The podcast that speaks your language. News and views from beyond the bubble with Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As summer comes to a close on Planet Normal, in this the third and final of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. In March, the co-pilots interviewed author and filmmaker Martin Durkin about his latest film Climate The Mo…
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It’s back to school and back to parliament so the co pilots have their news notes at the ready! Your co-pilots discuss the Tory leadership vote and analysis from the Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry report. Liam places previous rocket stowaway Kemi Badenoch as a favourite to take over the Conservative party whereas Allison thinks the party needs to capital…
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As co-pilot Pearson makes a triumphant return to the rocket, sunkissed and well rested, there is no short of madness orbiting the rocket. But has the UK really gone back to the 70s? Allison thinks the PM’s Rose Garden speech was ‘tone deaf’ and with things only set to get worse, in the words of the PM, co pilot Halligan delivers some sobering econo…
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As co-pilot Pearson circles Heathrow waiting for clearance to land, Liam is joined by Planet Normal Cosmonaut Supreme, Baroness Claire Fox. There's been much madness to dissect since the rocket's last orbit. How is the new Labour government handling the Summer chaos? Claire is frustrated that the Tory leadership contest seems to be leaving the coun…
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Summer continues on Planet Normal! In this, the second of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. In January Liam interviewed legendary former frontman of The Undertones, turned water campaigner, Feargal Sharkey. As well as…
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Kemi Badenoch on her Conservative Party leadership bid
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Joining Liam for a very special Planet Normal exclusive interview is the front-runner in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch. Fresh from announcing her bid, the MP for North West Essex joins Liam to discuss immigration, trade deals and how she thinks she can take the party forwards as leader of the opposition. Also…
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It’s summer on Planet Normal so in this the first of the three part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. Back in January, just after the realities of the Post Office Scandal had come to the fore courtesy of a hard-hitting ITV drama, Al…
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The rocket blasts off for a final voyage before its summer break but there’s no shortage of madness to navigate before then. What did your co-pilots make of Keir Starmer’s first outing at Prime Minister’s Questions? Not to mention the political developments from across the pond.. Allison isn’t impressed with the front runners in the Conservative pa…
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Joining Liam in the cockpit this week for a very special extended interview is Professor Matthew Goodwin. As the rocket blasts into a new political era with a Labour government at the helm, Matthew explains why he thinks Keir Starmer’s party could be unpopular very quickly, and debates with Liam how the Conservative Party could pull back a vital sh…
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After a Labour landslide win (as predicted by your co-pilots) the rocket orbits into a new political galaxy, but is it the same old madness? Allison delivers some hard truths to the Conservative party whom she thinks deserve ‘oblivion’ should they fail to come to the ‘correct conclusion’ on their new leader. Whereas Liam thinks the Tories need to t…
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This episode of Planet Normal was recorded on Wednesday the 3rd July before the polls opened for the general election. Six weeks of election campaigning have come to an end and what a campaign it has been, with no shortage of political gaffes on either side of the Channel as the first round of voting in France has National Rally, formerly headed by…
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The temperature is heating up on the rocket this week, as the whole country basks in a heatwave but is the election shade being thrown threatening to spoil your co-pilots fun in the sun? Allison spills the beans on her trip to the campaign trail with Reform UK Leader, Nigel Farage and claims that, in her view, a vote for the party isn’t a wasted on…
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With the rocket hurtling towards the election, what do its inhabitants make of the latest manifesto madness? In light of the latest inflation figures Liam thinks the Conservatives need to be more honest about tax hikes, whilst Allison thinks that Reform’s policies are what should have been in the Conservative Party Manifesto, and might help pull ba…
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In this episode of Planet Normal, your co-pilots strap into the rocket with Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage. In a true rocket grilling Nigel responds to people saying his party is racist, reveals how many votes he expects to win at the upcoming election, and if he really would stand down candidates in Tory marginal seats. Also on this episode wit…
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Whilst co-pilot Pearson takes a well earned break from the rocket Liam is joined by a temporary co-pilot and fellow right thinker, Baroness Claire Fox. Political fur is flying in wake of the first election television debate, but who do Claire and Liam think came out on top? Claire thinks that the competing parties are underestimating the needs of t…
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This special anniversary episode was recorded live in front of an audience of Planet Normal citizens, from Cadogan Hall in London. The beloved rocket gains a few extra passengers this week as our third Planet Normal live event takes off! Your co-pilots give their thoughts on the upcoming election alongside some very special guests. The first revere…
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**Today's episode was recorded before the General Election announcement** There’s not one but two scandals to comment on this week as both the infected blood and Post office inquiries are front and centre. And both co-pilots share impassioned views about the latest ‘cacophony of woe’ coming from both. Allison thinks that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’…
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How long before Kevin Spacey is allowed to be uncancelled?
