Planet Normal

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|Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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|Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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||Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NB: This episode was recorded on Wednesday May 4th 2022It'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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might be a marathon of contrition for our Prime Minister this week, but our co-pilots are making no apologies for their views on the Planet Normal rocket.Both Allison and Liam can’t help but feel that the attacks on Boris Johnson over partygate are just parliamentary posturing, and show how unpleasant politics in the UK has become.  Allison thinks Sir Keir Starmer's assaults on the PM - invoking emotive stories of sacrifices made during lockdown - are 'entirely hypocritical', because Labour supported the measures and even demanded they go further.Whilst Liam warns the opposition's continued focus on partygate might actually alienate voters who are more concerned with issues like the spiralling cost of living and Channel migrant crisis.Also joining our co-pilots on the spaceship of sweet reason this week is Telegraph leader writer and columnist Tim Stanley, who tells our co-pilots why he feels the treatment of the Prime Minister shows we have hit a ‘new low in public life.’Tim also shares why he found the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s controversial comments on the Home Office's Rwanda migrant plan ‘uncomfortable.’ And finally, Allison reveals her unlikely previous life as a Sunday school teacher.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Tim Stanley: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: 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/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a bruising week for the Government, with all eyes on the Chancellor's family finances before a damaging stream of Partygate penalty notices.And with inflation on the rise and the cost of living crisis intensifying, it seems the tsunami of woes has only just begun for Boris Johnson. So can the PM navigate the storm?Co-pilot Pearson is well and truly undecided, as she confesses she is experiencing ‘Starmer-esque’ levels of fence-sitting over Boris Johnson's future as Prime Minister.Liam thinks there will be plenty of voters out to give the Tory party ‘bloody noses’ at the upcoming local elections, but it's still unlikely Boris will be replaced as leader. He believes there's much more pain to come in the cost of living crisis, and savvy leadership hopefuls will keep the PM around as a 'sponge' to absorb the worst of it.Also joining our co-pilots on another mission to the refuge of sweet reason is historian Professor Robert Tombs who beams in to give our co-pilots his thoughts on the French election.As a self-proclaimed Brexiteer, Professor Tombs is concerned that neither a Macron or Le Pen presidency will be good news for the UK. He also warns that the far-right candidate could be disastrous for the Eurozone.And finally, co-pilot Pearson has been doing her economic homework. One house point for knowing what the definition of PPI is! Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: 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/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As national insurance contributions, energy prices and council tax all increased this week, so too did our co-pilot's frustration with the Government's handling of the cost of living crisis.Allison is concerned that covid could throw even more economic turmoil in the mix. With nine new symptoms being added to the official list, co-pilot Pearson fears it will be too easy for workers to use the virus as an excuse to shelter under the 'national duvet.'And as the conflict in Ukraine rages on, Liam is worried about how long the UK can maintain economic sanctions before rising living costs become impossible to bear for many Brits. So as the economic rubber hits the road, has Britain got the strength to weather the economic storm? Boarding the spaceship of sweet reason on its 95th voyage is the Telegraph's Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant. Roland, who spent many years reporting from Moscow, shares his insights after spending recent weeks on the ground in Ukraine. He tells our co-pilots why concerns of a third World War are not hyperbole and why no real peace talks will happen until one side has suffered defeat in what he calls an ‘old fashioned war of aggression’.And finally, one listener reveals the unlikely side effect they have experienced from regular travel on the rocket of right thinking.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Roland: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/r/rk-ro/roland-oliphant/ Get online tickets to the Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's somewhat of a sombre week on Planet Normal, as our co-pilots are left shaken by the findings of the Ockenden inquiry into maternity scandals.The report found over 200 babies and mothers could have survived if it wasn't for catastrophic failures at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust.Allison struggles to contain her anger at the revelation some mothers were even blamed for their own deaths. She believes the tragedies have exposed serious problems with maternity services, and calls for a Royal Commission into the NHS.Co-pilot Halligan is nearly moved to tears by the heartbreaking stories of bereaved parents. He hopes the disturbing revelations of arrogance and institutional lack of empathy will spark a long overdue conversation about the health service.Also boarding the capsule of common sense this week is Professor Mark Woolhouse, one of the UK's leading epidemiologists.Professor Woolhouse tells our co-pilots why he never supported lockdown policies, and takes aim at the campaign of fear around coronavirus.Plus, our co-pilots have a special update on plans for a live event to mark the 100th episode of Planet Normal.Get tickets to the Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event|Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Allison Pearson: 'The maternity report that proves the