Planet Normal (The Telegraph)

The bells are ringing, the Christmas spirit has well and truly hit the rocket. Joining your co-pilots in looking back at the highs and lows of 2023 as well as giving their predictions for 2024 is Telegraph columnists Con Coughlin and Tim Stanley. Was 2023 the year of immigration? Is the Tory party as we know it finished? And what’s on the cards for European politics and elsewhere across the world next year? Only this rocket has the answers.

Co-pilot Pearson has her gongs at the ready but who will be the worthy winner of the Allison Pearson ‘Hell Bent on Extinction’ award, the abuse of the English language award and finally the ‘For God’s Sake Make it Stop’ Award? 

And your co-pilots open the rocket’s mailbag for the final time this year.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘My awards for 2023: from Michelle Mone to Harry and Meghan, it was a year of utter shamelessness’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/12/20/michellle-mone-harry-and-meghan-awards-for-2023/ |

Listen to Battle Lines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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In this the first of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023.

The rocket featured many guest appearances from big names in politics including previous Home Secretary, Priti Patel, live from the Conservative party Conference in October. She shared her thoughts on the ‘woke blob’ running Whitehall, and her hopes for a Tory victory in 2024.

Throughout 2023 your co-pilots have prided themselves in championing unheard voices and in October the rocket welcomed former head teacher Mike Fairclough who shared his heartbreaking and shocking story of how he has been ostracised and disgraced as a teacher for giving his opinion on school closures and vaccinations at his former place of work.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

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 In this the second of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023.

The rocket featured many unique interviews from stowaways from many different worldly professions. In September the rocket also had a visit from former PM Liz Truss who stopped by to tell our co-pilots  why current PM Rishi Sunak needs to ditch the 2030 Net Zero target in favour of more traditional conservative policies, also taking a candid look back at her own brief premiership.

Back in October, in light of the shocking events happening in the Middle East, the rocket welcomed IDF soldier Ben who gave his personal account of the harrowing events happening on the ground in Israel. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

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It’s business as usual this week as the rocket launches back into action after its Christmas hiatus. And your co-pilots are not short of opinions on the latest scandal.

The political and media class are finally waking up to the Post Office Scandal, drawn attention to by the airing of a recent ITV drama and your co-pilots are naturally incensed at the rife injustice of the situation.

Allison questions if this could be the UK’s Watergate moment whilst Liam thinks that it's worse because this scandal involves punishing innocent people who don't have the means to defend themselves.

Also joining your co-pilots on their first voyage of the year is Deputy leader of political party Reform UK, Ben Habib, who shares his concerns for a Labour victory at the next general election and where he thinks it all went wrong for the current Conservative Party.

And co-pilot Pearson shares her New Year’s resolutions, but has she been keeping to them?

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘The Post Office scandal has exposed Britain as a hotbed of cronyism and corruption: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/01/09/post-office-scandal-mr-bates-horizon-paula-vennell/ |

Read Liam: ‘The Tories have failed to address one of the biggest scandals in the City’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/12/17/tories-failed-address-biggest-city-london-scandals/ |

Listen to Battle Lines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded before The Rwanda Bill cleared the Commons

Strapping into the rocket alongside your co-pilots this week is former Fujitsu employee ‘Robin’ who gives an exclusive inside take on what really went on to cause such a huge miscarriage of justice.

Plus, it’s official: the Conservative party has gone full ‘Tonto’ but is Britain's once most reliable party really heading for a breakup?

Allison thinks the country is crying out for a more right-wing Conservative Party, and that Reform UK could really make waves in the next General Election.

Whilst Liam questions whether Reform's policy of abolishing the 'first past the post' approach would be beneficial for the country, as it can lead to endless coalitions and very little being actioned.

But both agree that the issue of small boats and the Rwanda plan currently splitting the party will be a deciding factor in the next election.

And the mailbag is bursting with reader’s response to the Post Office Scandal.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘’The only thing shocking about a 1997-style wipeout is that Sunak might keep 169 seats’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/01/16/conservative-election-1997-wipeout-sunak-government-voters/|

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Just when the UK has finished surviving a battering from storm Isha Talk of Tory regicide is blowing its way in with storm Jocelyn. It’s safe to say your co-pilots are in for a turbulent week on the rocket.

Allison is still in favour of Conservatism which she thinks a leadership change could help encourage, whilst Liam thinks that talk of a possible revolt be put to bed until after the general election, to ‘save the Country’s nervous system’.

Will the upcoming by-elections in Wellingborough and Kingswood resolve this Tory leadership tussle?

Strapping into the rocket this week to give his take on the state of Irish / English relations is musical legend Feargal Sharkey. He also shares his thoughts on environmental policies, a cause which he feels passionately about.

And it’s the news we’ve all been waiting for as Allison’s furry friend makes her final descent to UK shores…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘You think this is cold? Try living through the winter of 1963’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/01/17/you-think-this-is-cold-weather-dream-on/|

Read Allison: ‘Port Talbot has been sacrificed to the angry god of net zero’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/19/port-talbot-has-been-sacrificed-to-the-angry-god-of-net-zer/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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This week your co-pilots are busy celebrating the anniversary of Brexit and the subsequent birth of Planet Normal. But aside from a hit podcast, what does the country really have to show from the referendum?

Liam thinks that the people talking down the economy since the referendum often underestimate UK, and that our GDP growth is actually on par with other countries in the EU.

Allison meanwhile is seething at another scandal afoot with British universities, which she believes is causing an ‘apartheid’ between UK and International students, by favouring the former.

This week the rocket welcomes 'Amy' and 'James' onto the rocket to share their daughter's story. A classmate of their child joined the Church of England school as a girl, while being born a boy. 'Amy' and 'James' say the child’s sex was hidden from classmates, like their daughter, who were traumatised to learn the truth.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Universities should want brilliant British minds, not dumbed-down foreign cash cows’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/01/30/top-british-universities-international-students-oxbridge/

Read Allison: 'Four-year-old boy allowed to join school as a girl is no Grimm fairytale but a real-life nightmare': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/26/boy-four-join-school-a-girl-grimm-nightmare-mental-health/

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As inflation drops, anger on the rocket rises, at the issue of illegal immigration and asylum seekers in light of the shocking chemical attack in London.

Plus, where do your co-pilots stand on Liz Truss' ‘Pop Con’? Liam thinks that immigration could well overtake the economy as the number one issue for voters in the upcoming election and closely impending by-elections. Allison feels the rise in smaller groups such as Reform and the new ‘Pop Con’ is merely a reflection of mass frustration at the failing of the Conservative Party.

Strapping into the cockpit this week is former Secretary of State for Scotland Lord Michael Forsyth, who presents his defence for the recent criticism of the House of Lords, as well as his grave take on the state of the current Conservative Party.

And Allison is outraged that the home nation of her beloved cat, Didi, Turkey, has been deemed 'unsafe' by Home Office officials.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘When will we stop men from barbaric cultures acting out their evil ideologies on British soil?’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/02/06/chemical-attacks-barbaric-cultures-evil-acts-british-soil/

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Give children brick phones, not smartphones, says this week's guest on the rocket of right thinking, Sophie Winkleman. The Peep Show star gives an insight into her plea to promote screen free learning for children and finds time to share a sprinkling of showbiz gossip on the rocket…

Plus your co-pilots experience some déja-vu, as the Tories demonstrate another set of 'barely managed meltdowns.'

But is the Prime Minister really ‘sticking to the plan?’

Liam gives his take on the latest stagnant inflation figures, but warns that if the PM doesn’t change his plan we could be headed for economic woe and a recession.

And weighing into the latest drama from the Labour Party, Allison thinks the party might be being eaten by its own ‘diversity dragon', and has also found time to invent a new game: introducing ‘Rishi Bingo’.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Liam: "The issue that could decide the election - and it's not the economy"https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/02/11/immigration-not-economy-key-election-success/ |

Read Allison: ‘Greedy universities don’t seem to care about white middle-class British kids’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/02/14/britain-white-middle-class-teenagers-greedy-universities/\

Sophie Winkleman: "Screens in schools are harming our children"

https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/screens-schools-harming-children |

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Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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This episode was recorded before the evening's events in the House of Commons.

You can read more here on the Telegraph's live blog: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/21/rishi-sunak-latest-news-atkins-labour-snp-gaza/#comment

It was a double by-election blow for the Conservative Party as Labour claimed victory in Wellingborough and Kingswood. In what is now a common occurence the third by election next week in Rochdale sees your co-pilots welcome standing candidate George Galloway onto the rocket to hear his fighting talk.

He argues the Labour Party have brought ‘disgrace’ to the constituency and that his party is ‘ready to punish them’. He also puts forward his case for bringing Boris Johnson back as leader of the Conservatives…

Liam thinks that despite the polls predictions, we might see a closer General Election result than people expect.

And Allison, who has taken umbrage with Party Leader Penny Mordaunt’s politics in the past, still champions her as a better leader than the current PM.

And your co-pilots salute the genius that was Dad’s Army and take a march down memory lane...

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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As co-pilot Pearson is away this week Liam is joined by special guest Telegraph Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, to discuss the issue of the military housing plan that has barracks up and down the country up in arms, and how Allison and Danielle's reporting sparked a huge response from the Ministry of Defence. 

Danielle explains to Liam why military personnel are so fed up with their standard of accommodation and why she thinks this issue might be affecting military retention at a time when presenting a united military front to face ongoing conflict across Europe is so vital.

And there’s also time for a quick glimpse into the bulging PN mailbag.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Danielle Sheridan: ‘Army housing plan that caused revolt among military wives paused for fear of losing ‘good people’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/27/military-wives-mod-housing-army-james-cartlidge/ |

Read Allison’ Watch out MoD, you take away an Army wife’s home at your peril’ :https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/23/army-wives-lives-military-families-torn-up-new-conditions/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chancellor has revealed his Budget but the rocket of right-thinking has spotted a shadowy figure on the horizon heading towards Mr Hunt - the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Strapping into the rocket to help navigate the nuances is Helen Thomas from Blonde Money, a former advisor to then-Chancellor George Osborne. Helen thinks that the ghost of ignoring the OBR in the now infamous Autumn Budget of 2021 is haunting the current government, and making them over cautious.

