The Abundance Agenda

We get mad about a new document published by the government that seems like a beginners guide to jamming up the build-out of new energy infrastructure. And we speak to the amazing YouTuber CityEd, all about architecture, urban design, and how to build liveable cities.James has written an accompanying piece about the NIMBY charter here.James’s piece about Liam Byrne – and whether he’s had his Weetabix is here.Martin’s newsletter is here.You can read the CIA field manual here.Our previous episode mentioned by Ed, featuring Sally Gimson talking HS2 is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

James looks at the big US-UK nuclear agreement, and explores some of the exciting nuclear projects that might happen here because of it. Martin explains the 18 year long redevelopment sage playing out in Bristol, where plans have been consistently derailed by a single barge. And then we speak to Michael Jenner, CEO of Last Energy UK, the nuclear firm building a nuclear reactor at the London Gateway port.Our episode with former nuclear minister Lord Hunt can be heard here.James’s piece on racism and the anti-asylum protests is here.Martin’s newsletter is here.Pre-order Hayley Gullen’s book, This Might Surprise You, here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Martin tells us about his trip to see one of HS2’s ‘green tunnels’ under construction – and why digging a cut-and-cover tunnel is so much more complex than it sounds. James explains why the Sunday trading laws might be about to change – and why he’s going to unjustifiably take credit for it, if it happens.And we speak to Simon Dudley, chair of the Representative Planning Group about how the new group is hoping to bring better data to planning fights. (Plus a little about his former roles, as Chair of Homes England and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.)James’s piece on the Cambridge sewage works is here.Martin’s newsletter is here.The Grocer’s reporting on Sunday trading is here. (James’s piece on Sunday trading is here.)Note: The interview at the end was recorded before Angela Rayner resigned, so just mentally substitute every mention of “Angela Rayner” with “Steve Reed”, and it still makes total sense.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

How Angela Rayner’s department killed a major new brownfield housing development in Cambridge – and how her replacement Steve Reed might be able to undo this terrible mistake. Plus Martin discovers that Reform in Lincolnshire is building its own bat tunnel.And we speak to Dr Alicia Greated, executive director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering about industrial policy and how even Reform voters might support immigration for R&D jobs.Check out CaSE’s immigration and industrial strategy papers.James’s piece on the Cambridge sewage works and how Steve Reed could reverse Angela Rayner’s worst decision is here.Martin’s piece on the Lincolnshire bat tunnel will be here.James’s piece on why a ‘Fare Free London’ is basically unworkable is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Martin looks at the BBC’s coverage of the Universal theme park and asks… why is it so weirdly negative? James reminds everyone about Eurostar’s forgotten stations – in Ebbsfleet and and Ashford, which haven’t seen international trains since 2020. And we speak to Sally Gimson about her new book Off The Rails: The Inside Story of HS2 (out now!).The Good Growth Foundation’s report on re-opening Ashford is here.Starmer shouldn't give a conference speech – he should give an Apple-style keynote (by James)Martin’s piece on the BBC’s Universal coverage will be here.Our previous coverage of Old Bridge Way, with lots more context, is here.Martin’s amazing expose of the attempts to delay HS2 in Wendover can be heard here.And previous coverage of the Universal theme park is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* James talks about ‘London Unchained’, a new paper by Labour Together and the YIMBY Alliance that figures out how we could actually pay for the much-needed Bakerloo line extension, level-up the north, and protect the credibility of the public finances… all at the same time!* And we speak to Sam Freedman, author of the Comment is Freed newsletter, about what the ‘Abundance’ view is missing, how to shift political incentives towards building – and playing Civilisation with his dad.The Labour Together/YIMBY Alliance paper, ‘London Unchained’, can be found here.James’s write up on the paper, with his own thoughts is here.Martin’s newsletter is here.Sam’s excellent book, Failed State is essential reading and can be found here.The episode about Dobbins Lane we mentioned is here, and the one where we talk about Northern Powerhouse Rail is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* Can deleting emails and photos really save water? James unpacks possibly the worst government advice ever published.* Martin pitches a bold new strategy for wiping out obesity and saving the NHS billions of pounds.