Planet Normal

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.

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 |

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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.

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.

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.

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 |

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.

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 |

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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.

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 |

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

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 |

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 |

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

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.

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 |

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 |

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

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.

 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/ |

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

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/ |

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

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/ |

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Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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The Tory tribes are at war over the Rwanda Bill, but who will emerge victorious? One thing is for sure, these party politics aren’t very festive at all…

Co-pilot Pearson has polished her crystal ball and is ready to predict which way the party is going to swing in the immigration debate. She thinks there is a huge gulf between the ruling class and the rest of the Country which could allow opportunity for the smaller new parties to thrive.

Whilst Liam questions the Country’s movement to the Centre Left in comparison to other European countries recently electing more Centre Right leaders, and if this in turn could cause our potential exit from the ECHR.

Strapping into the rocket this week for a chat is Historian Matthew Parker who drops by reveal the stories behind his latest novel ‘One Fine Day, Britain's Empire on the Brink'.

And Velma is back with a storming stat of the 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 the Telegraph’s Review of Matthew Parker’s book:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/one-fine-day-matthew-parker-review-empire-history/ |

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

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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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It's been a calamitous week for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at least that’s what our co-pilots think with the latest immigration figures hitting a record high. So is he really ‘busy delivering’ as he claims?

In light of the shocking riots happening in Ireland, Liam weighs in on the rising concerns about immigration now coming to the forefront in his homeland. He feels the views of the people are not being reflected fairly in the UK media.

Whilst Allison’s frustration at the ongoing covid enquiry grows as she feels balanced views are not being represented and that our enquiry is an ‘embarrassment’ compared to those happening elsewhere around the world.

Hopping aboard the rocket this week is  former Labour MP Stephen Pound, who drops by to deliver his verdict on how Leader Keir Starmer is faring in the run up to a general election, as well as his take on the ongoing conflict 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/ |

Read Allison: ‘Politicians have created a multicultural monster beyond control. Who gets the blame? We do’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk |

Read Sarah Knapton: 'The possibility Covid is man-made is not a 'divisive' issue - the world needs to know':https://www.telegraph.co.uk |

Find out more about Telegraph Money here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/ |

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It’s budget week on the rocket and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has some sizeable tax cuts to pull out of his fiscal stocking. But what do your co-pilots make of the Country’s pre-christmas giveaway?

Joining us to navigate this autumn budget is associate editor for the Telegraph Ben Wright, who gives his take on the Chancellor’s statement.

Liam thinks the Conservatives have buckled under pressure from the right of the party with sizable tax cuts, and questions where the funding for these cuts is coming from.

Ben breaks down the figures behind the headlines, to conclude that there aren't actually sizable changes in this statement, and that it could all be smoke and mirrors. Is there a whiff of desperation in the air?

Whilst Allison examines the other side of the bench and is full of praise for Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ response to the statement. Could there be letters of no confidence once again making their way across the halls of Westminster?

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/ |

Find out more about Telegraph Money here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/

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It’s been a busy week at No10 with Suella being shown the door and the surprise recycling of David Cameron returning as Foreign Secretary. Could this be the most controversial of all recent cabinet reshuffles to date?

Both co-pilots question Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision, wondering whether he has abandoned the faithful Red Wall in favour of appealing to the swing voters and picking up some of the Lib Dems fans.

Liam thinks the PM has made a grave error in surrounding himself with politicians that are out of touch with the people of this Country. 

Whilst Allison thinks post reshuffle that the demise of the Conservative party could be sooner than we think and that Sunak will be the one carrying the coffin.

Boarding the rocket this week is Director of National Institute of Economics, Professor Jagjit Chadha. who shares the bleak reality of the UK economy ahead of the Autumn budget next week and reveals what he thinks the country could do to boost growth levels.

And finally hell hath no fury like a Suellla scorned, as co-pilot Pearson gives her hot take on THAT letter.

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 ‘Braverman’s letter was written in fire – none of us can doubt what a snake Sunak is: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/11/14/rishi-sunak-suella-braverman-sacked-home-secretary-snake/\

Listen to The Lockdown Files : https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files |

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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 |

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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With the Covid Inquiry reaching boiling point, your co-pilots dissect the political finger pointing and blame shifting amongst the witnesses. 

Allison is feeling infuriated and disgusted at the events unfolding, whilst Liam feels it’s simply 'political theatre' and a show trial for people that dislike former PM Boris Johnson.

In light of said inquiry, strapping into the rocket this week is Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford University, Carl Heneghan who reveals how he felt ‘ambushed’  and subject to a ‘character assassination’ when he was called to give evidence.

Elsewhere Allison reveals what happened when she interviewed the Israeli ambassador and Liam gives a sobering forecast on interest rates.

And brace yourselves there’s a spot of Planet Normal karaoke….

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 |

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 whole year since Rishi Sunak took the reins at No10 but has it been more annus horribilis or steady as she goes for Planet Sunak's Premiership?

In light of the historic by-election in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire, Allison thinks the government have abandoned Conservative voters, and that the Reform party could be poised to steal those disillusioned. 

Whereas Liam questions whether the outcome will be the same at the next General Election and voters will continue to stay at home when the stakes are much higher.

Velma also dives into the opinion polls to discover trust in the country’s PM is dropping. Is Sunak at the helm of a rapidly sinking ship?

Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is Housing expert Rose Grayston, who tells our co-pilots why housing could be the issue that swings young Tory voters in the next General Election, and explains just how bad the social housing crisis really is….

And there’s an eagerly awaited update from Allison’s new furry friend..

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/ |

Find out more about Telegraph Money here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/

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N.B This episode contains content that some listeners may find distressing

As the shocking events in the Middle East continue, the rocket reflects on the impact of Israel’s declaration of War on Hamas, and how that can affect the UK and the rest of the world.

Liam draws shocking parallels to the Yom Kippur War and thinks there could be a danger of the conflict having a significant impact on oil prices, subsequently leading to the cost of living crisis dragging on for longer than expected.

Whilst Allison raises her concerns of the rising tensions at home between groups of supporters attending marches in solidarity.

Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is IDF soldier Ben, who gives his personal account of the harrowing chaos happening in Israel and how the group are furthering the support for civilians on the ground.

And Velma makes a return to the rocket with some interesting by-election facts..

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 pro-Palestinian protest at the Cenotaph was an outrage’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/10/17/pro-palestinian-protest-cenotaph-outrage/ |

Read: ‘A final farewell to Nigel Lawson – the chancellor who set people free’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/17/nigel-lawson-memorial-westminster-ex-tory-chancellor/|

Find out more about Telegraph Money here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/

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It’s an 'alright' from Liverpool this week as the rocket orbits the Labour Party Conference. So, as the glitter settles around Keir Starmer’s speech, and jacket, what do your co-pilots make of the opposing Party’s speeches?

Liam thinks the Labour Party leader delivered a ‘blinder’ and is impressed by the Party’s focus on issues such as housing and the cost of living crisis.

Allison agrees but ponders if Labour are simply appealing to the many disillusioned Conservative voters. 

And what really went down at this year’s fringe meetings? Liam has the inside track.

Hopping aboard the rocket this week is former head teacher Mike Fairclough who shares 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 school.

And both Allison and Liam respond to the devastating events 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/ |

Read Allison ‘The horror in Israel has put the failure of Western multiculturalism on shocking display’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/10/10/allison-pearson-hamas-massacre-israel-britain-jewish/|

Support Mike's crowd funder for his case: https://democracythree.org/a-battle-for-free-speech |

Find out more about Telegraph Money here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/

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The rocket beams in live from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week, at the last conference before the next election. And with strikes, and policy gloom on the horizon the mood is surprisingly upbeat.