Liam thinks the OBR is at loggerheads with the Treasury as the Chancellor wanted to give a big cut to grab headlines but he had to compromise with a cheaper option.

And Co-Pilot Pearson, aka Velma, also has some concerns about these spooky shenanigans - namely that the government has missed the mark by not addressing first time buyers and social mobility.

Plus, as ever, we delve into the bulging PN mailbag.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: 'Stop being scared of Islamophobia. Start worrying about Anglophobia' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/03/05/the-government-new-extremism-laws-needs-engage-muslim-women/

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is no rest in the political news cycle this week, but are recent events enough to trigger a political earthquake or just another tremor?

In light of Lee Anderson jumping ship from the Tory Party to Reform UK, Allison thinks the Conservatives won't hold onto a single Red Wall seat won in the 2019 election, and worries that everything in our country has a 'social justice agenda’.

There’s also time to weigh in on the ongoing Covid Inquiry, which Liam thinks has become a ‘farce’ and wonders why it has disappeared from the news.

Joining your co-pilots this week is filmmaker Martin Durkin, who straps in to chat to your co-pilots about some of the home truths revealed in his latest film 'CLIMATE THE MOVIE'.

And Allison gives her take on Cillian Murphy’s eyes in wake of the latest Academy Awards.

'The Climate Movie' (A Cold Truth) is released on 21st March on Youtube and other platforms

Allison Pearson is a board member of The Global Warming Policy Foundation, a think-tank that wants open debate on climate policy. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison:’Lee Anderson was right: We want our country back’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/03/12/i-know-why-britain-is-so-miserable-lost-minority-nonsense/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With potential Conservative Party mutiny still bubbling away, there’s a rare moment of disagreement in the Planet Normal cockpit this week over a potential Tory leadership change

Liam is convinced that a leadership will make an inevitable  election loss much worse, whilst Allison is adamant that with a new ‘proper’ Tory party leader would persuade Conservative voters not to stay home.

And co-pilot Pearson shares her outrage at the latest royal drama surrounding the Princess of Wales. All residents on the rocket are in agreement that the media should respect her privacy as she convalesces. 

Joining your co-pilots this week is SDP Mayor of London Candidate ‘socially right, economically left, Amy Gallagher who explains why she thinks Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s recent comments on politics make him sound more like an MP than a religious leader.

And Bob the Bard makes a joyous return to the rocket’s mailbag…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Kemi Badenoch: Britain’s diversity drive has backfired: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/03/20/kemi-badenoch-britain-diversity-drive-backfired/ |

Watch Amy Gallagher’s documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4v1cb04vB4 |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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New immigration figures will be causing another headache for Rishi Sunak and strapping into the cockpit this week is Former Minister for Immigration Robert Jenrick, who reveals the events in the lead up to his resignation and how the PM refused to acknowledge the issue of immigration.

As the Tory meltdown continues with more MP’s putting themselves up for hire, could it all be over for the Country’s leading Party before the local elections in May?

Allison is convinced the upcoming elections are less about swing voters and the Party needs to make ‘a Conservative plea for Conservative voters’.

Whilst Liam is worried about post election and if Keir Starmer has the stamina to maintain his lead to start rolling out his policies successfully.

And Velma makes a welcome return to the rocket with a brand new stat..

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

Read Allison: ‘Welcome to Starmer’s Britain, where class hatred will ruin our private schools’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/03/26/keir-starmer-labour-private-school-fee-plan-catastrophe/ |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a lot of madness orbiting the rocket this week as your co-pilots tackle the latest ghastly news from the NHS and author JK Rowling's reaction to the latest SNP legislation, not to mention the redesign of our Union Jack for the Olympics.

Allison thinks we could be on the way to a ‘backdoor blasphemy’ law in light of Scotland's hate crime bill.

Whilst Liam agrees and is disappointed with the Scottish media’s coverage of the law maker’s decision.

Returning to the rocket for his second voyage this week is Tory peer, Dr Tony Sewell, who discusses his reaction to the most recent race report from Kemi Badenoch, as well as his latest book, Black Success: The Surprising Truth.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Sarah Knapton ‘Number of patients waiting four weeks to see GP soars all over England’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/02/patients-waiting-four-weeks-for-gp-appointment-soars-nhs/ |

Read Allison ‘The new Team GB flag trashes everything that’s iconic about the Union Jack’:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/04/03/the-team-gb-flag-rebrand-olympics/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Claire Fox straps into the cockpit this week to take the helm and tackle the madness alongside co-pilot Halligan. And there's no shortage of febrile pre-election news on the horizon.

In light of the publication of the highly anticipated Cass Report, Baroness Fox celebrates the media’s balanced reaction.

Liam ponders whether Reform UK could reinvigorate the debate about proportional representation, should they win enough seats in the upcoming local and general elections, whilst Claire thinks the Party will undoubtedly benefit from disillusion of the Conservative Party's core voters.

Stowing away on the rocket of right thinking this week is independent economist Julian Jessop to answer the big questions: is our economy really on the up?

And Claire gives an insight into what it’s really like to be a member of the House of Lords.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Claire: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ck-co/claire-fox/

 Read more from Julian: www.julianhjessop.com

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Battle of Brussels

With co-pilot Pearson making a triumphant return to the rocket this week there’s much madness to discuss including the Cass report, what the Office of Budget Responsibility is really about and some drama from Brussels…

Joining your co-pilots to share what really happened at the explosive National Conservative Conference in Brussels is MP Miriam Cates, who explains why the events that unfolded were so chilling for our freedom of speech.

Allison also reveals some exclusive extracts from her recent interview with former Liz Truss and Liam explains why the claims that the former PM ‘crashed the economy’ are simply a myth.

Also hopping aboard to discuss the worrying state of Iranian relations to the West is British historian of Iranian history Daniel Rad.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison’s interview with Liz Truss: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/04/15/liz-truss-interview-ten-years-to-save-the-west/ \

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strapping into the rocket this week and calling for the resignation of Met Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, is former Home Secretary and Conservative MP Suella Braverman. She also explains why she thinks it’s time we left the European Convention of Human Rights and her exasperation at her party's 'scramble for the centre-ground'.

Elsewhere on the podcast, Allison is convinced the passing of the Rwanda Bill is Rishi Sunak’s desperate last trump card, while Liam asks the question: have recent protests gone too far?

And both co-pilots indulge in some reminiscing of the Spice Girls, and pay tribute to the passing of former Labour MP Frank Field.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘Britain’s Jews fear for their lives because Sir Mark Rowley is a weak coward’ : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/04/23/jews-dont-believe-have-future-in-uk-met-police-mark-rowley/ |

Read Allison ‘The Rwanda Bill won’t stop people backing Reform – Tory voters have had enough’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/04/24/rwanda-bill-will-not-stop-people-voting-for-reform/

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Election fever has reached the rocket this week as the co-pilots await the results from local polling stations up and down the country.

And there’s nothing short of a tsunami of politics in Scotland. 

Allison thinks the progressive Left are finally being confronted by the consequences of their policies in light of First Minister, Humza Yousaf’s resignation.

Whilst Liam thinks Scotland’s leadership decision will play a crucial part determining Labour’s future in the country.

Strapping into the rocket this week to pay tribute to her friend the late Frank Field is Baroness Kate Hoey who also gives her take on the latest relations between Ireland and the UK

And there’s an exciting announcement about the upcoming Planet Normal Event…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read Liam: ‘Frank Field’s warnings on benefits Britain went unheeded’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/04/28/frank-field-britain-sicknote-culture-welfare-state/ 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘The SNP hasn’t realised that ‘socially conservative’ is actually normal’:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/05/01/humza-yousaf-kate-forbes-snp-social-conservatism-normal/ |

Read Robert Mendick: The images that show the two sides of AstraZeneca’s vaccine ‘miracle’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/30/astrazeneca-vaccine-jamie-scott-class-action-side-effects/ 

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

Get tickets for Planet Normal event: telegraph.co.uk/events

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the local elections across England and Wales all over, who were the real winners and losers? And did the Tories really get hammered? Only your co-pilots have the answers.

Liam ponders whether the Tory Party can hold it together long enough to get some sort of bounce back from potential impending economic uplifts.

Whilst Allison thinks Tory mutiny is no longer a threat and that the plotters have given up all chance of a potential new leader.

And what about Reform’s Nigel Farage? Will he? Won't he?

Also hopping aboard to chat about the local election results, and what it means for his Party, is Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘I’m not a Covid conspiracy theorist. I was right’:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/02/im-not-a-covid-conspiracy-theorist-i-was-right/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exclusive interview with co-pilot Pearson, Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey straps into the rocket to give his response to the recent Channel 4 documentary with allegations about inappropriate sexual conduct.

Elsewhere Rishi Sunak’s political plight is as unpredictable as the British weather. But what do your co-pilots make of his latest stream of policies?

Allison ponders whether the country has ever gone into a general election with two such unpopular potential leaders which she claims is ‘a standoff of the Woodentops’.

And Liam dissects the current Labour frontbench, which he thinks compares woefully to that of Tony Blair.

Plus both co-pilots give their take on the latest royal portrait.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Watch Allison's full interview with Kevin Spacey: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/15/watch-kevin-spacey-interview-metoo-career-comeback/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Today's episode was recorded before the General Election announcement**

There’s not one but two scandals to comment on this week as both the infected blood and Post office inquiries are front and centre. And both co-pilots share impassioned views about the latest ‘cacophony of woe’ coming from both.

Allison thinks that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s response was unacceptable in the face of a ‘state sponsored massacre’.

Whilst Liam says more eyes should be on the civil service in these inquiries who he thinks have been very good at ‘wriggling out of blame’.

Also strapping into the rocket this week is MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield who gives her thoughts on the current Labour Party and why NHS maternity services have been letting down women for decades.

