore the pros and cons of higher interest rates and ask whether catastrophic economic forecasts are justified. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the state of the UK’s main political parties. The Labour Party’s right and left factions take turns to purge their ideological adversaries, while Conservative Party infighting has led to another spate of resignations. The main parties are now just incoherent coalitions. Career politicians are interested in gaining power, but have no ideas for how to use it to make the country better. William and Michael explore the reasons for this and finish on a positive note: the recent political upheaval will bring at least three by-elections, and the SDP will offer the public a decent choice at the ballot box. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the recent proposal to trial UBI in England. Thirty residents of Jarrow in South Tyneside and East Finchley in London will be given £1,600 a month for two years and monitored to see how it affects their wellbeing. Advocates believe that UBI can provide economic security to everyone, simplifying the welfare system and relieving worries about the cost of living. William and Michael argue that paying people to do nothing will reduce the incentive to work and cause inflation, making everyone poorer. Worse, it infantilises people and diverts attention from tackling the true causes of poverty – family breakdown and de-industrialisation. They agree that poverty can only be solved through strong, coherent policies on industry, education, housing, tax and welfare that put the family at the heart of national life. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the global fight to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Data from the Global Monitoring Laboratory shows that this approach is not working and gives no reason to expect that it will work. William and Michael agree that reducing reliance on fossil fuels is important and that domestic nuclear energy is crucial to a reliable and environmentally conscious energy mix. However, they argue against extreme measures proposed by activists that would make the country poorer and consequently less well equipped to adapt to inevitable change. Michael cautions against despair – humanity has always found solutions. Link to Michael's article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/how-well-its-going/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the scandalous state of our labour market. While the UK suffers a serious labour shortage across multiple sectors, 5.3 million citizens are receiving out-of-work benefits. Instead of addressing this through long-term measures, such as welfare and healthcare reform coupled with investment in training, our leaders repeatedly take the quick fix of immigration. William and Michael discuss the causes and possible solutions, arguing that importing more and more people is just storing up problems for the future. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the UK’s railways. They lament the lack of integration and accountability of the current system, agreeing that allowing UK rail operators to be run by foreign states is unpatriotic and doesn't serve the public. William and Michael debate whether rail transport should be brought back into public ownership, giving thought to the risks this carries and how they could be addressed. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the main political parties’ lamentable lack of vision, or ‘story’. Instead, Labour and Conservative politicians speak of ‘narrative’. ‘Narrative’ is superficial and short-term. It is merely about what sounds good for the current news cycle and can be changed at will. Unlike ‘story’ it does not imply a long-term strategic plan or ambition – and it won’t get houses built. Link to Michael’s article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/we-need-new-stories-part-1 Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Michael Taylor and William Clouston talk about getting things done. How do we overcome Government indifference, civil service incompetence and bureaucratic red tape to build much-needed houses? In the 1960s, newly independent Singapore had a devastating housing shortage due to high immigration and failure to build. Sounds familiar? William and Michael outline how key political figures successfully tackled that situation and discuss what lessons we can draw from this for the UK today. Link to Michael’s article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/im-the-committee Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In a special episode of Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the SDP’s local election campaigns. Our candidates and their supporters have been working hard in the run-up to the 4th of May, but in the last local elections just under 36% of potential voters went to the polls. William and Michael discuss why so many have become disengaged from local politics and why is it crucial for democracy that we change this. Link to Michael’s article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/democracy-the-may-4th-movement Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our ninth Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston respond to the recent Manchester Utd and Manchester City ‘slavery’ badge row, which was started by this Guardian article. Michael calls this an abominable slur on Manchester, whose working-class people played an important role in calling for abolition, even though they knew they had a lot to lose. William and Michael discuss why workers in northern industrial towns empathised so readily with enslaved people, and ask whether there is a case to be made for slavery reparations. Link to Michael’s substack on Britain's West Indian empire and the industrial revolution: https://michael665.substack.com/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our eighth Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss possible outcomes of the Russia-Ukraine war. A year into the conflict, neither Russia nor Ukraine has the upper hand militarily. Western efforts to build a global consensus against Russia have failed; sanctions are not being applied with unanimity and are having limited impact.  Is it realistic to expect complete victory or complete defeat for either side – and if not, how will this end? Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In our seventh Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the growing tendency for politicians to use coercion rather than persuasion. Where once political persuasion and argument might have been considered, Britain’s political class now talk only in the language of fines and bans. This erodes the mutual trust necessary for a happy and successful society. William and Michael ask whether this approach can ever be justified. Due to the Easter break, this episode was recorded before we heard the good news that the Worker Protection Bill has been shelved. Link to Michael Taylor’s article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/good-friday-when-sociopaths-triumphed Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our sixth Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).  After two years of negotiations, our membership of the world’s fastest growing trade bloc was announced with great fanfare as a major post-Brexit success.  