The unexpected jovial mood at the conference isn't swaying Allison who is adamant that voters will be staying home in the upcoming by-elections, and that its leaders and decision makers deserve a period of petenance that might follow a potential epic defeat next year.

Whilst Liam, from his position in the hustle and bustle of the conference sees the real energy coming from the fringes of the party such as Liz Truss and her rousing 'pro growth' speech.

Joining the co-pilots on the rocket this week from Conference is former Home Secretary Priti Patel, who gives her take on the ‘woke blob’ running Whitehall, and why she believes a Tory victory is still possible in 2024.

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 am a conservative but I am done with this Government’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/10/03/tory-vote-lose-election-sunak-conservative-party-conference/ |

Read the US Editor’s Newsletter: https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/fromtheuseditor/ |

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

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As the Conservative Party conference fever grows, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears to be changing his tune with some big amendments in the Party's manifestos. But will it change the state of play in the polls?

Staring down the barrel of a potential election whitewash Allison is questioning after thirteen years of rule what the Conservative Party have actually done for the country. Whilst Liam makes a case for the Party’s very representative and multicultural front bench, in light of Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s latest speech in Washington DC.

And both co-pilots pick their movers and shakers ahead of potentially the last Party conference and the next General Election.

Joining your co-pilots this week to weigh in on the HS2 debate is Jonathan Tyler, who tells our co-pilots why the expansion isn’t the carbon effective alternative it’s been portrayed as and might just be more of a ‘scar on the landscape’.

And Allison shares some entertaining stories from her recent trip back to her Welsh homeland…

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 the US Editor’s Newsletter: https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/fromtheuseditor/ |

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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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It’s official the interparty name calling has began, a sure sign that a general election is in the offing. And what’s all this about the triple lock and picking on pensioners? Only your co-pilots have the answers. 

Allison thinks we should be focusing less on the triple lock and more on the ‘hair-raising’ pay to pensions in the public sector while ignoring those in the private sector without a pension. While Liam thinks the Government should be spending more on those that rely entirely on their state pension.

Strapping into the rocket this week is Conservative MP for Co-pilot Pearson’s old stomping ground of Lincoln, Karl McCartney. As a former Parliamentary under-secretary of State for Transport, he explains why he doesn’t agree with the ‘green zealots’ in his party, as it doesn’t match the lifestyles or economic circumstance of voters who rely on their cars.

And brace yourselves there’s a new addition to Allison’s list of people that she would like to slap...

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: ‘Soaring oil prices are an ominous sign of a new world order’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/09/10/soaring-oil-prices-are-ominous-sign-new-world-order/|

Read Philip Johnston: ‘It’s not just the triple lock that faces oblivion, but the state pension itself’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/09/12/its-not-just-the-triple-lock-that-faces-oblivion/|

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

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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/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

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There’s a chill in the air and the schools are back, which means Planet Normal is ready to blast off again, and there’s been no shortage of madness to contend with.

Both our co-pilots are digesting the conviction of neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby, for the shocking murder of seven babies and question the bureaucratic issues that might have led to such an unthinkable crime.

As we steam towards the party conferences, aka the ‘starting gun’ for the General Election next year, our co-pilots examine the Government which Allison calls ‘rudderless and burnt out’ and Liam explains why he thinks the ULEZ roll out has been ‘cack handed’.

Also boarding the rocket is Reverend Richard Fothergill, who tells our co-pilots how his account at the Yorkshire Building Society was closed after he gave them feedback about their support for transgender ideologies. 

And Allison has returned from her holiday to Turkey with a furry souvenir…

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 Letby case has revealed an NHS rancid with cover-up and corruption’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/08/22/lucy-letby-nhs-managers-grotesque-stupidity-and-cowardice/ |

Read Allison: ‘The kiss of death for Spanish machismo’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/27/the-kiss-of-death-for-spanish-machismo/ |

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |

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In this the final of the four 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 May, we heard from Planet Normal listener, and professional rowing coach Jane, who shared her despair at the lack of regulations with trans athletes competing against women, specifically in rowing events but also the concerns across all sports.

Joining co-pilots Halligan and Pearson for a return voyage in April was Lord Jonathan Sumption who shared his thoughts on the Government's lockdown inquiry, and why he believed it shouldn't have been so judicial and "quasi-forensic".  

Two fantastic and unforgettable guests.

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: Planet Normal: British Rowing should follow example set by World Athletics regarding trans athletes: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/05/11/planet-normal-trans-athletes-rowing/ |

Read: Jonathan Sumption: the BBC was pro-lockdown because of the threat to the licence fee: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/04/06/bbc-license-fee-lockdown-government/ | 

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |

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 third of the four 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 March, co-pilot Pearson travelled to Sweden for a Planet Normal exclusive interview with ‘pandemic hero’ and state epidemiologist for Sweden during the pandemic, Anders Tegnell.

The co-pilots also welcomed back onto the rocket some of their heroes from the pandemic, those they felt had spoken out and dared to stick their head over the parapet against the mainstream.

In this special episode he shared his observations from the very different approach Swedish authorities took to dealing with the pandemic, in comparison to the UK and the rest of the world. 

Not one to be missed!

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 Pearson meets Anders Tegnell: ‘Lockdown was never on the agenda in Sweden’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/23/anders-tegnell-swedens-pandemic-plan-lockdown-never-agenda/ |

Read ‘Planet Normal: the cognitive dissonance when it comes to lockdown’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/03/30/planet-normal-lockdown-heroes/ |

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |

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 second of the four 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 February, co-pilots Halligan and Pearson welcomed Telegraph Science Editor, Sarah Knapton who explained why she felt 'bruised' by her experiences reporting on Covid and why she pushed back against the mainstream narrative. Sarah also weighed in on the concerns of the vaccine and whether young people should be encouraged to have it.

Staying within the theme of health, in May, Planet Normal listener Jon Chapple shared his moving story of dealing with the NHS as ‘a covid only service’ whilst dealing with stage four cancer diagnosis.

Two very important episodes outlining some of the problems within our health service.

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: At 34, Jon has incurable bowel cancer – all because the NHS turned into a Covid-only service:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/30/crowdfunding-germany-bowel-cancer-nhs-failures/ 

Read: Planet Normal: 'People should be made aware of link between Covid jab and heart problems’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/02/09/planet-normal-people-should-made-aware-link-covid-jab-heart/ 

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |

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In this the first of a four 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 the year so far.

The rocket blasted into the year with a special guest appearance from podcaster and comedian Konstantin Kisin. He shared his thoughts on how the UK could tackle the ever growing problem of illegal immigration as well as his take on the latest developments on the war in Ukraine, as a Russian immigrant.

Back in March, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Westminster legend, the late Lord Nigel Lawson, gave his assessment on current Conservative tax policies and reflected on the lasting legacy of the Thatcher government. 

This was one voyage not one to be missed!

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 Planet Normal: New Year news tsunami foreshadows tumultuous 2023 : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/01/12/planet-normal-new-year-news-tsunami-forebodes-tumultuous-2023/ |

Read Planet Normal: 'The Conservative Party is going to have to reinvent itself,' says Nigel Lawson:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/03/09/planet-normal-conservative-party-going-have-reinvent/ |

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast|

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In the latest episode, before the rocket blasts off for a brief summer break, it’s Allison vs Alison as co-pilot Pearson takes on Dame Alison Rose in the still brewing Coutts Bank versus Nigel Farage war. But who will emerge victorious?

Allison thinks things have taken a sinister turn and demonstrates the dark side of the diversity , and equality industry invading big corporations and businesses.