And the countdown is on for the upcoming Planet Normal live event to celebrate the 200th orbit of the rocket…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘Horizon, maternity, infected blood – what other scandals await corrupt Britain?’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/05/21/infected-blood-scandal-horizon-maternity-corrupt-britain/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special anniversary episode was recorded live in front of an audience of Planet Normal citizens, from Cadogan Hall in London.

The beloved rocket gains a few extra passengers this week as our third Planet Normal live event takes off!

Your co-pilots give their thoughts on the upcoming election alongside some very special guests.

The first revered stowaway on the rocket this week is Lord David Frost, who reveals how he tried to save the Conservative Party from themselves.

Also strapping in for lift-off is writer Lionel Shriver, who reveals why her latest novel ‘Mania’ could be quite close to home..

And the Planet Normal citizens have their say as your co-pilots take questions from the live audience.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst co-pilot Pearson takes a well earned break from the rocket Liam is joined by a temporary co-pilot and fellow right thinker, Baroness Claire Fox.

Political fur is flying in wake of the first election television debate,  but who do Claire and Liam think came out on top?

Claire thinks that the competing parties are underestimating the needs of the electorate in their mandate material. Whilst Liam thinks the parties aren’t doing enough to convince the public of their long term economic security, post election.

Also boarding the rocket to give an insight into election tactics from the Labour camp is Former Head of Broadcasting for the Labour Party Matthew Laza, who dishes out some advice for the party.

And what does Baroness Fox make of the politics from across the pond?

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Claire: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ck-co/claire-fox/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Planet Normal, your co-pilots strap into the rocket with Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage. In a true rocket grilling Nigel responds to people saying his party is racist, reveals how many votes he expects to win at the upcoming election, and if he really would stand down candidates in Tory marginal seats.

Also on this episode with Labour heading for a big majority, what do your co-pilots make of the party manifestos hitting the headlines this week?

Liam thinks the Tory manifesto is more about keeping the Party together than appealing to the electorate. Whilst Allison thinks that the incoming Labour government could soon ‘come a cropper’ even with a storming majority…

And did Allison manage to return from her holiday to Turkey without another furry friend, listen to find out…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘Nigel Farage is already the leader of the Conservatives’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/06/11/allison-pearson-nigel-farage-conservatives-leader/ |

Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/10/farage-hoping-to-gatecrash-sunak-starmer-debates/

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the rocket hurtling towards the election, what do its inhabitants make of the latest manifesto madness?

In light of the latest inflation figures Liam thinks the Conservatives need to be more honest about tax hikes, whilst Allison thinks that Reform’s policies are what should have been in the Conservative Party Manifesto, and might help pull back some disillusioned voters.

Also joining your co-pilots for a return mission to the rocket is journalist and the Social Democratic Party candidate for Middlesbrough South, Rod Liddle, who gives the co-pilots an update on his campaign and the ‘soft’ deal his party has struck with Reform UK.

And is it coming home? Allison gives her take on the Euros…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘Watching England with my menfolk introduced me to some odd rituals – and Gary Lineker’s Next range’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/06/19/england-euro-2024-gary-lineker-next-range-bbc/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The temperature is heating up on the rocket this week, as the whole country basks in a heatwave but is the election shade being thrown threatening to spoil your co-pilots fun in the sun?

Allison spills the beans on her trip to the campaign trail with Reform UK Leader, Nigel Farage and claims that, in her view, a vote for the party isn’t a wasted one.

Whilst Liam is worried about the potential judiciary changes an incoming Labour government might make and the effect they could have on our democracy.

Joining your co-pilots for a return mission on the rocket is journalist Peter Hitchens who gives his take on the political landscape in the week before the big election.

And co-pilot Pearson weighs in with her weekly update from the Euros football tournament…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Reform puts British people first – how is that a wasted vote?’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/06/25/reform-britain-wasted-vote/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Planet Normal was recorded on Wednesday the 3rd July before the polls opened for the general election.

Six weeks of election campaigning have come to an end and what a campaign it has been, with no shortage of political gaffes on either side of the Channel as the first round of voting in France has National Rally, formerly headed by Marine LePen, on the cusp of power and Macron’s gamble backfiring.

Meanwhile across the pond the co-pilots give their thoughts on the debate between President Biden and Donald Trump. Allison thinks Donald Trump looks a more plausible choice, but only compared to a more frail appearing Joe Biden. Whilst Liam points out a possible advantage for Donald Trump is that he won’t go to the polls as a convicted felon after the Supreme Court Ruling earlier this week. 

Joining your co-pilots in the cockpit to discuss the first round of voting in France is journalist Anne-Elisabeth Moutet who gives your co-pilots a lesson in French politics and how Jordan Bardella has captured the minds of younger voters.

And the notorious ‘Bob the bard’ returns to the rocket…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read Liam: This is the one glaring omission from this election’s endless debates: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/06/30/when-it-comes-discussing-lockdown-politicians-are-on-mute/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read: Allison Pearson meets Nigel Farage: ‘Kemi Badenoch was very unpleasant’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/02/allison-pearson-meets-nigel-farage-general-election-2024/ |

Read more from Anne-Elisabeth: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06/26/emmanuel-macron-may-soon-resign/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Labour landslide win (as predicted by your co-pilots) the rocket orbits into a new political galaxy, but is it the same old madness?

Allison delivers some hard truths to the Conservative party whom she thinks deserve ‘oblivion’ should they fail to come to the ‘correct conclusion’ on their new leader.

Whereas Liam thinks the Tories need to take their time when deciding their next leader and think carefully about the rules of the contest.

Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is former advisor to the Labour Party, John McTernan, who gives his take on the incoming Labour government and why he thinks their new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, might need to think about bending some fiscal rules…

And there’s a very inspired email from one listener…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Liam in the cockpit this week for a very special extended interview is Professor Matthew Goodwin. 

As the rocket blasts into a new political era with a Labour government at the helm, Matthew explains why he thinks Keir Starmer’s party could be unpopular very quickly, and debates with Liam how the Conservative Party could pull back a vital share of voters that they lost to Reform UK.

Our popular analyst also gives his take on the political antics happening across the pond, and why he thinks Donald Trump is in an especially strong position, more so after the assassination attempt on him.

There’s also time for co-pilot Halligan to have a brief burrow in the Planet Normal mailbag.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Subscribe to Matthew’s substack here: https://substack.com/@mattgoodwin |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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The rocket blasts off for a final voyage before its summer break but there’s no shortage of madness to navigate before then.

What did your co-pilots make of Keir Starmer’s first outing at Prime Minister’s Questions? Not to mention the political developments from across the pond..

Allison isn’t impressed with the front runners in the Conservative party leadership contest. Nor the Labour party’s two child benefit cap which Liam believes the implications of which could potentially hamper growth.

Strapping into the cockpit again as the rocket streams towards the Olympics is former professional swimmer and Olympian Sharron Davies who drops by to discuss her book in the build up to the celebration of sporting excellence.

And Allison shares some worrying observations from her recent trip to A and E.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘My Soviet A&E ordeal shows there’s no compassion left in the dead-eyed NHS’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/07/23/no-compassion-left-in-the-nhs/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s summer on Planet Normal so in this the first of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.

Back in January, just after the realities of the Post Office Scandal had come to the fore courtesy of a hard-hitting ITV drama, Allison spoke to an anonymous insider from Fujitsu, the Japanese company that designed and managed the Horizon online accounting system that had caused so many problems for Post Office Sub-Postmaster trying to balance their books.

“Robin” - not their real name - worked at Fujitsu in the mid 2000s and filled Allison in on what they experienced.

And then, in April, Planet Normal listeners were joined by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman who told us about the barriers she faced when trying to tackle the surge in UK immigration - and her frustration with then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Two very revealing interviews!

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer continues on Planet Normal! In this, the second of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.

In January Liam interviewed legendary former frontman of The Undertones, turned water campaigner, Feargal Sharkey.

As well as discussing the state of the UK’s waterways Liam and Feargal also discussed relations between Ireland and the UK post Brexit, as well as his colourful musical career.

Then, in May, just as the general election campaign was getting started Liam also spoke to Labour MP, and women’s rights advocate, Rosie Duffield.

As an MP who has received abuse from some of  her own colleagues for questioning trans self-identification, Rosie explains how she felt about being a member of the Labour Party after such a backlash.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As summer comes to a close on Planet Normal, in this the third and final of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.

In March, the co-pilots interviewed author and filmmaker Martin Durkin about his latest film Climate The Movie - The Cold Truth. The film takes issue with what he calls ‘climate alarmism’ - a trend which, Durkin says, does not reflect scientific reality.

And finally, in April, Liam interviewed Tory Peer Dr Tony Sewell. Dr Sewell Chaired the committee which produced the highly-influential 2021 report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. He joined the rocket of right thinking for a return mission again to discuss his new book Black Success.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Liam for a very special Planet Normal exclusive interview is the front-runner in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch.

Fresh from announcing her bid, the MP for North West Essex joins Liam to discuss immigration, trade deals and how she thinks she can take the party forwards as leader of the opposition.

Also joining them is former Tory MP for Bournemouth Conor Burns who discusses his experience in light of the recent bullying allegations against Kemi.

Watch full length video with Kemi: https://youtu.be/kTmXlNHheXo

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read: Kemi Badenoch Interview https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/08/02/kemi-badenoch-interview-integration-tory-leadership/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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As co-pilot Pearson circles Heathrow waiting for clearance to land, Liam is joined by Planet Normal Cosmonaut Supreme, Baroness Claire Fox.

There's been much madness to dissect since the rocket's last orbit. How is the new Labour government handling the Summer chaos?

Claire is frustrated that the Tory leadership contest seems to be leaving the country without a strong opposition and that it might leave the Conservatives unable to challenge the Labour party.

Whilst Liam is optimistic that new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has the potential to pull off the reform the National Health Service needs to get back on track.

Stowing away on the rocket this week is author and Conservative Peer, Jon Moynihan who expresses his concern at Labour’s economic policies, saying they won’t create growth by ‘just cutting wages’.