NHS is not a national treasure – it’s a national disgrace': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2022/03/29/maternity-report-proves-nhs-not-national-treasure-national/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a fiscal feast on this week's voyage, with a special episode all about the Chancellor's Spring Statement. And boarding the rocket of right thinking to give his expert take is Telegraph columnist Ben Wright.So, as inflation hits a 30-year high and families face skyrocketing energy bills, did Rishi Sunak's 'mini-budget' deliver on easing the cost of living crisis? It's a resounding no from our co-pilots.Resident economic expert Liam declares the Chancellor's statement 'politically tone-deaf.' He's concerned Rishi Sunak is playing political games rather than providing support for the most vulnerable.And the reception isn't much warmer from Ben, who warns the Chancellor's announcement will end up pleasing nobody. He thinks the Labour opposition summed up the Spring Statement perfectly when they shouted: 'Is that it?!' Also on the capsule of common sense this week, we mark two years since the UK went into lockdown with an extra special email. 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/ |Ben Wright: 'Is that really it, Chancellor?': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/03/23/rishi-sunak-has-able-pay-paul-first-robbing-peter/ |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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cost of living crisis is reaching a boiling point in the UK, and co-pilot Halligan warns things could get even worse. As food and fuel prices go through the roof, Allison points out how accurate the predictions of 'Gypsy Rose Halligan' and his crystal ball have been so far.  As we eagerly await the contents of Rishi Sunak’s spring statement, Liam thinks the Chancellor needs to splash more cash to help Brits struggling to afford necessities. He suggests Mr Sunak 'blame the war' if he's concerned about his reputation and 'small-state' credentials.Co-pilot Pearson believes the Chancellor should cut fuel duty and scrap the National Insurance rise, to ease the burden on families facing the biggest pressures on their budgets seen in decades. But there's no doubt in the capsule of common sense this week that Russia's war in Ukraine is adding fuel to the cost of living fire.And joining our co-pilots this week in a moving interview from Kyiv, is Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik. She shares a glimpse into her dangerous daily life as a political leader on Putin's 'kill list' and says she may not survive long enough to see the benefits of sanctions the West have placed on Russia.Kira also offers her gratitude to the UK for its 'amazing' support of her country and reveals that thousands of Brits have reportedly joined the fight, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Also on the sanctuary of sweet reason this week, Allison shares what she really thinks of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s latest Telegraph column. Plus our co-pilots rejoice over Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release after years in custody in Iran.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|Submit your suggestions for the terms of reference of the UK COVID-19 inquiry: https://ukcovid19inquiry.citizenspace.com/contribute/terms-of-reference-consultation/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, our co-pilots are breaking down what the crisis means for the UK and the rest of the world. Starting on the economic front. With soaring energy prices and public finances in disarray, is a recession now inevitable? Our resident economic expert co-pilot Halligan says it's not all bad news, with the great unlocking after the pandemic still leading to some growth. But as Brits begin to feel the effects of our economic war with Russia, he thinks Western leaders need to ‘grow up’ and ‘get back to basics’ on fiscal policy.Allison has felt a reinvigorated sense of pride for her country this week, praising the UK's efforts to equip and train Ukrainian soldiers and even taking aim at those sniping about Boris Johnson's response to the crisis. Also boarding the capsule of common sense this week is former British Ambassador to Russia, Sir Tony Brenton, who tells our co-pilots that the West must take some responsibility for the war in Ukraine, after provoking Russia with the expansion of NATO.He also warns that Western hostility is pushing Russia and China closer together, a development that Sir Tony believes could have dire consequences.And as the cost of living continues to skyrocket, Allison is considering packing it all in and heading to the wilderness. So will our co-pilots be swapping broadcasting for bivouacs?Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to 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: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entering the capsule of common sense is Former Head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, who tells our co-pilots why he was surprised by Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and warns Russia's arsenal of weapons will cause 'carnage'.Sir Richard also takes aim at Europe's 'unwise' and 'naive' decision to rely on energy from Russia and weighs in on the state of armed forces in the UK.Co-pilot Pearson commends the spirited response from Ukraine, and her alter ego - the scrupulous ‘Velma’ - has been revising defence strategies, to deliver a deep dive into the ongoing conflict.Liam thinks that Putin has misjudged public opinion in Russia and underestimated the response from the West, arguing that the biggest war still to come might be the economic one. Both agree that the crisis could be an opportunity for our own Prime Minister to redeem himself after partygate, so could this be Boris Johnson's ‘Falklands moment’?Plus, our co-pilots hear from a junior doctor in Kyiv about what life is like at the heart of the battle.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a joyous week on Planet Normal as co-pilot Pearson returns to her rightful place at the helm of the rocket. And she’s not short of things to say.It’s three big cheers for the end of Covid restrictions, but only one and a half of those are for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Allison fears the public mindset is now the biggest threat, and expects squeals about the end of restrictions from the 'lockdown is lovely' and ‘there’s no harm in being cautious’ classes. Liam is looking ahead to the public inquiry, and hopes it might teach us not to have a 'knee-jerk' response to any future pandemic.Joining our co-pilots this week is former Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, who beams in ahead of his review of the UK Border Force to tell our co-pilots how tough immigration policies in Australia have successfully halted migrant boats, and shut down dangerous people smuggling operations. Mr Downer also reveals that government insiders told him the Prime Minister was 'forced' into introducing many Covid restrictions. Plus, he weighs in on whether Australia would ever remove the Queen as head of state.And, fond farewells are the order of the day as George, our secret NHS source, has one last update for our co-pilots and listeners. Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Annette’s late father Owen’s blog: https://annettejames1.wixsite.com/pottingshedtales | Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended|Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to build, co-pilot Halligan is joined for one week only by a new co-presenter. Telegraph defence editor, Con Coughlin, steps in to give his take on the recent developments in the region and how it could affect the rest of the world.Con believes Russia remains the biggest threat to the Western Alliance, but warns we shouldn’t overlook China and its bid for ‘global conquest’.Whilst Liam is concerned with the bigger economic issues that might be at stake and how the turmoil could impact our wallets if it isn't contained.Also boarding the rocket this week is MP and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Tom Tugendhat, who tells our co-pilots the European Union's response to the conflict simply proves the EU is ineffectual on foreign policy issues.He also shares his concerns on the net zero agenda, and why it shouldn’t come at the expense of levelling up or when households are grappling with the rising cost of living.And one listener email has our co-pilots laughing at an unlikely encounter with their GP. Read more from Con: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/con-coughlin/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Con Coughlin: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/13/vladimir-putin-taking-big-gamble/ |Con Coughlin: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/10/appeasing-russia-west-conspiring-destruction/ |Ambrose Evans- Pritchard: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/02/15/putin-close-winning-ukraine/ | Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended|Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |Make a complaint: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/making-a-complaint |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The bell has rung for Parliamentary recess but the political drama shows no signs of slowing down, and neither do our co-pilots.Fresh from announcing he'll be standing down at the next election, MP Sir Charles Walker joins our co-pilots on the rocket to explain why he thinks it would be ‘heroic’ and ‘courageous’ for the PM to resign. He also says that the public has to shoulder some responsibility for lockdown measures, and highlights the importance of political 'Yorkshire pudding' for Boris Johnson's future (listen to find out what that means!). Also on the podcast, as Sajid Javid unveils his latest plans to shift the NHS backlog, our co-pilots share their own concerns. Allison thinks the Health Secretary is lacking urgency in this ‘matter of life and death’, while Liam thinks a proper debate, prompted by the media, is needed to restructure our healthcare system.And there is another entertaining delve into the mailbag as listeners share some entertaining anecdotes from their childhood that young people today might find incomprehensible...Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |You can contact the Patients Association here: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/making-a-complaint Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week on Planet Normal poses more questions over the future of our Prime Minister. But do our co-pilots think Mr Johnson is a dead man walking or, to borrow a phrase from PM himself, that the Partygate storm is merely a 'pyramid of piffle'?Allison's done defending Boris Johnson for good, but Liam's advice for the PM? The economy, stupid. Co-pilot Halligan thinks he should channel Bill Clinton, by using proven economic policies to overcome his personal scandals.Plus, Liam weighs in on the Government's 'levelling up' white paper. Is it just a canny slogan? Or will the plan mean real change? Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is Dr Steve James, who beams in to tell our co-pilots why he confronted Sajid Javid about compulsory vaccines for NHS staff - and the overwhelming support he received after the incident went viral. Steve also shares his insights from working in ICU during the pandemic, and what he would do if he could wave his magic wand over the NHS.And, a nostalgic delve into the Planet Normal mailbag this week, as listeners share their childhood memories from the 70s.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nation waits for Sue Gray's 'Partygate' report, and Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan are here to fill the void. Will the PM cling on? Yes, says Liam, but there are more important issues at hand. He tells us what. Meanwhile Allison wonders if we're seeing a coordinated campaign against the PM from Tory ranks. And she too has been ambushed by cake.Joining our co-pilots on the rocket this week is Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, who condemns a 'national scandal'. Which one, you ask? The use of 'hysterical' scientific modelling to drive lockdown policies. He lays bare the damage done by decision makers who used worst-case scenario forecasting to push for draconian measures. And, as we bid Plan B restrictions a welcome farewell, listeners share the most ludicrous Covid rules in their area.