Liam thinks this story could be less about wokery and more about the potential dangers of banks moving away from cash transactions and is concerned for the millions of people in the UK that can't get access to a bank account.

Elsewhere on the podcast, boarding the rocket this week is previous stowaway Laura Dodsworth and her co-author Patrick Fagan, to chat through their new book ‘Free Your Mind’ and some of the techniques they have developed to resist the increasing manipulation present in our every day lives, and how to spot it!

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 

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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There’s something in the air this week, but what is causing the temperature to rise in the rocket of right thinking this week? Is it the woke banks telling you how to think before depositing your money or is it the 'Nudge Unit' colouring in all the maps in a sea of climate change red? Only your co-pilots have the answers.

Both co-pilots are worried that climate alarmism has gone completely berserk. Allison is concerned that familiar scaremongering tactics are being used to crank up the fear. Could we be headed for a climate lockdown?

Liam thinks there will eventually be a shift to being energy independent, but the message is being 'cranked' up to stoke fear before financial responsibility for the Country.

Also boarding the rocket this week to share the secret stories of Lord Mountbatten, is historian Andrew Lownie and author of the book ‘The Mountbattens: The Lives and Loves of Dickie and Edwina Mountbatten'.

There’s also a very special email from the youngest ever Planet Normal 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/ |

Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast:https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |

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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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It’s the 75th birthday of our National Health Service but your co-pilots are feeling far from ready to celebrate…

Allison thinks it’s less of a national health service and more of a national disaster, and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak is too busy with a 15 year workforce plan to fix anything quickly.

Liam thinks the PM will struggle to meet his targets across the board including the NHS, whilst Allison was surprised to agree with former PM Tony Blair, when he said more private elements need to be brought in to the NHS.

Also hopping onboard the rocket to discuss the NHS at its 75th year, is Former NHS Trust Chairman Roy Lilley who tells our co-pilots more about the NHS workforce plan, why it doesn’t include a social care plan and exactly how much funding the institution needs.

And Bob the Bard makes an eagerly awaited return to 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/ |

Listen to The Lockdown Files:https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 

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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Following the Bank of England increasing interest rates, a mortgage crisis is looming. A week on, at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer is appealing to the traditional "red wall" seats, saying Labour is now the party of homeownership.

Liam quickly points out that while inflation is a global phenomenon, the political costs for the Conservatives could be 'catastrophic'. Allison agrees, reckoning Labour will lose the red wall seats won by Boris Johnson in 2019. 

With Labour calling the rise in interest rates a 'Tory Mortgage Bombshell', how is the Bank of England going to slow inflation by the end of the year?

Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is Conservative MP for Wokingham, John Redwood, to discuss where he thinks the Bank of England has made tough decisions in difficult circumstances and what can be done to steady the economy.

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 

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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With the ‘media froth’ surrounding the economy building, bond yields spiking and interest rates set to soar, can our economy keep defying gravity?

Special guest co-pilot Nick Timothy is on hand to explain why interest rates are set to feel incredibly painful during this the Bank Of England’s 13th interest rate rise. However, Liam thinks that there is a ‘policy crunch' on the way with the political and media classes unable to leave the Bank of England and its independence alone.

Also strapping in the rocket this week is author and commentator, Dr Rakib Ehsan to discuss his new book, Beyond Grievance: What the Left Gets Wrong About Ethnic Minorities. He tells the co-pilots why he thinks there are growing tensions between the liberal cosmopolitan Left and the patriotic faith based conservatism found in many ethnic communities. 

In light of Labour’s considerable lead in the current polls, Nick also delivers his verdict on the party’s leadership prospects. And there’s one particularly headline-worthy listener email…

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/\

Listen to The Lockdown Files:https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 

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The summer silly season isn’t yet upon us but already things have descended into circus mode, with Boris Johnson’s resignation as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. But did he jump or was he pushed? And will he go down without a fight?

Allison thinks Boris Johnson is being hung out to dry in a ‘witch hunt’ and doesn't believe any former Prime Minister deserves. 

Whilst Liam is quick to identify the holes in the recent Covid inquiry, which he thinks shows our country in a poor light.

With Westminster descending into chaos could there be one hell of a political ‘ding dong’ on the cards for the upcoming by-elections in England?

Also boarding the rocket this week is Russian specialist and author Owen Matthews, who in light of Putin’s recent offensive in Ukraine joins our co-pilots to share why he thinks we may be a long way off a peaceful resolution to the war.

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 Call of the Witch Hunt, Boris has already lost:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/06/14/boris-johnson-privileges-committee/ 

Listen to The Lockdown Files:https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 

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There’s a lot to discuss this week; the latest lockdown report, Sir Keir Starmer taking on the Unions and some High Court action. Your co-pilots are strapped in ready to give their take.

It's a big week for the covid misinformation brigade as the latest lockdown report lands in the rocket. Is retribution in the air? As for the country's own inquiry, it all seems to be taking an awfully long time (as Liam says, even the Italians have finished theirs!) .

The co-pilots also examine Sir Keir Starmer’s latest net zero policies. Allison thinks its supporters need to get out of 'Ed Milliband’s windmills of your mind' and into the real world. While Liam thinks the policies will cause implications for our carbon footprint and could cost more.

Also strapping into the rocket this week is author and journalist Brendan O'Neill who tells our co-pilots the negative labelling of free speech could have damning consequences for our democracy, as laid out in his new book, A Heretic's Manifesto: Essays on the Unsayable.

And brace yourselves, there’s a spot of karaoke from our 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/ |

Listen to Chopper’s 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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Inflation has slowed but the latest bombshell immigration figures are in. Could the Conservative party be heading for a possible 1997-style landslide election defeat? Liam thinks the latest immigration figures could give Labour the leg up they need, but only if they start ‘talking tough’ and stop trying to appease their most Left leaning voters.

Joining the rocket this week is Nigel Farage, who buckles in next to the co-pilots to give his take on the latest immigration figures, and why he thinks this government cannot overcome the issue because they will never leave the European Convention of Human Rights.

Also on the podcast, Allison is concerned the Whitehall 'blob' is still slowing down government business with more revelations about Lockdown parties under Boris Johnson and Suella Braverman's speeding ticket.

And resident economist Halligan is on hand to take us through the highs and lows of inflation; is there a sense of retribution in the air, after whispers from the Bank of England that they may have overestimated numbers?

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

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We saw two mini conferences this week from Tory Land: both the National Conservative conference and the Social Conservative Democratic Organisation had speakers from across the party both claiming they know what is best for members going forward. Are we about to see a full blown Tory identity crisis?

Allison predicts the last nail in the Conservative coffin might be on the horizon when the net immigration figures are released next week, whilst Liam thinks that the potential betrayal of the Tory manifesto could see more extreme political forces try to grab their votes. 

Joining our co-pilots this week is Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, who boards the rocket to tell our co-pilots that he thinks there is a dominating presence in the heart of government that is preventing the party’s manifestos from being fulfilled.

And diving into the mailbag, one listeners plea to Universities has our co-pilots seething…

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

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The local elections results are in and your co-pilots are on hand to deliver their verdict. But who won the all important sweepstake, Allison or Liam?

Liam thinks the Conservatives should be quietly confident with the results, but suggest they should reframe the threat of an anti-Tory coalition as a ‘coalition of chaos’. Allison however, is doubtful that the governing party can hold the country together, comparing recent policy announcements to ‘moving deck chairs around the titanic’.

Joining our co-pilots this week is Planet Normal listener and professional rowing coach Jane, who shares her despair at the lack of regulations with trans athletes competing with women in competitive rowing events.