And there is a delve into the fumbling Planet Normal mailbag which is overflowing from the recent Summer break…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Jon: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/08/18/uk-economy-growth-social-democracy-bankrupt-conservative/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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As co-pilot Pearson makes a triumphant return to the rocket, sunkissed and well rested, there is no short of madness orbiting the rocket. But has the UK really gone back to the 70s?

Allison thinks the PM’s Rose Garden speech was ‘tone deaf’ and with things only set to get worse, in the words of the PM, co pilot Halligan delivers some sobering economic predictions for the upcoming budget.

Strapping into the cockpit this week is Director of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young who gives his take on the incoming government and why social media is not to blame for the recent riots in the UK.

And there’s a triumphant return from Velma.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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It’s back to school and back to parliament so the co pilots have their news notes at the ready!

Your co-pilots discuss the Tory leadership vote and analysis from the Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry report. 

Liam places previous rocket stowaway Kemi Badenoch as a favourite to take over the Conservative party whereas Allison thinks the party needs to capitalise on Labour’s current position and elect a stronger more right leaning leader.

Safely strapped in the rocket this week, to bring expert insight into the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is Former Chief of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Iain Cox.

And Allison spills the beans on her new weight loss ‘miracle’.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘My miracle weight-loss jab has changed my life and will change the world’ : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/04/mounjaro-weight-loss-jab-changed-my-life/ |

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Autumn is slowly coming into view on the rocket of right thinking and the words on everyone’s lips are ‘winter fuel payments’.

Labour won their round in the Commons but your co-pilots aren’t impressed with the party’s latest policy decisions.

The Chancellor claims this decision is for the good of the economy, however Liam thinks that it doesn’t match up with the economy’s recent growth rate. Whilst Allison thinks the Chancellor is in danger of appearing ‘dalek like’ in the run up to the Autumn statement.

And there’s an exciting stat of the week from Velma…

And strapping in with a ‘clunk, click’ to give his take on the electric vehicle push, is CEO of Vertu motors, Robert Forrester, and why he thinks the UK just isn’t ready…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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Strapping into the rocket of right thinking this week for a Planet Normal exclusive is Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat who shares the reasons why he thinks he can carry the party back to power in five years, and why he wants to get the selection process completed as soon as possible to lead an effective opposition.

Whilst co-pilot Pearson is doing some on the ground reporting in Israel, temporary co-pilot Nick Timothy steps into the cockpit.

On the agenda Nick ponders whether Health Secretary Wes Streeting has the ‘walk’ to match the ‘talk’ that the NHS so desperately needs to reform. Whilst Liam expresses some concerns at some of the economic narratives coming from the Labour Party ahead of the Autumn Statement.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Nick: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/n/nf-nj/nick-timothy/ |

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**Some of Alison's reporting contains descriptions you may find distressing

With Conference season in full swing, what do your co-pilots make of the PM’s latest speech slip up at the Party’s Conference?

Liam thinks Starmer’s speech failed to set the room alight as much as previous Labour PM Tony Blair would have done.

And Allison shares some moving observations from her recent trip to Israel.

Also strapping into the cockpit this week is Chairman of Reform UK, Zia Yusuf, who explains the Party’s plans to create the most formidable political ground campaign in the country, by the next general election.

And finally there’s an eagerly anticipated weight loss update from both co-pilots…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

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The rocket beams in live from the Tory Party Conference in Birmingham this week and there’s no shortage of melodrama to dissect as the Party gears up to elect its new leader.

Fastening their seat belt alongside your co-pilots this week is leadership contender and previous stowaway, Robert Jenrick MP for Newark, who shares his hopes for the party should he win the contest.

Liam gives the rocket the inside scoop from the conference as the race for Leader of the Opposition aka the conservative ‘beauty contest’ reaches its final straight.

And Allison shares a stark warning about the potential dangers of lithium batteries on solar farms.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘‘I’ve seen how Ed Miliband’s net zero dream turns into a nightmare. It will destroy Britain’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/01/ed-milibands-net-zero-dream-will-destroy-britain/ |

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Fresh from a shock elimination in the Tory leadership race, your co-pilots deliver their verdict on the latest results from the now two horse race. And did co-pilot Pearson really influence the result?

One year on from the shocking 7th October attack in Israel, the rocket reflects on Allison’s recent dispatch to Israel and welcomes Brendan O’Neill into the cockpit. Brendan’s new book ‘After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation’ describes how he believes the West failed in their actions following the events in Israel.

Your co-pilots also share an exciting announcement about an upcoming event and Bob the Bard returns…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘Not one girl could be shown to her parents’: The horrors of Oct 7 – as told by the survivors’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/05/oct-7-israel-survivors-stories-state-of-the-nation/ |

Read Allison: ‘Hamas murdered my sister and her husband – but we will give their babies a normal life’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/06/oct-7-attack-orphan-twins-guy-roi-adoptive-parents/ |

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Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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Planet Normal listeners can get 20% off tickets to the Battle of Ideas Festival by putting the code PLANETNORMAL24 into the Promo code section of the ticket page – accessible through https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/battle-of-ideas-festival-tickets-2024/ |

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The countdown to Labour's first Budget is on, but what do your co-pilots make of the new Chancellor's plans? Brace yourselves it's another news Tsunami…

Liam isn’t convinced Labour’s plan for growth will strengthen up the public finances and believes a more prudent approach to spending is needed.

Allison agrees and is concerned if they increase National Insurance on employers it will lead to less investment and fewer jobs.

Joining your co-pilots for this week’s voyage is former Downing Street advisor and journalist Andy Coulson. The former News of the World Editor shares his thoughts on the first 100 days of the Labour government and reflects on his time at Belmarsh prison where he first formed the idea for his podcast ‘Crisis, What Crisis?’.

And your co-pilots weigh in on Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s endorsement of weight loss drugs…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘I’m buying a generator. Who would want to invest in blackout Britain?’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/16/buying-a-generator-in-blackout-britain-ed-miliband/ |

Listen to Andy Coulson: www.podfollow.com/crisis |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Planet Normal listeners can get 20% off tickets to the Battle of Ideas Festival by putting the code PLANETNORMAL24 into the Promo code section of the ticket page – accessible through https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/battle-of-ideas-festival-tickets-2024/ |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded live at the Battle of Ideas Festival in London on 20th October 2024

In this very special episode of Planet Normal, the rocket beams in live from the Battle of Ideas Festival featuring not one, but two very special stowaways..

Sociologist and social commentator, Professor Frank Furedi shares his thoughts on how we can tackle what he calls the ‘madness’ of political correctness.

Writer and comedian, Andrew Doyle also explains why we need to prioritise the value of free speech in our society.

And your co-pilots weigh in on the government’s recently unveiled plans for NHS and prison reform, and it’s safe to say they’re not sold.

There’s also a healthy dose of Velma stats and a Scooby accompaniment!

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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As Labour unveils their first budget in 14 years, the rocket beams in for a bumper Budget special with not one but two stowaways! But what do the rocket’s incumbents make of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s first big fiscal challenge.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss explains why she thinks Chancellor Rachel Reeves might have ‘turbo charged taxes’ and could be about to ‘crash the car into the wall’.

Chief Economist at Net Wealth and former Chief Economic Advisor to Boris Johnson Dr Gerard Lyons, outlines the good, the bad and the uglier sides of the Budget.

Elsewhere on the podcast Allison explains why she has declared her allegiance to one particular candidate in the nearly finalised Tory leadership contest….

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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Co-pilot Pearson is off on a special mission this week so Liam is joined in the cockpit by resident part time co-pilot, Tim Stanley.

As the news breaks of Donald Trump’s victory in the US Liam and Tim dissect the news tsunami from across the pond.

As the rest of the world comes to terms with what just happened, Tim describes why we shouldn’t be that surprised at the result, and Liam gives his economic prognosis.

Whilst back on UK soil, the Tory party welcomes a new leader but what do your co-pilots make of Queen Kemi?

Also boarding the rocket to discuss the fate of UK farming in wake of Labour’s first Budget is farmer Richard Payne, who delivers a harsh prognosis for the future of the profession.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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In wake of co-pilot Pearson’s shock visit from the police on Remembrance Sunday, the rocket reflects on the principle of free speech in our country. Allison explains what happens when the journalist becomes the story…

Elsewhere Liam gives his take on why the Harris campaign failed to reach many voters in the US election after his trip across the pond last week.

Also Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week to discuss her arrest following a tweet about the Southport killings, is Bernadette Spofforth.

And your co-pilots weigh in on the latest news from the COP29 conference.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘My visit from police on Remembrance Sunday is living proof of our two-tier justice system’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/12/my-visit-from-police-is-proof-of-two-tier-justice-system/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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It’s been one helluva week on the rocket for co-pilot Pearson, as she describes the ‘news tsunami’ that has crashed through her life.

Your co-pilots talk through the reaction to Allison’s story and discuss the principle of free speech in this country.

Also boarding the rocket to discuss his new book, ‘What went Wrong with Capitalism’, is author Dr Ruchir Sharma who lays out his solution to the relationship between state support and free markets.

And there is no shortage of post this week as your co-pilots dive into the rocket’s bulging mailbag as readers react to recent events.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘My week from hell shows that the Britain we love and trust is gone’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/19/my-week-in-the-eye-of-the-storm/ |

Read Susanne Moore: Read Suzanne Moore:’ I don’t always agree with Allison Pearson but I will defend her right to free speech’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/20/defending-free-speech-left-right/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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The campaign for free speech on the rocket has been a runaway success with no signs of slowing down.

This week your co-pilots tackle a bulging mail bag with a Planet Normal Email special reading out some of your reactions to Allison’s victory for free speech.

They also deliver their verdict on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s latest economic moves and the Labour party's most recent promises to ‘fix the foundations’.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Liam : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/26/lord-bamford-boris-must-return-if-next-tory-leader-fails/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/26/allison-pearson-vindicated-non-crime-hate-incident-essex/ |

Read Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal 2024: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas/2024/11/02/telegraph-christmas-charity-appeal-2024/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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As Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrates a turbulent 5 months in office by eventually turning on the Downing Street Christmas lights, co-Pilot Pearson celebrates reaching new records in her weight-loss journey. But elsewhere there is less reason to be joyous with the oncoming news woes.