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In an exclusive interview with co-pilot Pearson, Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey straps into the rocket to give his response to the recent Channel 4 documentary with allegations about inappropriate sexual conduct. Elsewhere Rishi Sunak’s political plight is as unpredictable as the British weather. But what do your co-pilots make of his lat…
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With the local elections across England and Wales all over, who were the real winners and losers? And did the Tories really get hammered? Only your co-pilots have the answers. Liam ponders whether the Tory Party can hold it together long enough to get some sort of bounce back from potential impending economic uplifts. Whilst Allison thinks Tory mut…
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Election fever has reached the rocket this week as the co-pilots await the results from local polling stations up and down the country. And there’s nothing short of a tsunami of politics in Scotland. Allison thinks the progressive Left are finally being confronted by the consequences of their policies in light of First Minister, Humza Yousaf’s resi…
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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 …
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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 Br…
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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…
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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 bil…
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New immigration figures will be causing another headache for Rishi Sunak and strapping into the cockpit this week is Former Minister for Immigration Robert Jenrick, who reveals the events in the lead up to his resignation and how the PM refused to acknowledge the issue of immigration. As the Tory meltdown continues with more MP’s putting themselves…
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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 C…
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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 co…
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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 …
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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 militar…
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This episode was recorded before the evening's events in the House of Commons. You can read more here on the Telegraph's live blog: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/21/rishi-sunak-latest-news-atkins-labour-snp-gaza/#comment It was a double by-election blow for the Conservative Party as Labour claimed victory in Wellingborough and Kingsw…
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Give children brick phones, not smartphones, says this week's guest on the rocket of right thinking, Sophie Winkleman. The Peep Show star gives an insight into her plea to promote screen free learning for children and finds time to share a sprinkling of showbiz gossip on the rocket… Plus your co-pilots experience some déja-vu, as the Tories demonst…
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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 im…
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This week your co-pilots are busy celebrating the anniversary of Brexit and the subsequent birth of Planet Normal. But aside from a hit podcast, what does the country really have to show from the referendum? Liam thinks that the people talking down the economy since the referendum often underestimate UK, and that our GDP growth is actually on par w…
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Just when the UK has finished surviving a battering from storm Isha Talk of Tory regicide is blowing its way in with storm Jocelyn. It’s safe to say your co-pilots are in for a turbulent week on the rocket. Allison is still in favour of Conservatism which she thinks a leadership change could help encourage, whilst Liam thinks that talk of a possibl…
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Exclusive Interview with Fujitsu insider
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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…
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It’s business as usual this week as the rocket launches back into action after its Christmas hiatus. And your co-pilots are not short of opinions on the latest scandal. The political and media class are finally waking up to the Post Office Scandal, drawn attention to by the airing of a recent ITV drama and your co-pilots are naturally incensed at t…
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Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 2
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In this the second of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023. The rocket featured many unique interviews from stowaways from many different worldly professions. In September the rocket also had a visit from former PM Liz Truss who …
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Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 1
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In this the first of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023. The rocket featured many guest appearances from big names in politics including previous Home Secretary, Priti Patel, live from the Conservative party Conference in Octob…
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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…
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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 …
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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 …
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Busy getting on with ‘just delivering’
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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 hi…
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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 think…
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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…
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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 …
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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 inquir…
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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 disil…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 upcomin…
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