Planet Normal

The rocket welcomes stowaway Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mel Stride aboard. As Rachel Reeves announces a clunky U-turn on winter fuel payments, your co-pilots clear a way through the confusion so you can keep up to date with the latest turmoil from the Labour benches. Allison thinks Rachel Reeves’ time is up and she’s ‘for the chop’ because of her ‘iron-clad’ fiscal rules being undermined by the Prime Minister. Meanwhile Liam thinks the Tories need to be bolder in their ideas to challenge the harm he says Labour are doing to the economy and stifling growth. Read Liam ‘This is the opportunity the Tories have been waiting for. Can they take it?’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/01/this-is-the-opportunity-tories-have-been-waiting-for/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison ‘Don’t believe Starmer when he says he’s angry about the small boats’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/03/defence-starmer-priority-invasion-illegal-migrants/ |Read Allison ‘The BBC’s biased Israel reporting is fuelling anti-Semitism’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/04/the-bbcs-biased-israel-reporting-fuelling-anti-semitism/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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

As tensions simmer among the Labour benches ahead of their spending review, your co-pilots wade through the noise so you don’t have to. Allison is pleased to see Reform focusing on families again, by pledging to increase the income tax threshold for married couples. Meanwhile Liam thinks Starmer is sidelining his Chancellor and making spending pledges Rachel Reeves can’t cover. Plus comedian and writer Andrew Doyle stows away in the rocket, and tells Allison and Liam why he wrote his latest book The End of Woke, and why he thinks society has swiftly moved away from culture war issues. Read Liam: 'Labour is pioneering the Blackadder approach to public finances': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/25/labour-pioneering-blackadder-approach-to-public-finances-uk/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison: 'Only a very clever man like Lord Sumption could be so stupid when it comes to Lucy Connolly': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/27/clever-lord-sumption-could-be-so-stupid-lucy-connolly/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of an EU ‘reset’ your co-pilots invited regular flier Lord David Frost to the rocket, former chief negotiator for exiting the EU, to give his assessment of the proposed deal. Allison is shocked the deal includes 12 years more fishing rights for the EU in our waters and thinks the deal will once again prevent investment in our fishing industry.  Meanwhile Liam thinks Starmer has made too many concessions to the EU and we are once again ’rule takers, not rule makers’ and will have no choice but to adhere to EU rules without a vote. HELP LUCY CONNOLLY REBUILD HER SHATTERED LIFE AND FIGHT TWO-TIER JUSTICE: https://democracythree.org/helplucyconnolly |Read: ‘Angela Rayner demands tax raid on savers’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/05/20/angela-rayner-demands-tax-raid-savers-rachel-reeves/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison: Lucy Connolly: ‘The judges should be ashamed of themselves. It’s cruel and twisted’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/20/exclusive-lucy-connolly-interview-judges-cruel/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ‘strangers in our own land’ speech this week, your co-pilots give their take on his apparent change of heart on migration. Allison isn't convinced by the PM’s reverse ferret and thinks it’s less convincing than ‘Meg Ryan’s simulated orgasm’ - is Starmer gaslighting voters?  Meanwhile Liam thinks Starmer’s team knew exactly how the speech would be received by the Left of Labour and was sending a message.  Plus hopping on board the rocket of right thinking this week is Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, Andrew Griffith, who makes the case for banishing red tape for British businesses - do we need a UK DOGE?  HELP LUCY CONNOLLY REBUILD HER SHATTERED LIFE AND FIGHT TWO-TIER JUSTICE: https://democracythree.org/helplucyconnolly |Liam Halligan is raising money for Duchenne UK: https://www.justgiving.com/page/liam-halligan-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=TW&utm_campaign=015 |Read Liam: ‘Britain’s deal with India will have far more impact than Trump’s razzmatazz’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/11/britain-deal-india-far-more-impact-trump-razzmatazz/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison: ‘Our cretinous police must answer for their tyrannical behaviour in court’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/13/cretinous-police-must-answer-for-their-tyrannical-behaviour/ |Read Allison: ‘Starmer’s tough policy on migration is the biggest con since Meg Ryan simulated an orgasm in a diner’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/12/starmers-tough-policy-on-immigration-is-the-biggest-con/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