Both your co-pilots question the need for the PM to ‘re-launch’ his government, whilst the rocket’s resident economist Halligan delivers some stark truths about the growth of the UK economy.

Strapping into the rocket this week for a return mission is Sir David Davis who explains why he decided to return to parliament as well as his take on the UK’s current political antics.

And your co-pilots have a new game of ‘Starmer Bingo’…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ 

Read Allison: ‘Gregg Wallace’s revolting behaviour is far from banter’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/12/03/gregg-wallace-revolting/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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A sombre journey to Planet Normal today, as Allison and Liam learn that the father of Sara Sharif has been found guilty of the 10-year-old’s murder just before recording. Co-pilot Pearson decries that a little girl could have been a victim to such violence in modern Britain, and what it says about integration in our country.

Plus they discuss the events of Syria, and co-pilot Halligan notes that the 'tectonic plates of Western politics is shifting' as mainstream European politicians use events as a chance to call for Syrians in their nations to return home.

Boarding the rocket of right-thinking this week are co-founders of savetheparish.com, the impressively named Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, and journalist Emma Thompson. Sir James and Emma give a passionate pitch for the humble parish church, and why bureaucracy is at fault for the many closures.

Plus your co-pilots dip into the mail bag for more tales of free speech fighters at work.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Visit Save The Parish: https://www.savetheparish.com/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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Christmas is coming but the madness on the rocket of right thinking shows no signs of slowing down. It’s time to strap in for the last voyage of 2024.

In light of the latest inflation figures Liam gives his review of Labour's economic strategy which he feels has ‘talked down’ the economy.

And co-pilot Pearson delivers some strong opinions on the latest approach to governing non crime hate incidents in this country.

On this very special festive addition of Planet Normal the rocket is joined by none other than ‘Angela Rayner’....it’s a no brainer!

And your co-pilots reveal their news predictions for the upcoming New Year.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

More from Intel Lady: YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/@intellady?si=uq1tuVm9YJawRxLT

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@intellady1?_t=ZG-8sGtpm2UULY&_r=1

X- https://x.com/intel_lady?t=VkHooqNIXAkyGvpQUxI8Zw&s=09

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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In this, the first of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2024.

There’s been no shortage of madness on the rocket over the past few months, the peak of which was definitely when co-pilot Pearson spearheaded a free speech campaign in wake of a shocking visit to her home on the morning of Remembrance Sunday by Essex police.

There’s also been an abundance of politicians that have graced the rocket this year, and back in October your co-pilots were lucky enough to interview former Conservative Prime Minister, Liz Truss, to get her take on Labour's Budget.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l... |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a... |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/pod... |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the second of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2024.

There’s been no shortage of madness on the rocket over the past few months, the peak of which was definitely when co-pilot Pearson spearheaded a free speech campaign in wake of a shocking visit to her home on the morning of Remembrance Sunday by Essex police.

There’s also been an abundance of politicians that have graced the rocket this year, and back in August Liam interviewed future Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l... |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a... |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/pod... |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a new year and the rocket returns with a blast to take on tax rises, economy worries and a grooming scandal, but what do your co-pilots make of 2025’s headlines so far?

Liam questions why Labour won’t launch a national inquiry into the grooming gangs, whilst Allison thinks the country’s leading party are too hung up with promoting diversity as a strength to investigate any wrongdoing.

Strapping into the rocket for the first voyage of the year is Economist Andrew Lilico who explains exactly why he thinks Former PM Liz Truss didn’t crash the economy with her mini budget.

And there are results from the great ‘Planet Normal Christmas Weigh in’....

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison Elon Musk has ripped the cloak of deceit off one of Britain’s most disgusting scandals: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/07/elon-musk-has-ripped-cloak-of-deceit-off-britain-scandal/ |

Read Andrew Did Liz Truss Crash The Economy?: https://europe-economics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Did-Liz-Truss-Crash-the-Economy-Final.pdf |

Read Sentencing Remarks: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/JCO/Documents/Judgments/sentencing-remarks-r-v-dogar-others.pdf |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Your co-pilots have blasted off a whopper of a rocket this week so strap in.

It’s Labour vs lettuce this week as the scrutiny of Chancellor Rachel Reeves continues to the rising drumbeat of calls for her to go. And with a resignation and an upcoming inauguration, there’s no shortage of melodrama in orbit this week.

It will come as no surprise that the residents of the rocket are less than impressed with ‘Rachel from accounts’; is she on borrowed time and will there be an emergency budget in March? Resident rocket economist co-pilot Halligan brings his expert opinion and context to the discussion.

Joining your co-pilots this week to discuss the recent grooming gang scandal is the inspirational author of Infidel: My Life, and Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women's Rights, is activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison” : ‘Rachel Reeves should quit now, not later this year’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/14/rachel-reeves-should-quit-now-not-later-this-year/ |

Read ‘Infidel: My Life’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infidel-Ayaan-Hirsi-Ali/dp/1416526242 | 

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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It’s the second coming of the Donald as President Trump is inaugurated to the Oval Office for his second term, but what do your co-pilots make of the political antics across the pond?

Closer to home, co-pilot Pearson delivers her thoughts from this week’s trial of the Southport killings, which she believes demonstrates a ‘mass coverup’ by the government.

Joining your co-pilots this week is 'Britain's strictest' Headteacher, of Michaela Community School, Katharine Birbalsingh who explains the reasons behind her recent letter to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

And co-pilot Halligan gives a glimpse behind the curtain from his recent appearance on Question Time.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: Why we Brits envy the US having Donald Trump’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/22/britain-jealous-of-us-donald-trump/|

Read Allison: ‘Starmer’s mealy-mouthed statement shows he’s no leader’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/21/starmer-southport-axel-rudakubana-jo-cox-thomas-mair/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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Co-pilot Halligan is joined by the highly qualified temporary co-pilot Tim Stanley whilst co-pilot Pearson is away from the rocket.

Tim gives his take on the flurry of activity during Trump's first days in office and why he is frustrated with Keir Starmer's ‘outdated’ ideas.

Strapping into the rocket for a return mission this week is Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, who beams in to give his verdict on the Labour Party and Reform, and why the Conservatives are the future of the Country.

Also Liam delivers some harsh economic truths and Tim reveals a surprising talent with his impression of President Donald Trump.

You can watch Liam's interview with Ben Houchen here: https://youtu.be/dQTS2z7tf-8

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |

Read Ben’s letter to the Trade Unions concerning the UK Steel industry: https://x.com/BenHouchen/status/1842589896160202996/photo/1 |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Is the country falling apart? It’s starting to feel like it this week on the rocket as your co-pilots lament the latest shortcomings from the Labour Party, questions over lockdown rule breaks, Trump’s tariff wars and the return of the dreaded ‘Brexit’ talk…

What do your co-pilots make of Reform leader Nigel Farage’s rising popularity? Resident rocket economist Liam also gives his take on President Trump’s recent tariff turbulence.

Beaming into the rocket this week is Baroness Tina Stowell who explains more about the sale of the Telegraph and where there are opportunities, and dangers, in the revolution of artificial intelligence.

And Allison has some questions for network rail, who have sent her on a one way ticket to the latest woke war of woe this week…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: On Islamophobia and migration, Labour are asking us to believe the impossible’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/04/islamaphobia-migration-labour-impossible/|

Read Allison: ‘The death of the formal train announcement is a tragedy’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/05/the-death-of-the-formal-train-announcement-is-a-tragedy/ |

Read: ‘Abu Dhabi fund ‘must be forced to sell The Telegraph by Easter’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/30/abu-dhabi-fund-must-be-forced-sell-the-telegraph-by-easter/ |

Read Tina’s report: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ldselect/ldcomm/71/71.pdf |

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Rule by law or rule by lawyers, that's the question your co-pilots are posing from the rocket today as they ponder the week’s events on Planet Earth, and there’s certainly no shortage of madness!

Liam thinks the political state of the UK is less about supporting parties and more about being for or against the Whitehall 'blob’.

Whilst Allison is frustrated at the attitude of the Tory party based on her interactions with members of the electorate.

The co-pilots bring you a very special interview deep from the Welsh Hills from Gareth Wyn Jones who attended the recent farming marches and gives the rocket an exclusive glimpse from the outside. But do your co-pilots think Keir Starmer broke his promise to farmers?

Elsewhere there is a bulging mail bag to contend with and one lucky reader has won Allison as a prize…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Lefty lawyers like Starmer and Hermer have poisoned our children against Britain’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/11/hermer-starmer-lawyers-poisoning-children-against-britain/ |

Read Allison: ‘Pregnant people’? Even rail chiefs have bowed to the woke god of inclusivity’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/05/the-death-of-the-formal-train-announcement-is-a-tragedy/ |

Read post referenced by Allison: https://x.com/chishol92148373/status/1889322433875787943?s=48&t=OPk5GiE2zJCmmPkPDAnuTg |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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There’s more woe on the horizon this week with the delivery of less than positive inflation figures.. But no fear, your co-pilots are at the helm to guide you through this economic morass.

Co-pilot Pearson has strong feelings about her new ‘boyfriend’ Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the security summit this week, whilst Liam takes a closer look at the latest economic figures. Spoiler alert; there is an ‘I told you so’ on the horizon.

Also stepping into the cockpit this week to discuss her recent documentary, ‘Heresies: Britain’s Silent Rape Explosion’, is broadcaster Alex Philips.

And your co-pilots have had a very exciting photoshoot….