And the Planet Normal mailbag is bursting with some brand new bards 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/ |

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

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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NB: This episode was recorded on Wednesday May 3rd 2023

It’s a big week on the rocket, as England faces local elections and The Coronation in one orbit. But will the pomp and circumstance be enough to distract from potentially troublesome poll results for the Tory party? Your co-pilots have their predictions ready.

Allison thinks Rishi Sunak might have to pull off a miracle to help the Conservatives weather this election, and that a new branch of the party might emerge from the rubble. Liam still thinks the results are hanging in the balance and will depend heavily on the state of the economy.

Joining our co-pilots this week is leading economist Stephen King, author of ‘We Need to Talk about Inflation’, who joins our co-pilots to do just that! 

And both co-pilots share their thoughts on the latest guestlist for the weekend’s coronation of King Charles III.

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 Being the King:https://podfollow.com/being-the-king

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With concerns about the London marathon and FA cup final due to protests, our co-pilots weigh in on the latest protest psychodramas dominating the news this week.

Allison thinks public patience with these sorts of protests is wearing thin and that more realistic net zero targets need to be set. Whilst Liam is optimistic that the renewable energy debate is shifting towards a bigger focus on technology rather than ‘moral virtue’.

Joining our co-pilots this week is author Professor Matthew Goodwin, who explains to our co-pilots how our culture has become skewed towards a "new elite" class, and his fears that universities have become “ideological monocultures” that do not tolerate different opinions. 

And the rocket’s resident economist Halligan explains why soaring inflation rates on food could have a ripple effect on the results of the upcoming local elections.

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 the country’s junior doctors hit the picket lines, your co-pilots hit the rocket of sweet reason to dissect what’s really going on in our ‘first class' National Health Service.

Allison thinks the NHS might have finally kicked the bucket and questions whether we should start sending patients abroad for treatments, whilst Liam thinks the strikes represent bigger failings of our political and media classes.

Joining our co-pilots this week is trade economist Catherine McBride, who is on hand to explain exactly what the mouthful that is the CPTPP really is, and why she thinks that controversial 0.08% figure is in her words, "arse-covering".

And Allison surprises Liam with some particularly enlightening insights on the economy…

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: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

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The campaign starting gun has been fired and the race to the local elections has begun. But which horse is the current front runner in the eyes of our co-pilots?

Allison believes the Conservatives are heading for a huge election defeat and a chasmic ideological party split. However Liam doubts that Keir Starmer lacks the charisma to achieve a 1997 style landslide. 

Also on the podcast, our co-pilots weigh in on the latest political developments across the pond, and ponder over what former president Donald Trump’s arrest says about the state of democracy in America.

Joining our co-pilots for a return trip on the rocket is Lord Jonathan Sumption who shares his thoughts on the upcoming lockdown inquiry, and why he wishes it wasn't so judicial and "quasi-forensic".  

Plus our co-pilots pay a heartwarming tribute to recent and revered rocket guest, the late Nigel Lawson.

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: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

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In the second of this two-part lockdown retrospective, your co-pilots welcome back onto the rocket some of their heroes from the pandemic, those they feel that have spoken out against the mainstream.

Previous stowaways Sir Graham Brady, Professor Pat Price, Laura Dodsworth, Lord David Frost, Luke Johnson, Lord Jonathan Sumption and the infamous 'George' all strap in to share where they were in March 2020, reveal what they think the collateral damage has been, as well as how they think historians will remember it.

And co-pilots Pearson and Halligan delve into the  rocket’s bulging mail bag once more to share listeners' own retrospectives from the lockdown.

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: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

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In the first of this two-part lockdown retrospective, your co-pilots look back at the events of March 2020, that unexpectedly led to them being at the helm of a ‘covid podcast’.

Both are in no doubt that the pandemic has changed them. Allison feels she has lost a trust in authority as a result, whilst Liam feels he’s become steelier at arguing his opinion, after speaking out against mainstream thought.

Also joining our co-pilots on this very special voyage is Anders Tegnell the State Epidemiologist for Sweden during the pandemic. Hailed as a ‘pandemic hero’ Anders shares his observations from Sweden’s vastly different approach in comparison to the UK and the rest of the world.

And our co-pilots delve deep into the mailbag to look back on some of the listeners' own contemplations from the Covid-19 lockdown.

A special thank you to Linköping University for recording our interview with Anders Tegnell.

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 a full length version of the Int with Anders Tegnell: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/23/anders-tegnell-swedens-pandemic-plan-lockdown-never-agenda/

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

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Strap in, its Budget week and the Planet Normal rocket has got a first class ticket to the most eagerly anticipated financial breakdown of this Spring.

Co-pilot Pearson has been sent off on a special mission (more on that to come) so Telegraph Associate Editor Ben Wright is keeping her seat warm. So: are we on course for a rocky economic ride?

Liam is quietly optimistic that this ‘steady as she goes budget’ is better than anticipated, and could help erase the scars of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini Autumn Budget. 

Whilst Ben worries that the Chancellor's calm ‘bedside manner’ could be treating the symptoms rather than addressing the real problems.

And both co-pilots ponder the position of the opposition and question whether Labour could be a safer pair of hands to move the country forwards into smoother economic waters.

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

Read more from Ben: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/b/ba-be/ben-wright/ |

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

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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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Our co-pilots are feeling a bit smug this week, as a series of revelations lift the lid on Covid untruths at home and abroad.

Allison argues The Telegraph's Lockdown Files give us a 'jaw-dropping' insight into the mayhem behind decision-making in the pandemic. Liam thinks the leaked messages will have a profound impact on the public inquiry into Covid-19.

The FBI chief's admission that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese lab is cause for cheer on the rocket, as so-called conspiracy theorists are finally vindicated.

Also climbing into the capsule of common sense is Director of Don't Divide Us, Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, who shares her concerns about children being taught that Britain is systematically racist and warns parents to be alert to indoctrination in schools.

And our co-pilots pay tribute to the late BaronessBetty Boothroyd.

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

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Spring is in the air on Planet Normal, with resident economist Halligan spotting some economic green shoots amongst the doom and gloom. But all is not well on the rocket…

Our co-pilots are appalled at the news that Roald Dahl’s books are being re-written. Liam labels the move cultural vandalism, with Allison declaring it is grotesque censorship. So with 'woke totalitarianism' taking hold, is any literature safe?

Also strapping into the rocket of right thinking this week is economist and author, Dr Jerome Booth, who warns our co-pilots about the dangers of groupthink shutting down debate, as evidenced in particular during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And finally, Allison gives her take on the verdict of Shamima Begum’s appeal to reclaim her UK citizenship. 

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 '‘I was a sensitivity reader – until I realised why I was hired’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/confessions-sensitivity-reader-had-no-power-sanitise-books/ |

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

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It’s all eyes on Scotland this week, after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's surprising decision to stand down. And with a TikTok ban and a Tory tax row, it’s far from a quiet week on the rocket.

Liam thinks Sturgeon's determination to have her own way on gender identity issues ultimately led to her downfall. Allison believes she ran out of road on Scottish independence, and predicts Labour could be the biggest benefactors of her shock exit.

Also stepping into the sanctuary of sweet reason is author and journalist Peter Hitchens, who joins our co-pilots to discuss his latest book ‘A Revolution Betrayed’ all about the ‘gigantic losses’ the country has suffered as a result of getting rid of grammar schools.

And finally our co-pilots talk UFOs...