Some critics say the financial rewards are small and will take years to realise, but others highlight the important  political and diplomatic benefits of this agreement. William and Michael ask whether the potential benefits justify the hype. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our fifth Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the implications of recent international bank failures for the UK economy. As the SDP warned in ‘The End of Indifference’, a debt-fuelled economic model cannot go on forever. Banks will be forced to tighten credit for years to come, which will impact businesses and households. But are we heading for another financial crisis? The End of Indifference is the SDP's green paper on economics and industry: https://sdp.org.uk/the-end-of-indifference/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our fourth Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss attitudes to Brexit. Despite the name-calling and the media’s determination that the Brexit vote should cause incurable rifts, there are areas of agreement and shared concerns between ‘Leavers’ and ‘Remainers’. William and Michael ask whether it is time to talk to Remainers and invite them to join us in our mission to repair and rebuild. Link to Michael Taylor’s article: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/our-friends-the-remainers Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In our third Wednesday Night Fightback, Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss traffic reduction schemes. Low emission zones, 15-minute cities and low traffic neighbourhoods are proliferating in towns and cities across the UK, frequently without any consultation. William and Michael discuss the pros and cons – will these initiatives bring cleaner air, healthier lifestyles and foster a sense of community? Or will they increase inequality, entrench social segregation and simply displace traffic elsewhere? Links to Michael Taylor’s articles: https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/time-to-charge-londoners-an-exit https://mjtcoldwater.substack.com/p/15-minutes-to-keep-the-plebs-at-bay Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode of SDP Talks, William Clouston is joined by writer and academic Matthew Goodwin, author of ‘Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics’. Matthew and William discuss the emergence of Britain’s ‘new elite’ – an increasingly liberalised, globalised ruling class, which dominates politics and culture. This has left millions of people feeling powerless, politically homeless, and stigmatised as being morally inferior. People are crying out for change and better representation, but there are promising signs that this dominance is starting to be challenged. Link to Matthew Goodwin’s substack: https://mattgoodwin.substack.com/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In the second episode of our new Wednesday Night Fightback podcast series, the SDP’s Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the lockdown files. WhatsApp messages between senior politicians and civil servants during the pandemic reveal gung-ho attitudes, an obsession with comms, disregard for evidence, and utter contempt for the British people. William and Michael explore the implications of these leaked messages and consider an important question: how could a new Government with sensible policies overcome opposition from an entrenched civil service which cares more about spin than delivery? Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In the first episode of our new Wednesday Night Fightback podcast series, the SDP's Michael Taylor and William Clouston discuss the concept of a low trust society. Every one wants to live in a stable community. We have a collective memory of a higher trust society, which resurfaces now that we are suffering the miseries and privations of a low trust society. So much responsibility has been devolved to the state which delivers poorly and with increasing authoritarianism.  William and Michael discuss the crucial question: as a party, and as a country, how do we rebuild a high trust society? Michael's article on 'Trust and Risk, Fun and Freedom'  Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

In this episode of SDP Talks, William Clouston is joined by writer Ed West to discuss social conservatism and the problems caused by lack of ideology in the Conservative party. Ed and William discuss what social conservatives should believe in and the values they should strive for. They cover the importance of marriage and family, religion, culture, freedom of speech and of association, and crucially the need to think about posterity. Ed West’s article on which the podcast was based: https://edwest.substack.com/p/what-should-small-c-conservatives Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, William Clouston is joined by journalist Peter Hitchens to discuss his book ‘A Revolution Betrayed: How Egalitarians Wrecked the British Education System’. Peter and William discuss the impacts of the deliberate destruction of the post-war grammar schools system, and describe the misjudgements made by politicians which have led to the increase of class distinction and privilege in British education. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks from January 2023, William Clouston is joined by journalist and former MEP Patrick O’Flynn.  Britain has finally left the EU, but have we found our way?  With record immigration, a massive trade deficit and low growth, they discuss whether the Tory vision of Brexit has failed, and whether we could get a better Brexit vision with a change of Government. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, William Clouston is joined by writer and academic Joanna Williams, author of the book ‘How Woke Won’. Joanna and William discuss the origins and evolution of the term ‘woke’, explore how this ideology has gained power and consider its impacts on UK society and democracy. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by comedian, Triggenometry co-host and writer, Konstantin Kisin. Konstantin and William discuss his new book, 'Do We in the West take our freedoms, prosperity and culture for granted?'. They explore the reasons why democratic societies tend to do well, how a communitarian handles free speech, and, BBC coverage bias. Follow Konstantin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KonstantinKisin Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by campaigner and writer for The New Statesman, Louise Perry. Louise and William discuss her new book, the case against the sexual revolution. They ask whether the revolution has harmed women to a greater extent than men? What is the feminist case for marriage? And, is marriage becoming a luxury good? Follow Louise on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Louise_m_perry/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator. Fraser and William discuss Scotland’s place and future in the United Kingdom. They ask whether devolution has strengthened or weakened the union, the role of national identity and economics, and the impact of Brexit on Scottish nationalism. Follow Fraser on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FraserNelson Learn more about the SDP: https://sdp.org.uk The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by commentator, broadcaster, and associate fellow at Civitas, Emma Webb. Emma and William discuss Emma's new film, "Britain's Silent Cultural Revolution", which charts the fall of many of our institutions to progressive ideology. William and Emma explore how this has happened, and why it has been permitted under both Conservative and Labour governments. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by the economist and entrepreneur John Mills to discuss John's new book, "The Elephant in the Room". John and William reflect on the damage done to Britain by the decline in its manufacturing sector, the failure of the post-1979 economic order in maintaining growth and prosperity, and what can be done to help Britain reindustrialise. Visit the John Mills Institute for Prosperity: https://instituteforprosperity.org.uk/ Learn more about the SDP: https://sdp.org.uk The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDPTalks, SDP leader William Clouston speaks with Patrick Harris, the chairman of the American Solidarity Party. Patrick and William discuss the American political scene, the problems of big tech and crony capitalism, the folly of recent foreign military interventions, and the hope that communitarian politics brings for the future. Learn more about the American Solidarity Party at: https://solidarity-party.org/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston speaks with the Italian author, journalist, and political thinker Thomas Fazi. Thomas and William discuss the failure of the post-1980 economic model, the crises of confidence and vision facing European parties of the left, why the left should support the democratic nation state, and the tensions between Italy and the Eurozone. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ Buy "Reclaiming the State": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reclaiming-State-Progressive-Sovereignty-Post-Neoliberal/dp/0745337325 The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston speaks with the historian, author, and journalist Tim Stanley. Tim and William discuss political divides in America, the storming of the US Capitol, and the choices available to the Biden administration. Afterwards, they reflect on Britain's "Red Wall" and the extent to which Labour and the Conservatives are culturally misaligned with it. Finally, Tim and William discuss how well social conservatism can sit with purism on free trade. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ Visit Tim Stanley's website at: https://www.timothystanley.co.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by the Eric Kaufmann, Professor of Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. In this wide-ranging interview, William and Eric discuss the changing demographics of Britain, how society should navigate debates around difference and equality, academic freedom, and the hyper-racialisation of public discourse. Buy "Whiteshift: Populism, Immigration and the Future of White Majorities": https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CHZZ9YZ/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, William Clouston is joined by Kevin Hickson, Senior Lecturer in British Politics at the University of Liverpool and former SDP Chairman. Kevin and William discuss two influential figures in the Labour party of the 1970s and 80s - Peter Shore, and James Callaghan. Along with discussing the careers and legacies of Shore and Callaghan, Kevin and William also explore ideas or political flash-points from their time that have reemerged in today's political climate. Buy "Peter Shore: Labour's Forgotten Patriot": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1785904736/ Buy "James Callaghan: An Underrated Prime Minister?": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08BC7BZMH/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of SDP Talks, SDP leader William Clouston is joined by journalist, commentator, and author David Goodhart. William and David discuss how Britain's education system focuses too much on generating cognitive elites, the societal ramifications of this, and why we should turn away from this mentality. Buy "Head Hand Heart": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0863BSRXF Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

SDP leader William Clouston is joined by author and academic Joanna Williams, to discuss how the country has responded to the pandemic. William and Joanna discuss their thoughts on the March lockdown, the ethics of allowing the virus to spread among the non-vulnerable, the shortcomings in the government's "stop-go" approach, and where the opposition to restrictions has been over the course of the crisis. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Educationalist, commentator, and writer Calvin Robinson joins William Clouston, the leader of the Social Democrats, to discuss the educational, social, and political climate. William and Calvin talk about the role of rigour in education, the danger of identity politics sneaking into schools and the inflation of the university sector. Outside of education, Calvin and William discuss Calvin's work in the Defund the BBC campaign and how Britain should better respond to the pandemic. Take a look at Calvin's website at: https://www.calvinrobinson.org/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Archaeologist, historian, broadcaster, and author Neil Oliver joins SDP leader William Clouston in a wide-ranging discussion of the Britain's social, cultural, and political landscape. Neil and William talk about the nature of patriotism, community, the crisis of individualism, the narrowness of identity politics, and the need for humans to belong. Visit Neil's website at: http://www.neiloliver.com/ Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

SDP leader William Clouston speaks with Frank Furedi, academic and emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent. In this conversation, Frank talks about his new book, “Why Borders Matter”, and a variety of related cultural and social phenomena such as the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic on open borders, the loss of a unifying culture, and the reception of the establishment to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Buy “Why Borders Matter”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Borders-Matter-Frank-Furedi/dp/0367416824 Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this conversation, SDP leader William Clouston speaks to the writer and politician Claire Fox. In this video, William and Claire discuss the nature of the free speech crisis in British public life, the prognosis for identity politics as a part of our political debate, and what Brexit may mean and look like from an economically left-leaning perspective. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Journalist, author, and broadcaster Peter Hitchens joins William Clouston, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, to discuss Britain’s political landscape. Peter and William talk about the state of social conservatism in Britain, its relationship to social democracy, and whether social conservatives should bother with political organisation. Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/ The opening and closing music for SDP Talks is "Prelude in C (BWV 846)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/