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Alex: https://www.thatalexwoman.com/ |

Watch Alex’s documentary:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ58WG3hd2g |

Watch clip of Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3XaIYx2hII |

Read Allison: ‘JD Vance’s courageous lecture on migration has shamed our gutless elites’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/18/jd-vances-hard-truths-migration-shamed-europe/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Co-pilot Pearson has a huge announcement this week as she launches legal action against Essex police after her traumatising experience last year. In this episode she explains what has led her to take a stand against such ‘Orwellian’ behaviour…

As Prime Minister Keir Starmer jets to Washington for a meeting with President Trump, your co-pilots ponder whether the Labour Party has changed its tune on defence spending to meet the President’s demands or if it is all statistical smoke and mirrors…

Also boarding the rocket this week is author of ‘Far from Eutopia: How Europe is failing – and Britain could do’, political commentator Ross Clark who reflects on the recent elections in Germany and why the events illustrate a seismic change for Europe.

There’s certainly no shortage of madness stirring your co-pilots juices this week…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Why I’ve decided to take legal action against the police’:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/25/why-ive-decided-to-take-legal-action-against-police/ |

Read Ross’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Far-Eutopia-Europe-failing-Britain/dp/0349146969 |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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It’s geopolitics stupid.The issue at the forefront of the rocket’s orbit today as there’s certainly no shortage of global madness to contend with.

Both your co-pilots reflect on the explosive meeting between President’s, Trump and Zelenskyy. Co-pilot Pearson thinks the latter may have ran out of cards to play when embarking on potential negotiations. Whilst co-pilot Halligan is concerned Donald Trump is underestimating the economic power of the Chinese when raising tariffs.

Strapping into the cockpit this week for a return voyage on the rocket is leading epidemiologist, Professor Carl Heneghan who expresses his concerns of the economic and social implications of the ongoing covid19 inquiry.

And Allison gives her take on Meghan Markle’s latest television project…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Starmer’s sabre rattling over Ukraine is dangerous nonsense. We’re in no state to fight a war’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/04/starmers-sabre-ukraine/ |

Read Allison: ‘I hate to think what the late Queen would have made of ‘With Love, Meghan’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/03/05/meghans-netflix-show-late-queen/ |

Read Carl’s substack: https://trusttheevidence.substack.com/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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As the internal ‘punch up’ in Reform UK rumbles on, your co-pilots give their take on the latest fumblings. But whose corner are they fighting for?

Allison is unimpressed and thinks the last thing the country needs is to see one of its newest parties in a ‘willy wanging contest’.

Whilst Liam thinks the fractions could be due to possible ego inflation happening in line with the party’s expansion. 

And both co-pilots ponder if Reform can really reform itself?

Strapping in for a return voyage on the rocket is investigative journalist Charlotte Gill who explains all about her campaign to clean up ‘‘woke waste’ and why the taxpayers in this country are ‘funding their own demise’…

And Liam shares more from his recent journey… up a chimney!

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Reform’s alpha males need to shut up and get on with the job’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/11/reforms-alpha-males-need-to-shut-up-and-get-on-with-the-job/|

Read Liam: ‘Trump’s economically illiterate bravado could do very serious damage’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/09/trumps-economically-illiterate-bravado-could-do-damage/ |

Read Allison and Molly Kingsley: ‘Five years on, British officialdom remains blind to the Covid catastrophe’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/08/british-officialdom-remains-blind-to-the-covid-catastrophe/ |

Read more from Charlotte: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/charlotte-gill/ |

Read Charlotte’s substack: https://www.charlottecgill.co.uk/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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As Prime Minister Keir Starmer strays further Right in his policy decisions on defence spending and benefit cuts, your co-pilots strap into the rocket once more to journey into the madness orbiting Planet Earth. Are Labour finally talking sense when it comes to reforming the welfare system?

After breaking down the figures Liam thinks the cuts from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall won’t even touch the sides, whilst Allison reveals some shocking truths about so-called ‘benefit influencers’...

Cashing in on a return fare to the rocket is economist Julian Jessop, who gives his predictions ahead of the upcoming Spring Statement, and just how ‘nasty’ things could be…

And co-pilot Pearson isn’t short of words for the Shakespeare birthplace trust after their recent decision to ‘decolonise’ the playwright's birthplace.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Radical welfare reform is the bitter medicine Britain needs’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/18/radical-welfare-reform-bitter-medicine-britain-needs/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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As Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils her first ‘Spring Statement’ your co-pilots are joined on the rocket by not one but TWO very special incumbents. Calculators and spreadsheets at the ready…

Co-pilot Pearson is less than impressed with what she calls the ‘nothing to do with me guv', Budget.

Stowaway economist Roger Bootle was both ‘depressed’ and 'amazed’ by the Statement but reveals an overwhelming feeling that the Labour Party aren’t actually doing anything all that bad…

And after watching the Budget co-pilot Halligan is concerned the Labour front bench is lacking in business and economic knowledge. 

Also on the podcast, Mike Calvey straps in for a very special interview to discuss his new book ‘Odyssey Moscow’ which details his harrowing ordeal as a prisoner of the Russian State.

And co-pilot Pearson has won an award…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Roger: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/r/rk-ro/roger-bootle/ |

Read Allison: ‘If Rachel Reeves were Conservative she’d have been turfed out long ago’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/25/if-reeves-were-conservative-shed-have-been-turfed-out/ |

Buy Mike’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Odyssey-Moscow-Westerners-Encounter-Russian/dp/1803997303 |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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It’s a new month with the same old madness on Planet earth, with rises in capital gains tax, council tax, energy fees and transport costs, April Fool’s is feeling all too close to home…

Is there another ‘bucket of woe’ for Chancellor Rachel Reeves and will there be more tax rises on the horizon to plug the public finances?

This week’s Planet Normal stowaway is Conservative councillor, Ray Connolly, who discusses his family’s experience after his wife, Lucy, was jailed over a tweet she briefly posted on the day three girls were killed in Stockport.

And your co-pilots weigh in on the political drama from across the Channel. Is there a new French boyfriend on the horizon for Allison?

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘The White House is right: freedom of speech is under threat in Britain like never before’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/01/starmers-britain-trump-free-speech/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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This episode was recorded before president Trump announced a pause on some tariffs.

With co-pilot Pearson taking a well earned break, Tim Stanley steps into the cockpit as a trusted controller of the rocket and there’s certainly no shortage of tariff talk to get through…

Liam thinks President Trump is acting like a ‘unipolar president’ whereas Tim Stanley thinks there is a method to Trump’s madness, but how long can the World’s economy hold on for?

Hopping onto the rocket for a return mission this week is Economist Catherine McBride who delivers some truths about what’s really going on with US trade tariffs and what it means for the rest of the world.

And there is a bulging Planet Normal mailbag to contend with…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘I heard the full story of the woman jailed for two years for a tweet. Her injustice shames Britain’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/04/lucy-connolly-southport-riots-axel-rudakubana-taylor-swift/ |

Read Tim: ‘Labour loves holding consultations and creating action groups but they largely result in cuts’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/08/labour-loves-action-groups-tangibles-government-cuts/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Co-pilot Pearson is back in her rightful place at the helm of the rocket, hurrah! She’s just in time to deliver her verdict on the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling that the terms ‘sex’ and ‘woman’ in the 2010 Equality Act referenced biological sex rather than acquired gender.

And co-pilot Halligan gives his observations as a male observer of such a female focused campaign.

Also strapping into the rocket as a passenger on this pre-Easter voyage is Chief Executive Officer of Ducati, the Italian motorbike makers, Claudio Domenicalli who explains more about the impact of tariffs on his industry.

And Allison’s been on a cruise…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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Broadcaster Richard Madeley dons the spare spacesuit for this week's trip to Planet Normal. Richard tells Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why he won't be blindly "following the science" but interrogating it, reveals why he feels let down by his profession when it comes to corona, and explains how his whole life was changed by the twist of a Rubix cube.

Also on the podcast: Allison is fed up of being told that 'Christmas is saved', Liam breaks down the recent spending review and worries the economy could also suffer from 'long covid' and one of our presenters treats listeners to a festive musical interlude!

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Do you need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Get 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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Sir Christopher Meyer, former British ambassador to the US makes his maiden voyage to Planet Normal as Donald Trump’s presidency comes to an end. He tells Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why it’s high time to abandon the idea of the “special relationship” and why we haven't heard the last of Mr Trump. Plus, as a former Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, Sir Christopher tells us why he believes Brexit divisions have seeped into the UK’s pandemic coverage.

Also on the show: Allison makes the case for lockdown scepticism, Liam delves into the latest covid statistics and one of our presenters shows off their Welsh.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 21st January from 11am-12pm here:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/01/21/brexit-divisions-have-infected-covid-reporting-says-sir-christopher/|

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Do you need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

Listen to The Juggling Act: www.playpodca.st/jugglingact |

Get 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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The heatwave is on, the sun is hot but Westminster is hotter as the politicians return, and there’s no shortage of issues on the new term agenda.

Allison thinks the Conservatives are making their own concrete boots, and Liam is on hand to break down what exactly RAAC concrete is and why it could be the final nail in the coffin for the Tories. Allison is struggling to find a single politician who is concerned about anything beyond the next electoral cycle and Liam doesn't think anyone wanting to be the next Prime Minister should claim any credit for lockdown…

Boarding the rocket of right thinking is major donor and supporter for the Labour Party, John Mills. He tells our co-pilots where the party are at as we race towards the general elections and why the party seriously needs to consider supporting fracking. 

Elsewhere on the podcast our co-pilots examine the shadow cabinet in more detail and give their hot take ahead of the Labour re-shuffle.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison: ‘Gillian Keegan’s rant over the RAAC scandal is just entitled whining’ : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/05/gillian-keegan-arrogance/ |

Read Allison: ‘Martha Mills’s death should be a turning point for Britain – we can no longer trust the NHS’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/06/martha-mills-death-turning-point-no-longer-trust-nhs/

Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Stanley, Telegraph columnist and leader writer, joins Allison Pearson on this week’s podcast, while Captain Halligan is on his very own Aegean Odyssey (AKA a Ryanair flight to Greece). The pair award the education secretary an F for allowing top A-Level grades to be handed out to almost half of school leavers - a move our hosts agree isn’t really that generous after all - and reflect on the latest Covid confusion. Our new co-pilot is a loyal follower of Boris Johnson, but has his loyalty been shaken by 17 months of inconsistencies within his pandemic response? Not so… Tim explains all.