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 full interview with Peter Hitchens: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/02/16/planet-normal-brits-suffering-gigantic-loss-consequence-getting/|

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

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She’s back. Former short lived Prime Minister Liz Truss has re-entered the Westminster fray, but is it a triumphant return? Our co-pilots give their hot take.

Liam thinks the Former PM has moved the needle in the economic debate, and forced those who tore down her ideas to think again. Allison was left concerned about how much influence the OBR really has on economic policy.

Also boarding the rocket this week is Telegraph Science Editor, Sarah Knapton, who tells our co-pilots how was left 'bruised' by her experiences reporting on Covid and pushing back against the mainstream narrative. She also weighs in on the issue of the vaccine and whether young people should be encouraged to get it.

And our co-pilots dive into the bursting mail bag once again, to read your emails.

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

Read Liam’s Twitter Thread on the OBR: https://twitter.com/LiamHalligan/status/1622196572757934081?s=20&t=fZuOC7qlN_hu4Quf9raagw

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

Read Liz Truss's essay: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/04/liz-truss-downing-street-reflection-mini-budget-boris-johnson/|

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

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As we mark the third anniversary of Brexit, our co-pilots take on the doomsters and get to the bottom of why the country feels short-changed by the decision to leave the EU.

Allison argues the current government is obstructing the Brexit we voted for, whilst Liam feels the benefits of leaving the EU have been hampered by the pandemic and war in Ukraine.

Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is journalist and author, Ross Clark, who straps in to tell our co-pilots why climate change might not be the catastrophe we have all been sold as well as the potentially dangerous impacts of the poorly thought through net zero agenda.

And Bob the bard strikes again…

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

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Our co-pilots feel like they’re back to the 90s this week with a cloud of Tory sleaze and looming recession hanging over the country. But will it be death by one too many scandals for the Sunak Government?

The residents of the rocket are appalled by the latest ‘petty’ Westminster developments. Allison worries that Rishi Sunak is merely a ‘timid technocrat’ not fit to lead, whilst Liam thinks the PM needs to start following his instinct and stop ‘governing by focus groups.'

Also climbing aboard the capsule of common sense is Conservative MP Miriam Cates, who was shouted down during a heated debate over transgender rights in the House of Commons. Miriam explains her concerns about Scotland's gender bill and the potentially harmful impacts of gender ideology on young people.

And co-pilot Halligan answers the all important question... what exactly is a gigafactory?

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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Just when you thought the strikes couldn't get worse, teachers have decided to join the wave of walkouts. But who do our co-pilots think will come out top of the class?

Allison thinks the move to strike is disgraceful after children already missed out on so much school during lockdown. While Liam believes teachers will struggle to gain as much public support for their strike as nurses.

In more positive news on the rocket this week, our co-pilots praise Westminster's decision to block Scotland’s gender recognition bill.

Plus, boarding the capsule of common sense is Professor Angus Dalgleish, who delivers some harsh truths about the state of the NHS and warns that in order to reform the health service we must radically change its structure.

And resident economist Halligan breaks down the latest inflation concerns...

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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator |

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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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It’s a ho ho ho from our co-pilots this week as they embark on a very special festive voyage, strapping in for one last orbit of 2022 to look back at a year of tumultuous news.

Allison had to steel herself with a glass of mulled wine before looking back at the year that's been: Three Prime Ministers, a war in Europe, soaring cost of living, the Queens' death, and a series of strikes.

Amid the chaos Liam still wants to spread the festive joy, wishing a 'happy winter closure period' to all.

But as well as the doom and gloom of 2022, our co-pilots also look back at the moments of levity on the capsule of common sense this year. From co-pilot Halligan's economic lessons, to the many appearances of Velma, and not to mention the poetic contributions of 'Bob the Bard.'

The rocket of right thinking relaunches in 2023.... who knows what could happen?! 

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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It’s less striking action, more strike-in-action this week as England crash out of the World Cup and industrial action rumbles on. But how many strikes can the Tories take until they are down and out?

Strapping into the rocket of right thinking this week is Stanford professor Dr Jay Bhattacharya. He tells our co-pilots about his private meeting with Elon Musk and why he doesn't blame the new Twitter boss for his blacklisting over the Great Barrington Declaration.'

Our co-pilots also weighed in on the slew of strikes plaguing the country. Allison is losing sympathy for health workers walking out, as she thinks their timing over the winter period is 'cruel'. 

Liam has been impressed by the response from Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who reminds him of a young Tony Blair. 

And Liam’s latest bit of political trivia has Allison quite impressed..

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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Our co-pilots are doing their best to minimise the gloom threatening to eclipse the rocket this week, by bringing a little festive cheer.

Allison and Liam deliver their verdict on the week’s blockbuster releases; the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix tell-all, and Matt Hancock’s new book the 'Pandemic Diaries'.

Co-pilot Pearson is shocked that the former government minister has been allowed to ‘pre-empt’ the public enquiry in his new book and thinks he should have been under oath first.

Whilst Liam thinks that the former Health Minister has written more of an alib-iobgraphy rather than an autobiography.

Also climbing aboard the spaceship sensible this week is former cabinet minister Lord Peter Lilley who explains why we need to take more of a cost benefit approach to net zero rather than an emotional one. Lord Lilley also warns soaring immigration levels are condemning a generation of young people who won't be able to get into the housing market.

And as the World Cup fever continues to grow, can the beautiful game distract residents on the rocket from a potential twelve days of strike-mas?

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 winter of discontent appears to be in full swing, with strikes, swelling inflation and power cuts threatening to dim the Christmas lights.

This week our co-pilots are wading into the immigration debate, and strapping into the rocket to help them is the Chair of Migration Watch UK, Alp Mehmet. Alp shares his concerns at the impacts increased levels of immigration are having on our country, particularly the strain on services and infrastructure like the NHS and housing.

Allison thinks that the Conservative party is a ‘junkie’ for immigration, and that they are too hooked on cheap foreign labour to tackle the growing problems.

Whilst Liam thinks that Home Secretary Suella Braverman will have difficulty trying to reduce immigration levels due to a lack of backing from PM Rishi Sunak.

And as the World Cup rumbles on, what is co-pilot Pearson's take on England’s latest triumph? And more importantly, has she got a new favourite player?

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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December is fast approaching but the mood is far from festive on the rocket, with strikes, spiralling living costs and World Cup wokery afoot - can it still come home?

As a growing number of Conservative MPs announce plans to step down at the next election, our co-pilots mull over whether it might be time for a change in high office.

Allison believes the Tories have given up on business and growth, and they're only surviving day to day. Co-pilot Pearson is also concerned the Government hasn't truly grasped the enormity of the challenges within the NHS.

But Liam is doubtful that opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer is a better alternative and questions whether he is strong enough to lead a winning party, instead of gaining victory by default.

Boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is journalist Charlotte Gill, who joins our co-pilots to share her frustrations with the housing market and how difficult it is for young people to own their own homes.

And finally our co-pilots pay tribute to their unlikely hero… Tony Blair.

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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator |

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Tax is the word on our co-pilot’s lips this week as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveils the Autumn Statement. But with some bold moves expected, could there be Tory mutiny on the horizon?

Liam is frustrated at the cynical use of ‘stealth taxes,’ which he worries might drive the economy into deeper recession and break already delicate bonds of trust between the public and the state.

Allison thinks the Chancellor has made ‘cowardly decisions' in order to satisfy the left-wing media and opposition, and that tax hikes could alienate the core conservative base. 

Also joining our co-pilots on the capsule of common sense this week is anonymous GP 'Dr Clare,' who reveals the cost that lockdown has had on accessibility to healthcare. Dr Clare also raises the alarm about excessive bureaucracy and layers of management hindering the health system.