* And we speak to Ruth Cadbury, Chair of the Transport Select Committee in Parliament, about integrated journeys, HS2, autonomous cars… and James’s e-scooter problem.Andy Masley’s debunk of the government’s water advice is here.Natasha Loder and Peter Singer on generic semaglutide is here.The Transport Committee’s inquiry on joined-up journeys is here.James’s piece on how he still thinks AI will eat the world is here.Martin on Plato vs Grok is here.James’s piece on the Sunday trading poll is here.Our earlier episode on the two new reservoirs that are being built is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:26 Breaking News: National Water Crisis01:18 Government's Water-Saving Advice03:13 Critique of Government's Digital Water-Saving Advice04:42 The Absurdity of Deleting Emails to Save Water09:36 The Bigger Picture: Personal Responsibility vs. Systemic Solutions12:46 The Role of Incentives in Public Compliance16:10 Personal Grievances and Weight Loss Journey19:40 The Impact of Drug Pricing on Health27:34 Potential Solutions for Affordable Weight Loss Drugs29:02 The Future of Weight Loss Drugs29:43 Global Patent Expirations and Market Impact30:14 UK's Patent Dilemma and Potential Solutions30:48 Economic Benefits and Unintended Consequences32:16 Housekeeping and Listener Engagement33:00 Substack Newsletters and AI Discussions34:38 Interview with Ruth Cadbury: Transport Issues43:17 HS2: Challenges and Future Prospects51:44 Autonomous Vehicles: Reality or Hype?55:35 E-Scooters: Legalization and Public Perception01:00:39 Conclusion and Farewell This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Is AI actually a big deal or not? Following the launch of GPT5, James and Martin finally hash out the biggest unresolved tension on the podcast.Martin, an AI sceptic makes the case that the tech bro hype is out of control. And James, a wide-eyed optimist argues that actually maybe Large Language Models are a significant technology after all.Plus we talk about why the AI critics are so annoying, why Grok is the best manifestation yet of Silicon Valley’s id, and what AI means for abundance.No guest this week as the discussion goes too long!You’ll be able to find Martin’s post on Plato vs Grok here.James’s post on Sunday trading is here.You might also enjoy the post James mentioned on how AI is going to break schools, which can be seen here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Plus is the government about to legalise e-scooters? And how did the government persuade the Daily Mail that it's a good idea? Plus we speak to Alistair Strathern MP about Old Bridge Way and what it tells us about the fraying social contract between politicians and voters.Martin’s big post on Old Bridge Way is here.James’s post on a similar mess in Kent is here.Martin’s post on “WASPInomics” is here.James’s post on what Ebbsfleet can teach the next generation of New Towns is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:22 Martin's Housing Estate Dilemma01:39 The Road Maintenance Conundrum03:29 The Story of Old Bridgeway06:22 The 1990s Expansion and Road Issues11:16 The Daniels Brothers' Scheme15:11 Council's Reluctance and Public Outrage19:34 Scooters: The Next Big Thing?28:36 The Legalization of Private Scooters: A Missed Opportunity29:39 Current Speculations and Government Stance31:08 Daily Mail's Surprising Take on E-Scooters31:40 Proposed Regulations for E-Scooters32:51 The Role of Local Authorities and Public Frustration33:53 Promoting the Podcast and Substack Newsletters35:29 Interview with Alistair Stratton: Local MP's Efforts38:56 Challenges in Local Governance and Public Discontent45:40 The Broader Impact on Politics and Social Contracts53:14 Engaging with Constituents: The Role of an MP55:52 The Planning Bill and Future Infrastructure01:00:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Does the populist left believe in abundant energy and housing? Why was a major housing development rejected in Peckham? And we speak to former nuclear minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath.You can find James’s piece on amendments wrecking the planning bill here.Martin’s piece on WASPInomics will be here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

Why the government is surrendering to Big Nature. And we speak to the Deputy Mayor of London about building homes in the capital.James’s piece on the Planning Bill amendments and why the government might screw it up is here.Martin’s piece on climate emergencies will be here.James’s other piece on the vacuum where Starmerism should be – and how Abundance can fill it, is here.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:21 Government's Planning Bill Dilemma01:16 Importance of the Planning Bill04:08 Proposed Amendments and Their Implications07:54 Internal Politics and Party Management16:26 Climate Emergency Declarations24:09 Empty Fields and Financial Distress24:28 Net Zero Skeptics and Climate Emergency Declarations25:27 The Cognitive Dissonance in Climate Action26:40 Promoting the Podcast and Substack Newsletters27:48 Interview with Tom Copley: Housing in London30:16 Challenges in London's Housing Sector32:39 Green Belt Development and Political Implications43:26 Balancing Housing and Infrastructure50:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* Martin debunks the myth of ‘land-banking’ – and explains why all of the incentives for housing developers are totally broken.* James explores a new paper which sets out how the government could conceivably build Heathrow’s notorious third runway… before the next election!* And we speak to the excellent Michael Dnes about how a focus on time can speed up infrastructure planning – and breaks James’s brain with tails of Britain approving a nuclear plant in a national park… in just three days.You can find “Getting Britain Off The Ground” at Labour Together or the Centre for British Progress.The IPPR paper Martin was not a massive fan of is here.Michael Dnes’s paper on “Making Britain Build Again” is here.Michael also mentions a thread he did on the prospects of reviving HS2 to Manchester – you can find it here.Ian Mansfield’s piece on the case for closing Heathrow and building Boris Island is here.James’s latest is on Nigel Farage and the threat a Reform government might pose to Britain’s institutions.Martin’s latest is on the troubles at the ONS and how weirdly precisely we measure GDP.Don’t forget to tell your friends about the pod – and leave us a nice review on Apple Podcasts!The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:21 The Housing Crisis: Greedy Developers or Systemic Issues?02:10 Debunking the Land Banking Myth07:22 The Realities of Slow Build-Outs10:09 The Economics of Land Value13:02 Government Intervention and Housing Market Solutions18:43 Heathrow's Third Runway: A Controversial Expansion23:49 Global Comparisons and Feasibility of Rapid Airport Construction25:56 Proposed Reforms for Infrastructure Development31:20 Proposing a Shorter Third Runway32:20 Controversies and Government Decisions32:36 Infrastructure Ideas Beyond Heathrow32:52 Government's Role in Decision Making33:54 Housekeeping and Listener Engagement35:18 Introducing Michael Ness and His Report36:20 Historical Context of Britain's Infrastructure37:55 Challenges in Modern Infrastructure Planning43:54 Proposed Solutions for Faster Planning51:30 Specialist Infrastructure Tribunals53:45 HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail Discussion57:06 Conclusion and Listener Call to Action This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* Martin digs into the Ten Year Plan for the NHS (which is more important than whether Rachel Reeves was smiling) – and we get mad at the stupid moralising about the use of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic.* James explains why the innocuous new GOV.UK app is actually a major step towards the total transformation of the British state.* And we speak to Ant Breach from the Centre for Cities about his recent report on housing supply bottlenecks – and how to fix them.James’s exhaustive piece digging into the digital government blueprint is here.Martin’s latest on the unfixable road with no owner is here.James’s latest, on how Universal Credit went from being a disaster to a wild success is here.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:27 The NHS 10-Year Plan: Context and Challenges01:41 The Infinite Demand for Health02:32 The Rising Costs and Limits of NHS Spending05:57 The Government's New 10-Year Plan for the NHS06:53 Principles of the New NHS Plan07:26 The Cost of Healthcare and the Importance of Early Intervention13:16 The Role of Digital Transformation in the NHS15:40 The Controversy and Potential of Weight Loss Drugs26:15 The Gov UK App: A New Era of Digital Government31:45 Introduction to the Digital Government Blueprint32:33 Richard Pope's Vision for Digital Government33:05 The Gov UK App: A New Relationship with the State34:05 Potential Benefits and Concerns of the Gov UK App35:24 Future Implications of the Gov UK App35:49 Privacy and Civil Liberties Concerns36:14 New Features and Functions of the Gov UK App38:00 The Role of Databases in Government Efficiency39:16 Housekeeping and Substack Newsletters40:26 Interview with Ant Breach on Urban Housing and Regulations42:19 The Future of Urban Planning and Building Regulations58:43 Controversial Ideas in Urban Housing01:01:05 Conclusion and Listener Engagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* James looks at the government’s new attempt to make phone signal on trains better – and explore why getting reliable 4G and 5G on the rails is a really difficult problem.* Martin reveals why the Office of National Statistics might have inadvertently broken a whole bunch of economic statistics – and why this is bad if you care about knowing what is actually happening in the country.* And we speak to Labour MP and the government’s Growth Mission Champion Dan Tomlinson about why we need to build, the importance of growth if we want to redistribute wealth – and we try (with limited success) to sell him on the idea that we should make Abundance the guiding philosophy of Starmerism.The alarming review of the ONS by Sir Robert Devereux is here.James’s post on what the NHS can learn from Dave.Martin’s post on HS2 and the slow decay of Britain.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:26 Controversial Opinions of Matt Goodwin01:59 The Reality of Phone Signals on British Trains02:16 Government Initiatives to Improve Train Connectivity03:16 Challenges with Train Signal Technology07:04 Comparing UK and French Train Connectivity11:19 Future of Train Connectivity: HS2 and Beyond15:31 The Role of the Office for National Statistics25:21 Chasing New Projects Over Core Work26:47 The Human Element in Official Statistics27:47 Impact of the Pandemic on ONS29:10 Leadership and Culture Issues at ONS30:20 Future of UK Statistics and Management32:15 Promoting the Podcast and Substack34:09 Interview with MP Dan Tomlinson38:14 Dan Tomlinson's Political Journey41:11 Challenges and Solutions for UK Growth52:08 The Abundance Agenda55:43 Conclusion and Farewell This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* Martin digs into the Stewart Review on why HS2 has been such a nightmare construction project. Spoiler: It ain’t pretty.* James looks at progress towards having autonomous cars driving on London’s roads – and explores a new report on some of the second and third-order consequences of autonomous vehicles becoming a real thing in the world.* Then we speak to technologist Tom Forth of The Data City, about his ideas for the National Data Library, and why he’s trolling the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.You can find the full Stewart Review here.The Productivity Institute report, by Graham Winch, on HS2 is here.The Paradigm Junction report on autonomous vehicles is here.Tom Forth’s ‘National Data Library’ is here.Martin’s Substack is here, where he has written more on HS2 failures.James’s Substack post on why HS2 to Manchester still might happen (maybe) is here.Here’s some background on OpenSafely, which is mentioned by Tom Forth.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:19 HS2: A Symbol of Britain's Inability to Build01:35 The Stewarts Review: Governance and Mismanagement04:01 The Strategic Case for HS206:33 Design Challenges and Gold Plating20:39 Government Interference and Project Delays28:36 Autonomous Cars: The Future of Transport35:17 Impact of Autonomous Deliveries on Big Business35:42 Cost Reduction in Goods Transportation36:18 Skepticism and Challenges of Autonomous Lorries37:39 Autonomous Public Transport: A Transformative Future39:27 Private Autonomous Vehicles: Ownership and Personalization44:34 National Data Library: Concept and Implementation01:03:50 Conclusion and Housekeeping This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* James is vindicated as Sizewell C has finally been funded!* Martin digs into the economics of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)* We explore the implications of Rachel Reeves supporting Northern Powerhouse Rail* …And James enters ‘The Cope Zone’ and explains how maybe – just maybe – the northern leg of HS2 might not be quite dead yet* Plus we speak to Kirsty Innes from Labour Together about her new policy paper, “BritCard: a progressive digital identity for Britain” – and explore how digital ID could make Britain work better.The grid website Martin mentions is here.You can find James’s howl of despair about the slow pace of infrastructure here.Martin’s piece on Natural England will be here.And James’s piece on why he’s been Blairpilled on digital ID will be here.If you’d like to talk business, you can contact us on martin (at) abundancemedia.co.ukThe Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:16 The NIMBY Debate and Hate Speech03:00 Nuclear Energy Announcements08:00 The Economics of Renewable Energy17:41 Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Nuclear?21:31 Transport Spending Review26:37 Northern Powerhouse Rail and Economic Connectivity27:28 Economic Theory and Football Teams27:53 Trans Pennine Railway Upgrade28:16 Impact of Railway Upgrades on Travel Times30:33 Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS231:52 Funding and Budget Considerations33:33 Podcast Housekeeping and Listener Engagement36:34 Introduction to Brit Card39:49 Digital Identity and Government Services48:24 Addressing Criticisms of Brit Card53:51 Conclusion and Contact Information This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week:* Martin digs into the NIMBY assault on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is back in Parliament this week.* We get mad at the Guardian and Natural England (again).* We explore the big Abundance question at the heart of the Spending Review.* And in a surprisingly candid interview, former Conservative cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke makes the case for why his party needs to embrace building – or face irrelevance.You can find the slightly spartan Conservative YIMBY website here, and Sir Simon’s think-tank Onward here.The Centre for British Progress’s new paper, “The Case for Abundance: Why Demand Suppression Won’t Fix the Cost of Living” is here.You can find James’s piece slagging off Matt Goodwin here.And Martin’s controversial piece on crime is here.