Also on the podcast: education reformer and “Britain’s strictest headmistress” Katharine Birbalsingh lets Allison in on the real reason behind this year’s grade inflation, lays out why she thinks calls to decolonise the curriculum are “appalling” and explains why - cue groans from our younger listeners - exams must stay.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 12th August 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education-and-careers/2021/08/12/planet-normal-need-have-conversation-grade-inflation/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |

Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The beloved rocket gains a few extra passengers this week as our second Planet Normal live event is broadcast from the IET in London.

Allison has been gone for a mere two weeks and the country has descended into what she calls a ‘post apocalyptic mad max wasteland’. Can things come back from the brink or will co-pilot Halligan have to step in as the next Chancellor? Anything could happen!

In the wake of Suella Braverman’s departure as Home Secretary, our co-pilots reflect on the circumstances surrounding her resignation, and delve into Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s early days in his new post.

The first revered stowaway on the rocket this week is Lord David Frost, who shares his opinion on the current fractions in our country’s leading party, and warns that the government risks losing Brexit if it can't show it's up to the job. 

Also strapping in for lift-off is writer Lionel Shriver, who shares her frustration at how hard left views are maintaining what she believes are worryingly high levels of control over our society.

And the Planet Normal citizens have their say as our co-pilots take questions from the live audience.

We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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The rising cost of living continues to bite as we board the rocket of right thinking this week, but UK-EU relations have also returned to centre stage.

Baroness Claire Fox steps into the spaceboots again as guest co-pilot, to help Liam dissect all of the week's judicial jousting and performative politics. 

Claire believes the EU is determined to pick a fight over the Northern Ireland Protocol bill, describing it as the 'third big Brexit battle.'

Liam thinks it is 'completely out of order' the way the EU is 'messing with Northern Ireland,' and argues they just want to give the UK 'a kicking' over Brexit. 

The Government's economic policy was also on the agenda this week, with co-pilot Halligan suggesting the Prime Minister and his party are having an identity crisis over whether to cut taxes to stimulate the economy, or to continue borrowing and spending.

Also climbing aboard the rocket of right thinking this week is Helen Thomas, Former adviser to Chancellor George Osborne and CEO of BlondeMoney. She believes that there is a battle on for the soul of the Conservative Party, but urges traditional Tories to embrace a bigger state in this time of crisis if they want to win over a new generation.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Claire: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ck-co/claire-fox/ |

Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended|

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It's a brand new year on Planet Normal and while the rocket has been taking a well earned break there has been a tsunami of news.

Our co-pilots deliver a no-holds-barred review of Prince Harry’s bombshell book, declaring it a ‘pathetic’ attack on the media that will only result in more supposedly unwanted attention.

Closer to home, as industrial strife and an NHS in crisis strain the Sunak Government, Allison and Liam agree the Labour party is looking more and more like a viable alternative.

Also hopping on board the rocket is author, podcaster and comedian Konstantin Kisin. He tells our co-pilots why, as an immigrant himself, he believes the UK needs to do more to tackle illegal immigration. Konstantin also shares tis thoughts on the latest developments on the war in Ukraine.

And there is a new update from NHS insider ‘George’…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript|

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Minister for Trade Penny Mordaunt beams into the Planet Normal rocket from Atlanta, Georgia, in the week where Boris Johnson suffered the most bruising rebellion of his premiership. Over 100 of her Conservative colleagues voted against his plans for Covid passports. The former Cabinet minister tells Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why, and brings listeners the inside track on trade negotiations in post-Brexit Britain.

Plus, Liam tells us why he's concerned we're seeing 'lockdown by stealth', Allison calls for the NHS to channel the vigour of the national booster campaign into testing for other diseases, and our co-pilots take a dive into 70s nostalgia - space hoppers and all. 

Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 16th of December 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/16/planet-normal-seeing-lockdown-stealth/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |

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The nation waits for Sue Gray's 'Partygate' report, and Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan are here to fill the void. Will the PM cling on? Yes, says Liam, but there are more important issues at hand. He tells us what. Meanwhile Allison wonders if we're seeing a coordinated campaign against the PM from Tory ranks. And she too has been ambushed by cake.

Joining our co-pilots on the rocket this week is Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, who condemns a 'national scandal'. Which one, you ask? The use of 'hysterical' scientific modelling to drive lockdown policies. He lays bare the damage done by decision makers who used worst-case scenario forecasting to push for draconian measures. 

And, as we bid Plan B restrictions a welcome farewell, listeners share the most ludicrous Covid rules in their area.

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Chopper’s Politics: www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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As we say goodbye to 2020, Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan take a trip down memory lane and look back at an extraordinary year with some of our star guests that have featured on Planet Normal. From our first guest, Alan Johnson giving his verdict on schools returning after lockdown to Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of M16 telling us that he believes that coronavirus started as an accident.

Also on the podcast, as we try to bring some joy at the end of a rollercoaster year, singer and actress Patti Boulaye spreads some much-needed happiness. Patti reveals how she accidentally auditioned for 'Hair' the musical, why being part of the Queen's diamond jubilee was the highpoint of her career and Patti treats us to a brief performance! 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Do you need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

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Former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord Mervyn King, is the co-pilot on Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan's fifth orbiting of Planet Normal.

He tells us why he believes no-deal Brexit scaremongering was an attempt to reverse the referendum result, how quantitative easing isn't always the answer, and why politicians should admit to changing their minds.

Plus, Allison and Liam mourn the simplicity of a pre-Covid pint in the pub, childhood in a time before Health and Safety (hand grenades anyone?!) and their battle with the dreaded "Quarantine Fifteen". 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/

Listeners can get 30 days' free access to the Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal

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The by-election results are in, and the predictions of Planet Normal's very own clairvoyant co-pilot 'Mystic Pearson' proved to be eerily accurate.

Allison warns the results show many Conservative supporters are so dissatisfied that they will vote 'A.B.B: Anyone But Boris'.

Our co-pilots blame the Prime Minister's broken promises, likening his Government to a Deliveroo driver turning up empty-handed but still telling you they've delivered.

Liam believes Boris Johnson's party are now just keeping him around as a 'human sponge' to absorb the pain of the impending recession. 

Also hopping aboard the capsule of common sense this week is financial expert Justin Urquhart Stewart who delivers some dire economic predictions. He tells our co-pilots that rising inflation won't go away any time soon, and that it could have serious consequences for investment in the UK.

And George makes a triumphant return to the rocket… 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Daniel: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/d/da-de/daniel-hannan/ |

Listen to Chopper’s Politics: Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Iain Duncan Smith is this week's Planet Normal stowaway, joining Telegraph columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson to discuss the 'real danger' of annual winter lockdowns, and to tell listeners why it's time for the West to stand up to the 'desperate threat' posed by China's economy, military and ideology.

Elsewhere, Freedom Day? More like Freedom Nay. Our co-pilots threaten to move to an entirely new solar system after the PM's recent announcement that June 21st is off. Allison comes close to self-combusting, while Liam tells us why he believes politicians have become 'addicted to lockdown'. Plus, a listener email has one of our hosts reaching for the tissues.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 17th June from 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/06/17/iain-duncan-smith-uk-us-must-strengthen-defences-against-desperate/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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It’s Budget week, which means big announcements, big spending and big celebrations for Allison, who arrives for our recording with a big surprise for Liam: she’s only gone and won an award.

Our co-pilot may have a trophy, but she’s got more than a few questions for our resident economist, co-pilot Halligan who is on hand to explain why he thinks Chancellor Rishi Sunak might have earned himself the nickname ’Risky Rishi’  after delivering his third Budget. But do the sums really add up?

Also joining our co-pilots is Telegraph columnist Ben Wright, who tells Planet Normal why he felt as if he were watching a Labour chancellor instead of a Conservative one.

And did we mention Allison won an award?

Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 28th of October 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/10/27/planet-normal-big-budget-breakdown/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Ben: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/ben-wright/ | 

Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Time to pack our bags and head for Planet Normal? Horrifying events in Afghanistan leave Allison Pearson and fellow columnist and guest co-host, Tim Stanley feeling as if they've woken up in a dystopian nightmare. Allison hopes the evacuation process will start to prioritise women and children, Tim argues that withdrawing troops a decade earlier could have seen the very same outcome and both our co-pilots question President Biden’s motivations in leaving the country in the first place.

Also on the podcast: parish priest and broadcaster the Reverend Canon Giles Fraser boards our rocket of right thinking and tells former Sunday school teacher Allison why the gap between a Left and Liberal Church of England and the Brexit-voting public is ‘a real problem’, and why virtual worship just doesn’t cut it.

Plus: Allison shares details of a very Welsh reunion with her mother after more than 18 months, while Tim tells listeners how a recent clumsy mistake is proving rather costly.

Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 19th August 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/08/18/gap-church-england-brexit-voting-public/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |

Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |

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There’s a sweet taste of retribution on the rocket this week as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rows back on the green policies that have been intensely scrutinised on the rocket. However, with the smell of burning tyres still fresh in the air is it a rocky road ahead for the Tory Party?

Both co-pilots welcome the U-turn but Liam is concerned about who will be paying for net zero, and the economic consequences of easing the targets. Could this shake up ahead of the next General Election appeal to more red wall voters and play in the Conservatives' favour?

Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who tells our co-pilots explain why current PM Rishi Sunak needs to ditch the 2030 Net Zero target in favour of more traditional conservative policies. She also takes a candid look back at her own brief premiership.

And there’s a building mailbox to tackle, as the listeners weigh in…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison ‘Beware turning Russell Brand’s story into a conspiracy theory itself: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/19/brand-conspiracy-theory-own-right/ |

Read Allison: ‘I’m not surprised Theresa May says she’s proud to be woke. She’s never been a true Conservative..’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/19/theresa-may-conservative-woke-transgender-immigration/ |

Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

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This episode was recorded before the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.