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actress and presenter Denise Welch brings some star power to Planet Normal, as she joins Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan in their rocket of right-thinking. She used to pull pints in the Rovers Return, but these days, you can find her engaging with her hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers on the real-world impact of repeated Covid lockdowns. Not one to shy away from difficult truths, she tells listeners when she first recognised signs of a "Covidian cult", and shares her moving first-hand experience of a "broken" NHS.Also on the podcast: Plan B restrictions are finally on the way out, but will Boris Johnson be going with them? Our co-pilots look into their crystal ball, and weigh up the runners and riders were a Tory leadership election to take place.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 20th January 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2022/01/20/planet-normal-question-isnt-whether-boris-johnson-should-stay/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boarding the rocket of right-thinking in a podcast exclusive, no less, is Lord Frost. The one-time chief Brexit negotiator, who quit his Cabinet role as Brexit minister in December, tells Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson how the Government’s ineffective Covid policy drove him out of Downing Street, what it was really like sitting opposite Brussels on the negotiating table and why he advises slow steps in the Net Zero agenda.Also on the podcast - the question not even Number 10 knows the answer to: Can Boris Johnson survive so-called Partygate? Our co-pilots debate whether public outcry at a Downing Street gathering over May's lockdown could spell the end of the Johnson premiership. And is there an internal plot against the PM? Our hosts have their own theories.Watch Lord Frost's interview with Liam: https://youtu.be/hFId3IUxH9w |Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 13th January 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/01/13/lord-frost-covid-lockdowns-serious-mistake-government-needs/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a new year comes a new wave of cynicism on our rocket of right thinking. This week, Allison wonders why the government has made it respectable for healthy people to skive work, while Liam predicts a year of ‘political unrest’. And both co-pilots ponder the question, how much Covid testing is too much?Joining us on our Planet Normal voyage is pub owner and hospitality champion, Adam Brooks who delivers some home truths about the real effect of Covid restrictions on his venues, and shares the moving reason he's inspired to fight the good fight for hospitality.And Allison shares her surprising, but scarily realistic dream with listeners.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 6th January 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2022/01/06/planet-normal-now-pandemic-testing-not-illness/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper | Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliamentary sketchwriter Madeline Grant joins Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan to give listeners the inside track on a tumultuous week in the Commons and why she believes the PM can no longer count on his own party to support further Covid measures. Plus, as The Telegraph's resident James Bond expert, she recommends her top instalment for your Christmas viewing.Also on the podcast: Liam tells us why it's not impossible you won't have heard of the next PM, Allison brings a revealing update from our NHS insider and our co-pilots agree that an election tomorrow would spell bad news for the Tories.And while Allison celebrates the return of the nation's sense of humour, we take a look back at some lighter moments from another year onboard the Planet Normal rocket.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 23rd of December: 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/23/planet-normal-quickly-have-lost-sight-right-freedom/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Madeline: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/madeline-grant |Listen to Bed of Lies: https://www.playpodca.st/bedoflies |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minister for Trade Penny Mordaunt beams into the Planet Normal rocket from Atlanta, Georgia, in the week where Boris Johnson suffered the most bruising rebellion of his premiership. Over 100 of her Conservative colleagues voted against his plans for Covid passports. The former Cabinet minister tells Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why, and brings listeners the inside track on trade negotiations in post-Brexit Britain.Plus, Liam tells us why he's concerned we're seeing 'lockdown by stealth', Allison calls for the NHS to channel the vigour of the national booster campaign into testing for other diseases, and our co-pilots take a dive into 70s nostalgia - space hoppers and all. Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 16th of December 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/16/planet-normal-seeing-lockdown-stealth/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's Covid 'Plan B' is here and our co-pilots have a lot of adjectives to describe it. Spoiler alert: they’re far from complimentary.Fresh from watching THAT latest press briefing, Liam thinks that the government has broken the social contract with the public and will struggle to get them to comply with the latest restrictions in light of the Christmas party scandal at No10. And, as if to prove him right, Allison declares that she has no intention of familiarising herself with the new rules. Plus boarding the flying refuge of reasoned views this week is Professor Gordon Wishart, Chief Medical Officer at Check4Cancer and Visiting Professor of Cancer Surgery at Anglia Ruskin University, who tells Allison and Liam that there's no point returning to pre-pandemic "normal" when it comes to cancer services, as they were failing before the pandemic - we must aim for "super normal”.And with a bursting mail bag on the rocket, Liam is particularly moved by one listener email.