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:sdp.org.ukhilary.salt@sdp.org.uksebastian.moore@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, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

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, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

Sebastian looks at what's going on in Texas. Hilary asks if Brits still want to be outside of the EU?

Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Tom Slater, editor at spiked-online. We ask Tom what Spiked is all about and whether it has lost its left-wing roots. We explore how old ideas of left and right might be redundant but principles like free speech, democracy and a better life for ordinary working people are still important. We move on to the Online Safety Act and its effect on journalism and on discussion more widely. And we ask are we one hot summer evening away from civil revolt? In Culture Club, Sebastian is enthusiastic about his ParkRun at The Eden Project. And Tom has recommended reading.

Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

Recommendations:https://www.spiked-online.comKurt Vonnegut: Cat's Cradlehttps://www.edenproject.com/

Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert is an educator, academic, author and campaigner who heads up the advocacy group Don't Divide Us. She makes the case that the Equality Act is doing more harm than good.Get in touch: sdp.org.ukhilary.salt@sdp.org.uksebastian.moore@sdp.org.ukRecommendations:The Equality Act Isn't Working (Don't Divide Us Report)

Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Philip Cunliffe to discuss his new book, The National Interest: Politics After Globalization. The conversation explored his central argument that applying the test of national interest to every political issue could reshape the country’s future. Should we intervene in wars and famines abroad? What defines our nation in the first place?

Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk

Recommendations: The National Interest: Politics After Globalization - Philip Cunliffe https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=the-national-interest-politics-after-globalization--9781509561100

Sebastian shares his recent experience at the Living Freedom conference which helps him to understand the issue surrounding Bob Vylan's comments on the stage at Glastonbury. Hilary looks at the recent vote on the Government's attempts to reform the welfare system.

Get in touch: sdp.org.uk, hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk, sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk