In Episode 6 of The Abundance Agenda podcast, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins explore positive developments in the UK, particularly focusing on new theme park projects and the challenges facing British Steel. The episode kicks off discussing Universal's plan to build a massive theme park resort in Bedfordshire, expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. The conversation then shifts to the recent crisis with British Steel, the government’s intervention, and the implications for the industry’s future. The hosts also cover an amendment to the planning bill proposed by Labour MP Chris Hinchcliffe, which has sparked debate among YIMBYs and developers. Additionally, the episode features an in-depth interview with JP Spencer, author of a new report by Labour Together that discusses strategies for addressing regional economic disparities and rebalancing the UK's growth. Themes of transport infrastructure, regional development, and the planning process are thoroughly examined.00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda00:32 Theme Parks: A Fascinating Business02:44 Universal's New Theme Park in Bedfordshire03:11 Local Impact and Community Response03:59 Challenges and Comparisons with Other Theme Parks09:23 Planning and Development Insights12:11 The Rise and Fall of the London Paramount Entertainment Resort15:20 British Steel: A Crisis Unfolds24:05 The Uncertain Future of British Steel24:29 Historical Context of British Steel Nationalization25:04 Challenges Facing the British Steel Industry25:46 Potential Solutions for Revitalizing British Steel26:31 Planning Bill Controversies and Local Politics27:20 The Role of Planning in Economic Growth28:38 The Debate Over Housing and Planning Amendments29:34 The Future of Planning and Development in the UK30:25 Housekeeping and Personal Updates32:21 The Concept of 'Leveling Up' in UK Politics34:05 Interview with JP Spencer on Regional Imbalances41:43 The Role of the Treasury Green Book45:05 Political Attitudes Towards Rebalancing the Economy46:47 Conclusion and 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
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48:02
Why we love Luton Airport, and a terrible plan for changing the London Mayoralty
In the fifth episode of The Abundance Agenda, hosts James O’Malley and Martin Robbins explore (rage at) a deeply terrible proposal to make it harder for the Mayor of London to do their job.Then they dig into plans to double the capacity of Luton Airport, looking at how the airport democratised air travel in the past – and how to reconcile caring about climate change with the need to expand airports.Then finally, we speak to David Lawrence and Julia Willemyns, the co-founders of the Centre for British Progress, a new think-tank that researches and promotes, er, basically the sort of things we like. We talk about why economic growth should be at the heart of progressive politics.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.Here’s the must-read “Rediscovering British Progress” essay.Here’s London Centric on the proposal to make the Mayor of London share power.And here’s our newsletter posts for the week: 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
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46:24
The Lower Thames Crossing, getting mad at boomers and the scourge of Everythingism
The Future of Infrastructure: Examining the Lower Thames Crossing and Everything-ismIn this episode of the Abundance Agenda podcast, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins discuss the UK government's plan to invest £2 billion in affordable housing and the significant approval of the Lower Thames Crossing. They explore the transport infrastructure project's details, challenges with the existing road systems, and the potential socio-economic benefits of the new tunnel. The hosts also touch on their evolving views on road building, balancing environmental concerns, and the role of autonomous vehicles in future transportation systems. Furthermore, the episode features an interview with Joe Hill from the Reform think tank, who introduces the concept of 'Everything-ism'—the problematic practice of overloading policies with multiple objectives, leading to inefficiencies and project delays. The episode concludes with reflections on the necessity of strategic focus in policymaking and infrastructure development.00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast00:27 Exciting News: Lower Thames Crossing Approval00:59 The Dartford Crossing: Current Issues and Future Plans03:20 Debate on Road Building and Induced Demand08:06 Planning Process and Costs of the Lower Thames Crossing10:03 Comparison with International Infrastructure Projects14:17 Challenges and Criticisms of Affordable Housing24:57 Historic Roofline Preservation25:04 The Ugly Cinema in Maidenhead25:58 Introduction to Everythingism26:25 Housekeeping and Substack Updates28:10 Interview with Joe Hill on Everythingism29:36 Examples of Everythingism in Policy34:50 Challenges and Solutions in Policy Making36:53 The Role of Government and Public Bodies45:54 Cultural and Political Implications48:49 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
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49:46
Empty climate gestures, Peter Hitchens' timezone crusade, and the big questions about New Towns
In this episode of 'The Abundance Agenda,' hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins dive into a story from Braintree in Essex where local resident Barry Thompson has faced ongoing challenges from the council in his efforts to install solar panels on his house. They discuss the irony of councils blocking green initiatives while declaring climate emergencies. The hosts also touch on broader issues such as the difficulty of carrying out decarbonization efforts, geopolitical tensions affecting renewable energy resources, and disputes within environmental organizations.Additionally, James and Martin discuss the Peter Hitchens' obsession with British Summer Time and the politics of changing time zones. The main interview features Lord Ben Gascoigne, Chair of the Built Environment Select Committee, who shares insights on the potential of new towns and the necessity of integrating community engagement and nature into urban planning.The New Towns Inquiry call for evidence:https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3626/James's newsletter on the origins of Abundance ideology and the on-going vibe shift:https://takes.jamesomalley.co.uk/p/the-abundance-vibe-shiftMartin's post on taking his trousers off at his local station car park:https://martinrobbins.substack.com/p/britains-car-parking-is-a-completeBook tickets for James's event with Anya Martin on How The YIMBYs Won:https://lu.ma/x265utjx00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast00:22 A Solar Powered Nightmare in Braintree03:30 The Irony of Declaring a Climate Emergency05:09 The Tension Between Climate Action and Conservation12:57 The Ethical Dilemma of Solar Panel Sourcing18:29 Peter Hitchens and British Summertime25:30 Permanent British Summertime: Effects and Controversies26:01 The Scottish Influence on Time Policy26:45 The Great Time Zone Debate: BST vs GMT27:04 Public Opinion and Political Movements27:35 The Future of Time Zones in Britain29:39 Podcast Housekeeping and Substack Highlights31:33 New Towns and Urban Development32:27 Interview with Ben Gas Coin: New Towns Inquiry37:11 Rewilding and Urban Planning44:40 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
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45:43
The Planning Bill, Lab Meat, and why Milton Keynes isn't afraid of growth
In this episode of the Abundance Agenda, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins delve into the implications of the new planning and infrastructure bill, exploring its potential to address issues like high-speed rail project inefficiencies and the infamous 'bat tunnel' problem. They discuss how the bill seeks to simplify the planning process and remove bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the significance of these changes for the UK's future growth. The episode also features an interview with Chris Curtis MP, who highlights Milton Keynes' exemplary development and the bill's potential impact on local and national infrastructure projects. Additionally, James and Martin debate the future of lab-grown meat, its economic feasibility, and its potential to revolutionize the food industry. 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
UK