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 9th of December, 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/09/planet-normal-nations-social-contract-government-has-broken |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas. Usually heralded by snow on the ground, Christmas trees and Mariah Carey. And, it seems, a new Covid-19 variant. On this week's podcast, columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan weigh in on the latest developments and tell us why they're confident festivities mustn't take a hit, despite some scientists acting as if the UK is in the eye of the pandemic storm.Making her second trip to Planet Normal is revered Oxford University epidemiologist Professor Sunetra Gupta, who tells our co-pilots why we are ‘overplaying’ the hype around the new variant, whilst ‘undervaluing’ the power of natural immunity. And immediately Allison's blood pressure drops.Plus our co-pilots unveil a surprising Planet Normal hero of the week.Listen to the full interview with Professor Sunetra Gupta: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/02/planet-normal-shouldnt-have-panicked-omicron-ever |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another seven days on Planet Normal means another ‘numpty of the week’ and this time our very own Prime Minister is a hot contender. Liam tells listeners why he thinks Boris Johnson is ‘winging it’, while Allison worries that the PM has been taking writing tips from his infant son following his recent chaotic speech at the CBI conference. But will Sir Keir Starmer's popularity surge as Boris Johnson's dwindles? Or would that be all too... normal?Also on the podcast: award-winning science writer Matt Ridley boards the rocket to tell our co-pilots why he's spent months investigating the origins of Covid-19. He tells us why swift and widespread dismissal of the Wuhan lab leak theory was a ‘shocking episode in the history of science’, and proposes his solution to see health information shared more quickly, fully and globally.Plus, the Great British Bake Off causes a stir as our co-pilots reveal who they would have crowned champion.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 25th of November 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/11/25/planet-normal-dismissing-wuhan-lab-leak-conspiracy-theory-shocking |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything's gone a bit pear-shaped, and it hasn't escaped the notice of Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan. With inflation above 4% and the cost of living spiralling, Liam tells listeners why he's convinced the PM is distracted by "chaos" within Tory ranks, while Allison has her head in her hands over the political class' "deflection and denial" following the distressing attack in Liverpool.Plus, never two to shy away from difficult subjects, our co-hosts welcome academic and terrorism expert Dr Rakib Ehsan aboard the rocket to share his concerns over the UK's Prevent strategy, the portrayal of Muslim people in the media and why our leaders are suffering from "bigotry of low expectations".And a particularly complimentary listener email leaves Ms Pearson blushing...Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Bed of Lies: https://www.playpodca.st/bedoflies | Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the 75th voyage to Planet Normal, but our co-pilots Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan aren't popping corks just yet. On this week's episode, they have strong words for the head of NHS England Amanda Pritchard, whose recent error on Covid admissions statistics had them putting their heads in their hands. Luckily Planet Normal's resident hospital bed occupancy expert (AKA Ms Pearson) is on hand to set the record straight. Plus, our co-hosts disagree entirely respectfully on the NHS "jab for jobs" announcement.Joining us on the rocket of right-thinking is Oxford emeritus fellow Professor Lawrence Goldman, who doesn't hold back on the problems in UK university fundraising in the wake of the Mosley money row. But it's not just Oxford accepting money from dubious sources. He tells Allison and Liam why he believes the problem is 'systemic', with institutions throwing 'academic principles and common sense out of the window'.And brace yourselves, co-pilot Halligan treats listeners to a special musical performance...Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 11th of November 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/11/11/planet-normal-money-common-sense-uk-universities/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Bed of Lies: https://www.playpodca.st/bedoflies |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster and and former Director of Strategy to David Cameron, Steve Hilton makes a rare UK media appearance to tell our Planet Normal co-pilots, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, how his former boss was actually a Eurosceptic, what President Biden has in common with a Monty Python sketch and why things are looking good for Donald Trump in 2024.And with the spotlight on all things green this week, the Planet Normal rocket takes a virtual trip to Cop26. Allison disregards the gathering as a 'pantomime', Liam tells us why he's backing the Indian approach to net zero, and our co-pilots agree that were they attending a climate change summit, they might skip the private jet.Also on the podcast: have the charms of French President Emmanuel Macron finally worn off for Ms Pearson?Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Budget week, which means big announcements, big spending and big celebrations for Allison, who arrives for our recording with a big surprise for Liam: she’s only gone and won an award.Our co-pilot may have a trophy, but she’s got more than a few questions for our resident economist, co-pilot Halligan who is on hand to explain why he thinks Chancellor Rishi Sunak might have earned himself the nickname ’Risky Rishi’  after delivering his third Budget. But do the sums really add up?Also joining our co-pilots is Telegraph columnist Ben Wright, who tells Planet Normal why he felt as if he were watching a Labour chancellor instead of a Conservative one.And did we mention Allison won an award?Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 28th of October 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/10/27/planet-normal-big-budget-breakdown/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Ben: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/ben-wright/ | Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Francois and Andrew Rosindell pay tribute to their fellow Conservative MP and much-loved friend, Sir David Amess, following his tragic death. But should MPs' security be ramped up? Mr Francois tells our podcast co-hosts, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why overly zealous measures risk "letting the bad guys win", while Mr Rosindell asks why his friend never held ministerial office.Also on the podcast: with COP26 on the horizon, cold showers are in and they get an even colder response from Ms Pearson. The irony of holding a climate change summit held amid a global energy crisis isn’t lost on our co-pilot as Allison declares the Prime Minister’s latest energy plans an act of virtue signalling, while Liam encourages a smarter approach to renewable energy.And there’s a revelatory update from our NHS insider, George in the light of the recent spike in Covid infections.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 21st of October 11am-12pm:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/10/20/best-us-paying-tribute-sir-david-amess/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Bed of Lies: www.playpodca.st/bedoflies |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs' report into the UK's early pandemic response is out – and it’s given Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan 144 pages of pause for thought. They tell listeners why it's simply not balanced on the collateral damage caused by lockdowns, and query the intentions of one of the document's authors. Elsewhere, Allison has actually read Liam’s column in order to understand what’s really going on with the energy crisis, Liam dreams of a return to the seventies and the Planet Normal rocket makes a stopover at the cinema as our co-pilots review the latest Bond film.And joining our Planet Normal rocket this week is Luke Murfitt, founder and CEO of Integrity Cleaning, who tells Liam how a diagnosis with Parkinson's aged just 34 has sped his life up rather than slowing it down, and how his business managed to double its turnover over lockdown.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 14th October 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/10/13/planet-normal-will-people-screaming-lockdowns-going-forward/ |Read more from Allison Pearson: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam Halligan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Bed of Lies: www.playpodca.st/bedoflies |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Tory Conference week and Liam Halligan is camped out in Manchester, surviving on stale sandwiches and a hotel minibar, to give Allison Pearson the inside track on the party's movers and shakers. The PM’s speech may have brought the laughs but both our hosts were left wanting more: no policy announcements, barely a mention of the pandemic, and ‘gaping holes’ in his arguments. Nul points from our co-pilots.Joining them aboard the rocket this week is fellow Telegraph columnist, Philip Johnston, who has been to not one, not two but forty Conservative conferences. He tells Allison why he thinks politicians aren’t as talented as they once were, and ranks his favourite ever three MPs.Also on the show: Allison brings a revealing update from George, our NHS insider, and Liam answers the all-important question: what is stagflation?Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 7th October 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/10/06/planet-normal-boris-johnson-complete-denial-dire-place-country/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Philip: | https:/www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/philip-johnston/ |Listen to The Telegraph's Off Script podcast: https://www.playpodca.st/offscript |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Peston, ITV News Political Editor, joins Liam Halligan and guest co-host, Claire Fox on this week’s trip to Planet Normal. Buckets and spades at the ready as the trio head to the seaside to dissect the Labour Party conference, but it’s less happy holidays and more angry hecklers at Sir Keir Starmer’s eagerly-awaited “make-or-break” speech. Liam tells listeners why the party failed to score an open goal, while Claire accuses the leader of merely “ticking boxes”. But has his time on the conference floor left him any closer to power? Our co-hosts deliver their verdicts.Also on the show: Robert Peston lays bare the state of journalism, laments the death of respectful disagreement and tells Liam why he has quite such little respect for authority. And a poetic listener impresses our co-pilots as they delve into the Planet Normal mailbag.Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Claire: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/claire-fox |Listen to The Telegraph's Off Script podcast: https://www.playpodca.st/offscript |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy prices are up, universal credit is down and Waitrose is out of pitta bread. It certainly is shaping up to be the perfect storm aboard Planet Normal this week.So buckle up for turbulence as Allison declares war on the GP’s trade union, whilst Liam declares the government's green policies as ‘pie in the sky’ promises in need of a reality check.Also stowing away on the rocket of right thinking this week, is leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice who is keen to tell Allison and Liam why he now calls the Tories the ‘Con-Socialists’ and pitches his unique vision for Britain as a 'Singapore off the coast of Europe'.Plus we have a traumatising trip down memory lane for some, as our co-pilots share some listener memories of dreaded P.E lessons. You've been warned!Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 23rd September 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/09/22/richard-tice-conservatives-like-con-socialists/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to History Defended: www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defendedNeed help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor of Pop Paul Gambaccini boards this week's rocket to Planet Normal, with some disquieting words for the Metropolitan Police after he signed an open letter calling for the head of the force, Cressida Dick, to be replaced in her role. In a damning interview, he tells Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why, seven years after he was cleared of claims of sexual abuse, he feels he was used as 'human flypaper' to encourage others to make allegations against celebrities.Plus: it's straight sets and straight talking this week as our co-pilots applaud US Open winner Emma Raducanu for her poise, her grace and her lack of grunting. Our co-pilots indulge in a nostalgic trip down British sporting memory lane.And it’s not just tennis that’s holding court this week: Liam warns of an 'Autumn of discontent', Allison tells listeners why Chris Whitty has left her feeling as if she's living through Groundhog Day and both our co-pilots notice a growing sense of disillusionment with the government.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to History Defended: www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a new tax in town and it’s got Allison rather confused. But not to worry - our resident economics guru, Liam Halligan has got his nerdiest hat on to break down the newly-announced health and social care levy. He tells listeners why the move is far from a long-term solution to the social care crisis, and reveals the real reason he believes Boris Johnson has hiked taxes to their highest level since the Second World War.  This week's guest, touching down on the refuge of reasoned views, is NHS GP Renee Hoenderkamp. She tells our co-pilots why an unwarranted fear of catching coronavirus twice means too few GPs have returned to in-person care, why she just can't support Covid vaccinations for under 18s, and why on earth she chose to redo her A-Levels in her thirties.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 9th September 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/09/08/planet-normal-no-longer-have-conservative-government/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to History Defended: www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison's in the BMA's bad books. Hell hath no fury like a Pearson scorned as she shares her prescription with her podcast co-pilot, Liam Halligan for the next stage in her fight to bring back face-to-face GP appointments. Also on the show: it's the start of a new school year, but new books don't spell an end to the disruptions for our children. Liam has some disquieting words for the teaching unions ahead of the national return to the classroom.Also boarding the rocket of right-thinking, Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of Oxford University's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine drops in to tell our co-pilots why he believes the JCVI should prioritise a vaccine booster programme for over 65s over the immunisation of under-18s - and leaves our co-pilots wishing he were their GP.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 2nd September 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/09/02/children-not-showing-symptoms-covid-should-stay-school-says/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper's Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a pre-teen consent to a coronavirus vaccine? That's the big question Telegraph columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson are grabbling with this week, after an anonymous Planet Normal listener reveals that the NHS is drawing up plans to vaccinate 12-year-olds.And as co-pilot Halligan returns from his Aegean Odyssey (AKA his annual holiday to Greece), he comes back not just with a podcast, but also with an interview with James Glancy, Army veteran turned documentary maker. James boards a first-class seat on the rocket of right thinking this week to reflect on his time serving as a Royal Marine during three tours of Afghanistan and why he thinks the ‘special relationship’ between Great Britain and the United States should be confined to the ‘dustbin of history’.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 1st July from 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/08/25/nhs-draws-plans-vaccinate-12-year-olds/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Imposters: www.playpodca.st/imposters |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to pack our bags and head for Planet Normal? Horrifying events in Afghanistan leave Allison Pearson and fellow columnist and guest co-host, Tim Stanley feeling as if they've woken up in a dystopian nightmare. Allison hopes the evacuation process will start to prioritise women and children, Tim argues that withdrawing troops a decade earlier could have seen the very same outcome and both our co-pilots question President Biden’s motivations in leaving the country in the first place.Also on the podcast: parish priest and broadcaster the Reverend Canon Giles Fraser boards our rocket of right thinking and tells former Sunday school teacher Allison why the gap between a Left and Liberal Church of England and the Brexit-voting public is ‘a real problem’, and why virtual worship just doesn’t cut it.Plus: Allison shares details of a very Welsh reunion with her mother after more than 18 months, while Tim tells listeners how a recent clumsy mistake is proving rather costly.Allison will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 19th August 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/08/18/gap-church-england-brexit-voting-public/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Stanley, Telegraph columnist and leader writer, joins Allison Pearson on this week’s podcast, while Captain Halligan is on his very own Aegean Odyssey (AKA a Ryanair flight to Greece). The pair award the education secretary an F for allowing top A-Level grades to be handed out to almost half of school leavers - a move our hosts agree isn’t really that generous after all - and reflect on the latest Covid confusion. Our new co-pilot is a loyal follower of Boris Johnson, but has his loyalty been shaken by 17 months of inconsistencies within his pandemic response? Not so… Tim explains all.Also on the podcast: education reformer and “Britain’s strictest headmistress” Katharine Birbalsingh lets Allison in on the real reason behind this year’s grade inflation, lays out why she thinks calls to decolonise the curriculum are “appalling” and explains why - cue groans from our younger listeners - exams must stay.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 12th August 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education-and-careers/2021/08/12/planet-normal-need-have-conversation-grade-inflation/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Telegraph columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson are back with a bang from their holidays for another much needed trip to Planet Normal. This week Allison surprises Liam with her sudden reincarnation as a BMX expert, as both hosts celebrate the uplift in mood delivered by Team GB at the Olympic Games. Away from Tokyo, Allison adds the PM to her own 'Amber watchlist' after the government's flip flopping on travel policies, and Liam ruminates on a return of Number 10 versus Number 11 bickering this week. Also on the podcast: Dr Charles Levinson, founder of private home visit doctor service 'Doctor Call' boards the rocket of right thinking to tell our co-pilots why he thinks the public health response to the pandemic has caused more harm than the virus itself.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 5th August 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/08/05/public-policy-response-illness-has-caused-harm-illness |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the words of Alice Cooper, “School’s out for Summer”. The holidays are fast approaching but there’s no rest for our co-pilots, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, as Allison accuses the Left of weaponising the use of face masks, Liam predicts public finger-wagging for those choosing to ditch them, and our hosts nail their colours to the mast on the so-called “War of the Noses”.Also on the podcast: LSE behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan cruises into the Planet Normal atmosphere to tell listeners why the government must honour its social contract of freedom in a post-vaccine world, and why the cost of achieving zero-Covid is just too high. Plus, a particularly moving email from a Brown Owl gives our co-pilots pause for thought. Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 14th July from 11am-12pm:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/07/15/planet-normal-rural-areas-will-see-mask-wearing-drop-entirely/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Imposters: www.playpodca.st/imposters |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the mothers taking on the system over the way children have been sidelined in lockdown decision-making. Working mums Molly, Liz and Christine added a string to their collective bow when they were forced to become home teachers over much of 2020 - and another one when they later set up pressure group, Us for Them. It campaigns for the needs of the young to be prioritised over the pandemic and beyond. This week they board an extra large Planet Normal rocket, telling Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why calling children ‘resilient’ is simply a means of justifying putting adults first, plus they lay out the very real effect lockdown measures have had on their own kids.Elsewhere, has the Saj been had? Liam wonders whether the ‘doom-monger scientists’ will have their way in delaying the new Health Secretary’s freedom day deadline, Allison tells us why the NHS’ George Cross victory saw her jaw drop, and a powerful interview leaves one of our co-pilots cowering in the corner of the Planet Normal capsule.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 8th July from 11am-12pm:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/07/08/not-enough-call-children-resilient-must-put-first/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/|Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/|Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: www.playpodca.st/hongkong |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good news for football fans, bad news for the former health secretary. A week of highs and lows, or highs and highs - according to our co-pilots, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan. They tell listeners why hypocrisy is too weak a word for the actions of Mr Hancock, and Liam gives us the inside line on new health secretary, Sajid Javid’s first moves. Also on the podcast: SDP leader William Clouston boards the rocket of reason to tell listeners what sets his party apart in the much-anticipated by-election in Batley and Spen, and why he thinks the Labour Party no longer shares the values of its former voters.Warning: This episode contains a terrible impression of the current PM.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 1st July from 11am-12pm:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/06/30/planet-normal-matt-hancock-has-done-us-favour-exposing-westminsters/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Hong Kong Silenced: https://www.playpodca.st/hongkong |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freedom day has come and gone, and with little freedom restored, co-hosts Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan tell listeners why they feel a rebellion rising. Can opinion polls suggesting the country still supports lockdown be true? Not according to co-pilot Halligan, who tells us why he thinks pollsters’ leading questions are skewing the results. Meanwhile Allison impresses Liam with her newly-acquired scientific vocabulary, and ‘George’ shares some exciting news.Also visiting Planet Normal: Developmental biologist Dr Emma Hilton reflects on the announcement that weightlifter, Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at this year’s Olympic Games. She shares research suggesting the loss of muscle mass in trans women undergoing hormone treatment is ‘surprisingly’ small, and argues that being exclusive in sport is necessary for fair competition. But where do Liam and Allison stand on the transgender athlete debate? All is revealed within.Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 24th June from 11am-12pm: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/06/23/planet-normal-trans-athlete-debate-line-must-drawn-stealing/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ | Listen to Chopper's Politics: www.playpodca.st/chopper |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Read more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: [email protected] |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.