And Professor Velma makes a welcome return to 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/ |

Listen to How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator |

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It’s Cop27 week, and as the world leaders jet in, our co-pilots digest the highs and lows from what is better known on the rocket as ‘the inverted pyramid of piffle'.

The hypocrisies of the event certainly weren’t lost on either co-pilots. Liam thinks the PM should have set a better example, attending the event remotely on Zoom rather than attending by plane, whilst Allison is concerned that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s policies are unobtainable and more of a ‘green fairytale’.

Also beaming into the rocket this week from the foothills of Wales is lifelong farmer Gareth, who tells our co-pilots why we could be facing a serious food shortage if we don’t start prioritising more sustainable policies that better support farmers, rather than pushing alternative milks and meats.

And finally  co-pilot Pearson is holding no prisoners with her commentary on former MP (Sir) Gavin Williamson's resignation this week. Mr Wiliamson,listen at your peril…

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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator |

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Halloween might be over but the witch hunt has only just begun, as the Home Secretary Suella Braverman is under fire over the ongoing migrant crisis haunting the UK.

Allison is appalled at the treatment of the Home Secretary,  who she feels has been subject to ‘political parlour games’.

Whilst Liam thinks that with the right support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Home Secretary could push past some difficult decisions that might ultimately, be best for the country.

Also hopping aboard the rocket this week is Professor Arif Ahmed, whose decision to book a controversial speaker at his Cambridge college has reignited the free speech at universities debate. He tells our co-pilots he thinks all new students should sign a waiver acknowledging that they might come across shocking material, and explains the damaging effect that cancel culture could have on our society.

Also on the podcast, as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joins a well known reality television show, Allison shares the unlikely story of how she herself nearly ended up in the jungle...

Telegraph subscribers can listen to Allison's full uncut interview with Professor Arif Ahmed at the bottom of this article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/11/03/students-should-sign-free-speech-waiver-attend-university-says/ |

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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Another week on the rocket, and another Prime Minister on Planet Earth. But what does the future hold for ‘dishy Rishi’ as he moves into No10? Our co-pilots have their crystal ball out.

Both our co-pilots think the new PM made a strong debut at his first PMQ’s. But Allison wonders how the new PM will fare when faced with conquering the red wall.

Liam is also concerned that the Tories could be giving Labour an ‘open goal’ with such an economically flush PM  and Chancellor at the helm in the midst of a raging financial crisis.

Also stowing away on the rocket of sweet reason this week is Planet Normal listener and lifelong Conservative voter, Alison, who tells our co-pilots why she hopes her fellow Tories get behind new PM Rishi Sunak, and why she'd urge him to target younger voters.

And finally the rocket’s newly qualified economist, co-pilot Pearson has an inflation update for  listeners.

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 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.

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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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Another week, another dose of economic woe to digest on the rocket. Honorary Planet Normal citizen Nick Timothy is back to give his take on what the Labour Party have dubbed ‘the crisis made in Downing Street’.

Nick thinks the Government rushed into their budget, and that the Truss camp have been slow to switch gears from campaigning to governing. Liam thinks the Chancellor and PM might be stuck in a 'doom loop,' in part thanks to the political tactlessness of their mini-Budget.

Also strapping into the rocket of right thinking is former Chancellor Lord Norman Lamont, who warns economic growth cannot be achieved without stability and urges the Government to 'reset' to show it is serious about fiscal discipline. Lord Lamont also calls for changes to the Tory leadership rules, and says ousting Truss now would be ‘farcical’.

And one listener shares their review of co-pilot Halligan's grooming tips…

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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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The lights have come down on another Conservative Party conference, but it hasn't been without its political psychodrama.

Co-pilot Halligan beams in from the heart of the action in Birmingham, and joining him in the cockpit whilst co-pilot Pearson takes a well-earned rest is columnist and former Chief of Staff to Theresa May, Nick Timothy.

Underwhelmed by the turnout and the mood at conference, Nick thinks the party may have underestimated the consequences of the recent 'botched budget'. But Liam saw glimmers of hope in the PM’s speech, and in the response to some cabinet members such as conference darling, Kemi Badenoch.

Also joining Liam to help break down the conservative conference chaos is Baroness Claire Fox, who tells Liam she fears the Tory party is at risk of splitting. Claire also argues Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng should have done more to explain their economic vision to voters and markets.

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

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Strap in for an economic rollercoaster on the rocket this week. Fresh from his perch outside the Bank of England, co-pilot Halligan is here to break down why the mini budget has caused such big waves.

Liam thinks that the markets have overreacted, but the decision to cut the top rate of tax during a cost of living crisis was ‘venal’ and 'indulgent.' Allison agrees the move was an act of 'dumbfounding stupidity' so close to the Labour Party conference. She's frustrated that the new PM has been 'hiding behind the sofa' at such a crucial time. 

Also joining our co-pilots on the sanctuary of sweet reason is leading economist Dr Gerard Lyons, who helped advise Liz Truss during her leadership campaign. Dr Lyons tells our co-pilots the Government 'mishandled communication over the mini budget,' and takes aim at the Bank of England over its failures on inflation.

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Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/

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/ |

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After a momentous period in which we lost our beloved Queen, the co-pilots are back to reflect on the historic turn of events.

Allison was moved by scenes of people queueing to view the late Queen's lying-in-state, and shares her thoughts on the seismic sense of change the country is experiencing. Liam reveals the surprising warmth towards Her Majesty that he witnessed in Ireland, of all places, after the news of her death.

But the tsunami of news rolls on with a major announcement on energy and a mini budget this week. Our resident economic expert, co-pilot Halligan, is on hand to answer the all important question: What is ‘Trussonomics’?

Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is Tony Lodge, a political and energy expert who reveals why he's calling for a public inquiry into the energy crisis. 

And, our co-pilots share some creative ways Planet Normal listeners will be saving energy this winter.

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/ |

Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/

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Read Tony Lodge's piece: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/09/17/just-paid-belgium-50-times-going-rate-keep-londons-lights/ |

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It’s the dawn of a new era on the rocket as Liz Truss takes the throne as Prime Minister. But do our co-pilots think she's got what it takes?

Co-pilot Halligan predicts Truss will grow into the role, but warns she will have to be a 'shape-shifter' in order to tackle the toughest in-tray of any peace-time PM. 

Allison wasn't blown away by Truss' debut speech, comparing her performance to that of a nervous head girl, but thought her first showing at PMQs was a vast improvement.

Both our co-pilots agree Truss should ditch her notes and stick to speaking off the cuff in future.

Also entering the sanctuary of sweet reason this week is journalist and General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young, who shares his disappointment at the fall of the Johnson premiership and his thoughts on the new Truss cabinet. Plus, Toby opens up about what it's like to be ‘cancelled’.

And finally, the debate over co-pilot Pearson’s ‘hello’ rages on…

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/ |

Book tickets for An afternoon with Allison Pearson: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-idk-event |

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The curtain is finally falling on the Tory leadership contest. The spectacle might be nearly over - to the relief of our co-pilots - but the madness is just beginning for Boris' successor.

As we bid farewell to the Johnson premiership, co-pilot Pearson is adamant we need more of a ‘realist’ at the helm. She warns the incoming PM must put dealing with the cost of living crisis ahead of the green agenda.

Co-pilot Halligan agrees the push towards net zero must not come at the expense of ordinary people. He's especially concerned about how businesses will cope this winter without any price cap on their energy bills.

Also climbing aboard the rocket this week is co-founder of FairFuel UK, Howard Cox, who tells our co-pilots what the Government should be doing to reduce fuel prices as people struggle to fill up their cars.

