Horatio Clare is one of Britain’s most captivating writers and broadcasters. From trekking across two continents following the migration of swallows, to voyaging on container ships, to writing about mental health and the natural world, his work is rooted in curiosity, humanity, and a deep urge to understand the world around us.

In this episode, we dive into his brand new book We Came by Sea – a fearless exploration of migration across the English Channel and the stories of those who are helping in what Horatio hails as one of the great search and rescue operations of all time.

Horatio talks about immersing himself in both sides of the debate, from spending time in right-wing pubs to listening on the ground in Dover. He shares what he witnessed first-hand at the frontline of Britain’s migration crisis, and why he believes current government policies are not just failing but wasting money.

We also step behind the curtain of his writing life: how he shapes ideas, the craft of putting words to paper, and why writing remains for him both an art and an act of public service.

For more information on Horatio and his books: https://horatioclarewriter.com/

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Mentioned in the Conversation:

Horatio's BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Into The West': https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h9np

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

02:47 The Welsh Coastline

09:17 What it means to be Welsh

12:10 British Journalism & their tactics

16:07 Horatio's interest in the Dover crossings

18:39 Pushbacks

21:08 Nigel Farage's vision

22:34 Dover's 'Boom-town'

24:47 Refugees not assylum seekers or migrants

27:35 Making refugee soldiers

29:05 The true cost of border enforcement

31:31 Other countries methods

33:38 Tom witnessing boat crossings

35:45 They believe Britain isn't racist

37:30 Volunteers looking after welfare

41:00 Comparisons between mental health system and asylum

43:01 What does it mean to be British?

47:41 Horatio's craft as a writer

51:34 Research in travel literature

55:49 Lessons from Anna Gavalda

58:32 Writing from a container ship