The votes were counted, and then re-counted in last week’s by-election, netting Reform their fifth MP. Similar shockwaves were felt through the local elections and your co-pilots are here to dissect the results with Deputy Leader of Reform, Richard Tice. Allison’s recent prediction of a Reform win in Runcorn & Helsby was fulfilled - and next she turns her crystal ball towards next year’s May Senedd elections in Wales…  Meanwhile Liam is looking forward to Reform being able to put more meat on their policy bones and tell voters where they stand economically. Plus how will the turquoise tide fare against the civil servants? Read Liam: ‘Low oil prices could keep a lid on Britain’s inflation’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/04/opec-oil-cartel-could-give-uk-rate-setters-a-helping-hand/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison: ‘A new dawn has broken – and Nigel Farage might just be our next prime minister’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/02/nigel-farage-next-prime-minister/ | Read Allison: ‘Britain is not worthy of the sacrifice our soldiers made 80 years ago’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/06/sacrifice-soldiers-ve-day-allison-pearson/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Following nationwide power outages in Spain and Portugal on Monday this week, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan don their spacesuits to take a deeper dive into net zero pledges and realities. And as migrant numbers on channel crossings hit 10,000, Allison celebrates a push back on ‘liberal pieties’ and sees migration as the number one concern in the UK. Taking a return trip on the rocket, historian and author Owen Matthews joins Liam to discuss the war in Ukraine, how much longer he thinks Putin will hold out and the thorny issue of Crimea.  Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam: ‘Reeves needs to ditch her net zero delusions for Britain’s sake’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/04/27/rachel-reeves-needs-ditch-net-zero-delusions/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read Allison: ‘To all those about to lose to Reform: it’s immigration, stupid’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/29/reform-is-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-its-immigration/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Following nationwide power outages in Spain and Portugal on Monday this week, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan don their spacesuits to take a deeper dive into net zero pledges and realities. And as migrant numbers on channel crossings hit 10,000, Allison celebrates a push back on ‘liberal pieties’ and sees migration as the number one concern in the UK. Taking a return trip on the rocket, historian and author Owen Matthews joins Liam to discuss the war in Ukraine, how much longer he thinks Putin will hold out and the thorny issue of Crimea.  Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam: ‘Reeves needs to ditch her net zero delusions for Britain’s sake’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/04/27/rachel-reeves-needs-ditch-net-zero-delusions/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read Allison: ‘To all those about to lose to Reform: it’s immigration, stupid’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/29/reform-is-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-its-immigration/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

This week your co-pilots bring you a podcast exclusive with the Leader of The Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, who gives her take on Prime Minister, Keir Starmer’s, vote of support for last week’s Supreme Court verdict. Both co-pilots are troubled by the PM’s statement, with co-pilot Pearson adamant he should apologise to the women of Britain. Co-pilot Halligan also turns his eyes to the upcoming Local Elections on May 1st. Could Reform UK sneak past Labour and the Conservatives for surprise gains? And there’s no shortage of tax and tariff talk as the economic woes rumble on. 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: ‘If Starmer had any shame he would have resigned after Supreme Court ruling’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/22/starmer-championed-dangerous-fantasy-men-called-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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

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 Domenicali 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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

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/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

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=uq1tuVm9YJawRxLTTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@intellady1?_t=ZG-8sGtpm2UULY&_r=1X- https://x.com/intel_lady?t=VkHooqNIXAkyGvpQUxI8Zw&s=09Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

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/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

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: [email protected] |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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

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/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

**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/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

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/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

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/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

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/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

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 GDPR growth. Strapping into the cockpit again as the rocket streams towards the Olympic 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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024