And co-pilot Pearson has an exciting event to announce....

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/ |

Book tickets for An afternoon with Allison Pearson: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-idk-event |

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

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Levels of discontent have reached new highs on the rocket this week, with crisis brewing in the NHS and the economy.

Co-pilot Halligan is frustrated that the Government remains 'leaderless, rudderless and hopeless' at such a critical time. While Allison is concerned the country could descend into 'third world Britain.'

Plus, our co-pilots deliver their verdict on Rishi Sunak’s revelatory interview in The Spectator, voicing his concerns about the Covid-19 lockdown. Liam is miffed the former chancellor is only speaking up now, but co-pilot Pearson is relieved that people who questioned lockdown have been vindicated. 

Also joining our co-pilots is oncologist Professor Pat Price, who says we are in the midst of the worst cancer crisis ever seen in the UK. Professor Price warns the backlog could cost thousands of lives, but politicians are failing to recognise the magnitude of the disaster.

And co-pilot Pearson shares her latest bathing habits in light of the cost of living crisis...

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/ |

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

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It’s A-level results day, and it’s not just the grades that are up for scrutiny on the rocket this week.

Both our co-pilots lament the cost of lockdown on this year’s A-level recipients, with Allison also taking aim at social engineering schemes that are replacing traditional entry requirements into UK universities. 

Climbing aboard the capsule of common sense for his second voyage is Conservative Mayor of Teesside, Ben Houchen. He warns the Tories will face backlash for ousting Boris Johnson regardless of who wins the leadership contest, but is hopeful that delivering on levelling up could save the party at the next election.

Liam is concerned rising inflation will get much worse before it gets better, and suggests the UK economy is now feeling the effects of lockdowns as well as the conflict in Ukraine.

While co-pilot Pearson declares an unlikely allegiance to Sir Keir Starmer this week, over his plan to freeze the energy price cap. 

And the rocket crowns another ‘numpty of the week’.

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/ |

Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 

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With temperatures soaring and the energy crisis escalating, our co-pilots have run out of patience with the lack of political leadership.

Allison is 'fuming' that the focus on net zero has led to a 'grotesque' failure of energy security, and warns we are on-board a ‘captainless ship’ at the mercy of the elements and heading towards an iceberg as winter approaches.

Co-pilot Halligan takes aim at the 'indulgent' Tory leadership 'psychodrama', and argues the country urgently needs politicians to get on with the business of governing, as the economic rubber hits the road.

Also strapping in to the capsule of common sense this week is barrister and trainee psychotherapist James Esses, who was ejected from his university course for raising the alarm about transgender ideology being pushed onto young people.

And co-pilot Pearson's alter ego ‘Velma’ makes a welcome 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/ |

Listen to the Planet Normal with Sharon Davies: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/02/18/human-rights-females-trampled-olympic-swimmer-sharron-davies/ |

Listen to the Planet Normal with Helen Pluckrose:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/10/12/week-planet-normal-declaration-covid-lockdown-rights-society/ |

Support James Esses: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/expelled-university-free-speech/ |

Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 

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 political psychodrama rumbles on, but both our co-pilots think it's time for a curtain call on the leadership showdown. 

So will Rishi Sunak throw the towel in?

Co-pilot Halligan climbs aboard the rocket from his holiday to deliver some hard truths, warning the former chancellor to ‘bow out’ if he wants to save his future in politics. Liam argues the political class needs to turn its focus to the energy emergency, rather than infighting.

Fresh from declaring her allegiance to Liz Truss, co-pilot Pearson agrees that Rishi Sunak should step aside. She believes he is out of touch with the struggles most people face amidst the escalating cost of living crisis.

Also hopping aboard the capsule of common sense is Michael Jacobs, economist and former adviser to Gordon Brown. He tells our co-pilots the policies being put forward by the Tory leadership candidates are fiscally irresponsible, and suggests the Labour Party now appears to be more economically credible. 

And our co-pilots share their favourite moments from the roaring Lionesses' triumphant Euros victory.

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/ |

Listen to the Planet Normal with Gordon Wishart: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/09/planet-normal-nations-social-contract-government-has-broken/ |

Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 

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It's full-contact battle as Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak face off to become the next Prime Minister. 

So who better to join our co-pilots on the rocket of right thinking than Dame Andrea Leadsom, campaign manager for former front runner Penny Mordaunt, and a one-time Tory leadership contender herself. Dame Andrea takes aim at political 'black ops' and says it's painful to see candidates publicly 'taking lumps out of each other.'

Co-pilot Pearson predicts that Liz Truss will be the one to cinch victory. But Allison is concerned about the effect that a Truss premiership could have on maintaining the red wall.

Liam agrees that Sunak might lose out to Truss, arguing that his lack of political experience is coming to the fore and suggesting the former Chancellor shouldn't have run for leader at such an early point in his career.

And our listeners have their say on who they think should be the future leader of the country…

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 Andrea Leadsom's ‘Snakes and Ladders’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snakes-and-Ladders/dp/178590700X |

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

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It’s been a dramatic week since the rocket's last journey, with scores of cabinet resignations shaking the Johnson Premiership. So will the squealing piglet’s head finally reach the chopping block? And which member of the Tory party could be waiting in the wings to take over?

Liam warns the job is a poisoned chalice, and wonders who would want to take the crown when an economic crisis is looming. Co-pilot Pearson is determined that Boris Johnson's replacement must be a Brexiteer, as she mourns the loss of broken promises made by the PM in his astounding 2019 victory.

Joining our co-pilots this week is Donna Ockenden, the senior midwife who led the review into the maternity scandal at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trusts. In a moving interview she tells our co-pilots about the emotional toll the review took on her, and why she thinks mothers must be made aware of the risks of remote midwife led units (MLU).

In light of the interview, co-pilot Pearson vows to launch a campaign to investigate this issue further, watch this space…

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 'NHS must disclose risks of giving birth in midwifery-led unit, Donna Ockenden warns': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/07/07/nhs-must-disclose-risks-giving-birth-midwifery-led-unit-donna/ |

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

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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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This episode was recorded on Wednesday the 22nd of June before the UK by-elections.

It’s all eyes on the Conservative party this week as they face all important by-elections. But will it be fun in the sun for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, or a political washout? 

One thing’s for sure, the political heat in rocket this week is rising faster than the soaring rate of inflation, as our co-pilots share their views.

Allison warns that there may be more public sympathy with striking workers than the government thinks, and Liam is perplexed at the decision to reinstate the ‘triple lock’ which sees pensions increase alongside inflation.

Joining the rocket of sweet reason for a returning mission this week is Liz Cole and Molly Kingsley from the children’s campaign group ‘Us for Them. Fresh from penning their debut book ‘The Children’s Enquiry’, Molly and Liz share their dismay at the lack of consideration for the cost of lockdowns borne by children, and reveal they are concerned about Covid measures being returned to schools if cases rise in the autumn.

And finally co-pilot Pearson has a very exciting career announcement to make...

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

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

Pre Order ‘The Children’s Inquiry by Liz Cole and Molly Kingsley: https://books.telegraph.co.uk/Product/Liz-Cole/The-Childrens-Inquiry--How-the-state-and-society-failed-t/26994891 | 

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

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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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The votes are in and the Prime Minister lives to fight another day. 

But is it the beginning of the end of the Johnson Premiership? Our co-pilots are divided.

Allison is mourning the end of her love affair with Boris Johnson this week. Co-pilot Pearson believes his backflips on Conservative policy pledges are making voters feel like "a cheated spouse." While she's not convinced the PM is toast just yet, Allison warns his "slowly rotting edifice" is causing untold damage to his party. 

