TRASHFUTURE *PREVIEW* Don’t Call It A Clubhouse ft. Gareth Dennis
Dec 19, 2025
Transport expert Gareth Dennis returns to discuss the intricacies of UK rail and infrastructure policy. He critiques the bureaucratic delays stalling Leeds' transport projects and highlights the UK government's shift from construction to endless studies. The conversation delves into funding cycles and urgent issues like driver shortages impacting supply chains. Despite challenges, Gareth and the team find a glimmer of hope in Green Party momentum while lampooning Labour's outdated car-centric policies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Generational Delays In Transport Projects
- Gareth recalls being two when Leeds first announced an integrated transport plan, highlighting generational delays in delivery.
- He uses the example to show transport projects can take decades to reach fruition in the UK.
Business Cases Can Be Obstructive
- Gareth argues the business-case process often just delays projects and wastes millions on consultants.
- He suggests politicians should either decide to build something or not, instead of commissioning pointless studies.
State Reconfigured To Produce Paper Not Projects
- The UK state became a service procurer not an entrepreneurial builder, creating incentives to produce paper not physical works.
- This incentive structure explains high costs and chronic inability to deliver infrastructure efficiently.