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:34 NIMBYism and Environmental Concerns04:48 Natural England's Role and Challenges10:33 Planning Reforms and Housing Crisis14:02 Spending Review and Political Trade-offs20:32 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Investments24:14 Housekeeping and Substack Newsletters24:51 Discussing Crime and Controversies25:43 Introducing the Guest: Sir Simon Clark26:40 The YIMBY Campaign and Housing Crisis27:54 Planning Infrastructure Bill: Eight Quick Fixes28:41 Political Challenges and Housing Policies41:30 Devolution and Local Government43:50 Treasury Brain and Economic Growth48:16 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Projects This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On a packed episode of The Abundance Agenda this week:* James and Martin run through five reasons to be optimistic, including the exciting news that the government has taken control of the planning powers for two major new reservoirs.* James heads to Old Oak Common, the massive new HS2 station in West London, and speaks to HS2 Station Delivery Director Huw Edwards about progress inside the 1.8km “station box”.* Then Martin explores the story of Skegness – and talks about how its 19th century success started with its infrastructure, and how its modern lack of infrastructure is helping Reform win votes.* And finally, we speak to Labour MP Antonia Bance about how to build good quality housing, the opportunities of industrial policy – and whether an ‘Abundance’ mindset can ever be politically popular.You can find James’s piece “Why I still believe in HS2” here.You can find Martin’s piece… whatever it is going to be this week… here.The report we talk about by Michael Dnes on missing roads is here.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast00:38 Top Signs of Progress: New Reservoirs03:09 Water Leaks and Infrastructure Challenges07:45 Planning Reforms: Heat Pumps and EV Chargers11:14 Railway Developments: HS2 and Great British Rail18:19 A Visit to Skegness: Seaside Towns and Infrastructure32:21 Government Failures and Local Issues33:09 Staycations vs. Holidays33:46 Podcast Housekeeping34:24 Crowdfunders and Substack Topics35:32 Listener Feedback on Local Plans38:34 Interview with Antonia Bance: Housing and Public Services47:59 Building More Homes: Affordable vs. Private52:45 Skills Crisis and Industrial Strategy01:01:42 Trade Unions and Technological Change01:06:10 The Abundance Agenda: Political Popularity01:10:14 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week, Martin explores new research which reveals that the planning system is – amazingly – even more dysfunctional than we thought. Then James digs into some new polling from Ipsos, which reveals that a plurality of people are actually supportive of building new homes.Then we have an update on the National Parking Platform, which we swear is more interesting than it sounds. And finally, we speak to Ben Johnson from the Centre for British Progress about his new paper, Security and Prosperity: Building UK Defence Innovation.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.James’s piece explaining why the National Parking Platform is cool is here.Martin’s latest on bins is here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com

On The Abundance Agenda this week, James explains why buses are cool – and shares depressing news about what appears to be another delay to HS2.Then Martin digs deep into a new report packed with ideas for increasing Britain’s housing supply. The secret? More air conditioning and smaller homes!And finally, we speak to writer, comedian and prolific podcaster Andrew Hunter Murray about the phenomenon of empty houses… and why they are actually good.The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.You can find Andrew Hunter Murray’s novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering here. He’s also on the Private Eye Podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish, and The Naked Week.The report Breaking the Bottlenecks by Centre for Cities can be found here.James’s unwise wading in on Blue Labour and the politics of immigration is here.Martin’s latest post about the nature of diagnosis is here.Liz’s post on why we need seven bins is here.00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast00:35 The Struggles of Non-London Bus Services01:31 Exciting News: West Yorkshire's Weaver Network03:02 The Future of Bus Franchising in the UK06:40 HS2: Costs and Delays12:34 Challenges in Building More Housing15:56 The Debate on Air Conditioning and Flat Sizes28:45 Substack News and Housekeeping30:38 Introducing Our Guest: Andrew Hunter Murray31:34 Andrew's Obsession with Second Homes32:46 The Second Home Situation in the UK35:12 Potential Solutions to the Housing Crisis37:33 The Impact of Second Home Ownership Policies39:36 Incremental Changes and Taxation46:01 Gentle Density and Housing Solutions52:19 Political Viability of Abundance Ideas55:38 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.abundancepod.com