Liam argues there aren't any viable candidates to replace Boris Johnson, especially as the cost of living crisis intensifies and the war in Ukraine continues. But co-pilot Halligan admits he is frustrated with the PM's "flabby and limp" policy ideas, and warns he'll need proposals that are more "red meat" than "vegan sausage" if he wants backbenchers to rally around them.

Also boarding the capsule of common sense this week is columnist and Conservative peer Daniel Hannan. He tells our co-pilots the PM is on his "last chance," and suggests Boris Johnson takes a leaf out of Gordon Brown's book when it comes to the economy and spending.

And finally, Allison reveals the hilarious name of one of her WhatsApp group chats.

Allison Pearson: 'My love affair with Boris is over' - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2022/06/07/love-affair-boris/ |

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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It's all eyes on the Queen as the nation celebrates Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, now known on the rocket as 'Platty Joobs.'

Our podcast co-hosts are struck by the parallels between this landmark event and another, the Silver Jubilee in 1977, which also fell during a period of political and economic uncertainty.

Liam Halligan thinks while the mood is celebratory at the moment, all bets are off once the Jubilee has finished, as political scandals and the cost of living crisis return to the headlines.

Allison Pearson thinks the Government will pay the price for recent spending pledges which have seemed more 'Winnie the Pooh' than Conservative.

Also hopping aboard the rocket this week is leading economist and Telegraph columnist, Roger Bootle, who tells our co-pilots he is flabbergasted at how the Bank of England dropped the ball on rising inflation and discuss the dangers of groupthink in our financial institutions.

And, our co-hosts have some advice for any Planet Normal residents planning their own Jubilee celebrations.

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

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

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As the partygate scandal reaches a crescendo with the release of the much-anticipated Sue Gray report, our co-pilots bring you their highlights from the revelations. 

But is the report damning enough to see Boris Johnson bounced out of No10?

Co-pilot Halligan warns the Prime Minister will never truly be rid of 'partygate,' because the scandal will forever be part of his political epitaph. But, Liam still thinks Boris Johnson will scrape by, and argues the political and media class risk looking 'astonishingly out of touch' if they continue to focus on the scandal while the cost of living soars. 

Co-pilot Pearson doesn't think the PM is out of the woods just yet. She isn’t bothered about how many canapés Boris Johnson ‘gobbled up,’ but rather that he was telling the nation they must obey draconian coronavirus measures while ignoring them himself.

Allison also takes issue with 'game-playing' inside Downing Street, after the suspicious timing of a new cost of living support package which she believes is as much designed to 'save the backside of Boris Johnson' as it is to help those struggling.

Also hopping aboard the rocket of right thinking this week is Calvin Robinson, a black trainee Priest who was blocked from being ordained in the Church of England due to his anti-woke beliefs, including that Britain is not institutionally racist. 

Calvin shares his despair at how 'wokeness' is taking over the church, and reveals how his experiences as an ethnic minority have often been dismissed by the 'metropolitan liberal elite' due to his Conservative views. 

And finally, Allison debuts her best Mansfield accent - listen at your peril!

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/ |

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

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Inflation has hit a 40 year high this week and so has our co-pilot's frustration with the NHS.

The state of the health service is at the forefront of co-pilot Pearson's mind, after a new report revealed the astonishing scale of NHS bureaucracy.

Allison is furious at the "parasitical layers of management" in the health service, and argues funding should be focused on providing frontline services and reducing waiting lists.

Co-pilot Halligan agrees we're not getting our money's worth when it comes to the healthcare system, but he's optimistic that there could be change in the air as more public figures raise concerns about NHS inefficiency.

Liam hopes the media and public will start to demand better policies from the Government and opposition parties on healthcare and the cost of living, but predicts the latter will dominate politics for the foreseeable future. 

Also climbing aboard the rocket of right thinking this week is author Dr Joanna Williams, to discuss how groupthink threatens democracy and why society needs to fight against the 'woke mindset'.

And finally, Allison shares the unlikely way that the rising cost of living crisis has affected her beloved pooch.

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/ |

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

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This very special 100th episode was recorded live at the Soho Hotel, London.

It's a special week on Planet Normal, our co-pilots are celebrating 100 voyages on the capsule of common sense. But does Allison finally know what a podcast is?

It’s a star studded affair, with many former Planet Normal stowaways making an appearance on the rocket of right thinking to celebrate the occasion.

Esteemed epidemiologist Professor Sunetra Gupta joins the rocket once again, to discuss the changing opinions on Covid restrictions as the pandemic eases and why she thinks The Great Barrington Declaration should never have been labelled ‘controversial’.

Chair of the 1922 backbench committee Sir Graham Brady also straps in to tell our co-pilots why he thinks VAT should be scrapped on energy bills.

But does Sir Graham reveal just many letters of no confidence he has received against Boris Johnson? 

And finally, we hear from YOU - our acclaimed citizens of Planet Normal, as our co-pilots and guests answer your questions.

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/ |

Watch the Planet Normal live Event: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTelegraphLive/videos |

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

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NB: This episode was recorded on Wednesday May 4th 2022

It's Local Election Day, with some 4,350 seats being contested around the country as the rocket of right-thinking heads into orbit.

So which party will come out on top? And how might the result play out for our political leaders? 

Liam believes that the Prime Minister has got the big calls right, and argues Boris Johnson will survive no matter the outcome of the local elections. 

Co-pilot Pearson isn't as convinced, warning the PM could eventually pay the price for a lack of ‘human touch’ in decisions surrounding the ongoing cost of living crisis and for his zealous pursuit of the Net Zero agenda while energy bills skyrocket.

Allison also shares her take on the latest scandals engulfing Westminster. She doesn't buy into the idea that a widespread culture of sleaze exists, arguing that the majority of MPs are decent, hard working people.

Also entering the sanctuary of sweet reason this week is Tim Knox. Fresh from authoring the 2022 International Care Outcomes Index, Tim climbs aboard the rocket to reveal some harsh truths about exactly where our NHS sits in the international league tables. He tells our co-pilots that the Westminster village need to 'wake up' from their complacency coma and recognise that the NHS is failing, before more lives are lost.

And one listener’s unfortunate mishap with an internet search engine has our co-pilots entertained….

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/ |

Watch the Planet Normal live Event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event |

Read Tim Knox's report on International Health Outcomes: https://www.civitas.org.uk/content/files/International-Health-Care-Outcomes-Index-FINAL.pdf |

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

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With co-pilot Pearson taking a much needed holiday this week, former Labour MP Baroness Kate Hoey steps into the spaceboots once again to help Liam tackle the latest dose of madness from our political class.

Forget partygate, because this week it’s all about ‘leg-gate’ in Westminster. So what do our co-pilots think the change of subject might mean for the Prime Minister?

Kate thinks Boris Johnson is an expert when it comes to weathering the storm, and she believes he would emerge victorious if he leads the Conservatives to the next election. She also reveals her concerns about Labour's leadership, warning that Sir Keir Starmer's 'Europhile' status could prevent the party from winning back red wall voters.

Liam agrees that Brexit could come back to haunt the Labour party, unless they apologise for trying to reverse the referendum decision. He wants a 'fair fight' when it comes to our democracy, and suggests the opposition should focus more on the cost of living crisis if they want a chance of victory at the next election.

Also strapping into the rocket this week is Conservative MP Mark Harper, who explains why he is convinced the Prime Minister should resign. The Covid Recovery Group chairman also shares his thoughts on what the public enquiry over the pandemic should focus on.

Read more from Kate: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/k/ka-ke/kate-hoey/ |

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

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

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