The lettuce has returned, could PM Rishi Sunak be heading for a similar demise as his predecessor Liz Truss? And would the Conservative party be mad enough to change leader AGAIN before the next general election? Both your co-pilots place their bets.

Meanwhile the Tory Cabinet has snapped into action to reduce the immigration figures following last week’s shock figures. Allison thinks it could be a little too late and that it is simply ineptitude masquerading as progress.

Liam fears that a leadership change might make the Tories look like they’ve ‘lost the plot’ before the next general election.

Also joining your co-pilots in the cockpit this week is Professor Michael Kelly from the University of Cambridge who tells our co-pilots exactly why renewable green energy cannot solve the energy crisis and how we must look at taking a different approach.

And what do the co-pilots make of ex PM Boris Johnson’s take to the stand at the ongoing Covid Inquiry?

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Professor Michael Kelly's report: https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2022/03/Kelly-Net-Zero-Progress-Report.pdf

Listen to Battle Lines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ |

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The National Health Service or the National Covid Service? The latter, according to this week’s Planet Normal guest, Nick Stokes' whose beloved wife, Joy, was a casualty of the NHS’s transition to ’telemedecine’ after vital signs of her cancer were missed. She died just a few weeks ago. On this week's show, Nick entrusts Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan with his story, telling them how Joy was continually refused face-to-face appointments despite having suffered from the disease in the past, and why he believes the health service is guilty of a dereliction of duty. 

Elsewhere on the pod: Are things going south for Labour? Liam dissects what he hails as an 'astonishing' election result, particularly in the former Labour stronghold of Hartlepool, and Allison tells us why the real Opposition isn't Sir Keir Starmer, but the UK media.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 13th May from 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2021/05/11/joys-needless-death-should-cautionary-tale-gps-still-hiding/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

 Listen to Choppers Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Where are all the grown ups? This is the burning question our co-pilots are asking today. Amongst the latest drama at Westminster not to mention the This Morning sofa, our co-pilots feel as if they’re now  living through the looking glass.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s energy strategy is under (a carbon emitting) fire, which Allison describes as an act of ‘national suicide’ too reliant upon foreign strategies to be virtuous enough for the green lobby. Whilst Liam thinks the Labour leader needs to put more care into his strategy in order to appease vital voters in Scotland.

Hopping aboard the rocket today to share his moving story is Jon Chapple, who fell victim to the NHS becoming a ‘covid only health service’, leading to a late Stage four cancer diagnosis.

And one listener has some entertaining tips for dealing with pesky garden visitors…

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Donate to Jon Chapple’s appeal: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/30/crowdfunding-germany-bowel-cancer-nhs-failures/

Read Debbie Hayton: Kathleen Stock and the rejection of reality: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kathleen-stock-and-the-debate-over-gender-reality/

Listen to Chopper’s Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Buckle in, it’s been a news-laden week. On today’s podcast: Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan commiserate the lads and lassies of Newcastle for having to stay at home, bemoan fat-cat University Chancellors, and struggle to read one heartbreaking listener email. 

Plus you asked, we listened - this week's guest is lockdown-sceptic and listener favourite Ivor Cummins. He accuses world leaders of "walking away from the science", muses about imaginary tigers (yes, really) and tells us why we ought to sit up and listen to him - even though he's not an epidemiologist. 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to The Trump Card: https://www.playpodca.st/trump |

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Allison's in the BMA's bad books. Hell hath no fury like a Pearson scorned as she shares her prescription with her podcast co-pilot, Liam Halligan for the next stage in her fight to bring back face-to-face GP appointments. 

Also on the show: it's the start of a new school year, but new books don't spell an end to the disruptions for our children. Liam has some disquieting words for the teaching unions ahead of the national return to the classroom.

Also boarding the rocket of right-thinking, Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of Oxford University's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine drops in to tell our co-pilots why he believes the JCVI should prioritise a vaccine booster programme for over 65s over the immunisation of under-18s - and leaves our co-pilots wishing he were their GP.

Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 2nd September 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/09/02/children-not-showing-symptoms-covid-should-stay-school-says/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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University is the time of your life - unless you're living through a pandemic. Third-year student and listener, Lucy takes a ride in the Planet Normal rocket to tell Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why her generation feels forgotten by the government, why she worries about her peers, and how the crisis has left her embarrassed to be a young scientist. 

Also on the podcast: Liam laments the reappearance of the Brexit wars in vaccine rhetoric, and Allison reveals some of our listeners' 'exotic' lockdown highlights. 

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 28th January from 11am-12pm here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2021/01/28/students-like-last-thing-governments-mind/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Do you need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

Listen to The Juggling Act: www.playpodca.st/jugglingact |

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To protest or not to protest? The question on everyone's mind this week as the conflicts between Remembrance weekend commemorations and pro- Palestine marches reach a heated conclusion. Your co-pilots  weigh in on the power and the pain of both arguments.

Liam and Allison are both opposed to the protest going ahead on Saturday with Liam questioning whether the law is being ‘circumvented’. Whilst Allison thinks we could be reaching a tipping point between sensitivity towards different groups and a full public uprising as the pre protest fever grows.

And what did they make of the first King’s Speech in 70 years? Was it the forethought of a Conservative government ready to begin a fifth term?

Strapping into the rocket this week are not one but three stowaways Molly and Ben Kingsley and Arabella Skinner from the children’s campaign group  ‘Us for Them’. They deliver what they think are the shortcomings of the ongoing Covid Inquiry and why they think a separate enquiry should be launched in order to better consider the wider implications and damages to children.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Read Allison 'When poppy sellers cannot honour the dead, we must take a stand': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/11/07/poppy-sellers-armistice-day-protest-palestine-million-march/ |

Read Us for Them 'The Accountability Deficit': https://usforthem.co.uk/the-accountability-deficit/ 

Listen to The Lockdown Files : https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files |

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Financier Dame Helena Morrissey dons her spacesuit to join Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan on their latest voyage to Planet Normal. The founder of The 30% Club talks about the pandemic's ambiguous effect on women in the workplace, why staying silent over Brexit wasn't an option, and why we need a "burning of the red tape" to save the economy. Plus, she tells us why you won't catch her in a fashionable face mask.

Also on the show: Liam and Allison weigh in on face covering in schools and take part in a rousing sing-a-long (brace yourselves). 

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

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Broadcaster and and former Director of Strategy to David Cameron, Steve Hilton makes a rare UK media appearance to tell our Planet Normal co-pilots, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, how his former boss was actually a Eurosceptic, what President Biden has in common with a Monty Python sketch and why things are looking good for Donald Trump in 2024.

And with the spotlight on all things green this week, the Planet Normal rocket takes a virtual trip to Cop26. Allison disregards the gathering as a 'pantomime', Liam tells us why he's backing the Indian approach to net zero, and our co-pilots agree that were they attending a climate change summit, they might skip the private jet.

Also on the podcast: have the charms of French President Emmanuel Macron finally worn off for Ms Pearson?

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor lands on Planet Normal this week, as he tells Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why Budget day was momentous for his region and why he's urging Rishi Sunak to make the entire country a freeport. Plus he reveals how he thinks the Conservative party can keep precious Red Wall seats.

Also on the podcast: our hosts wonder if the pandemic has turned into a "casedemic", Liam takes issue with the lack of journalism in Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, and Allison shares positive news about her Covid vaccination.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 11th March from 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/03/11/avoid-ideological-battles-do-workstees-valley-mayor-tells-tories/ |

Complete our podcast survey here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/planet_normal_survey |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |

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Another seven days on Planet Normal means another ‘numpty of the week’ and this time our very own Prime Minister is a hot contender. Liam tells listeners why he thinks Boris Johnson is ‘winging it’, while Allison worries that the PM has been taking writing tips from his infant son following his recent chaotic speech at the CBI conference. But will Sir Keir Starmer's popularity surge as Boris Johnson's dwindles? Or would that be all too... normal?

Also on the podcast: award-winning science writer Matt Ridley boards the rocket to tell our co-pilots why he's spent months investigating the origins of Covid-19. He tells us why swift and widespread dismissal of the Wuhan lab leak theory was a ‘shocking episode in the history of science’, and proposes his solution to see health information shared more quickly, fully and globally.

Plus, the Great British Bake Off causes a stir as our co-pilots reveal who they would have crowned champion.

Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 25th of November 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/11/25/planet-normal-dismissing-wuhan-lab-leak-conspiracy-theory-shocking |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

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Note: this episode was recorded before Huw Edwards was named by his wife as the presenter at the centre of the BBC scandal. 

There are no shortage of crises on the rocket this week, in-between the economic and immigration rows and a sex scandal threatening to rock the BBC, our co-pilots have got their hands full. 

Allison’s disgust with the government’s immigration policies are growing by the day. She thinks the ‘liberal elite’ in Westminster would rather stick up for foreigners than their people and that we’re in the midst of a ‘national emergency’.

From immigration to the economy. Co-pilot Halligan is on hand to answer the big questions circling former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s new growth committee. Is the former PM really to blame for the country’s economic woe? Or were we already heading for a crash landing?

Boarding the rocket of right thinking for her second voyage is former Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies MBE who gives our co-pilots an update on her campaign to keep biological men out of women’s sports categories. She also explains the dangers of abolishing gender categories at children’s sports days.

And Allison gives Liam a lesson in Welsh pronunciation. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 

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We may be aboard the rocket of right thinking, but this week on Planet Normal we're discussing a very different type of vessel, small boats, and the Prime Minister's strong words this week about stopping them. 

Allison argues that if we have to leave the European Convention of Human Rights to gain control of borders then so be it, and Liam worries that this could be the latest battle in the culture wars to get really nasty. 

Plus joining our co-pilots on the sanctuary of sweet reason is former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Westminster legend Lord Nigel Lawson, who gives his assessment on current Conservative tax policies and reflects on the lasting legacy of the Thatcher government. Not one to be missed.

And one brave listener makes a surprise plea in defense of Matt Hancock - shocking even themselves - in wake of the Telegraph's Lockdown Files.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |

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