Planet Normal Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Episode 1
Jan 1, 2026
Jake Wallis Simons, an award-winning journalist and author, discusses the BBC's institutional bias against Israel, highlighting its controversial reporting practices. He reflects on geopolitical ramifications affecting the Jewish community in Britain. Meanwhile, Orla Minihane, a local campaigner, shares her firsthand experiences leading protests against a migrant hotel in Epping, expressing concerns about community safety and policing. Together, they explore pressing issues in contemporary Britain, from media integrity to local activism.
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BBC's Ideological Drift
- Jake Wallis Simons argues the BBC has an ideological tide seeping into newsrooms, producing biased coverage on Israel.
- He says the corporation uses mistakes as smokescreens instead of addressing long-term Israelophobia.
Recognition Without Preconditions Hurts
- Jake says Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine damaged Britain's standing and empowered Hamas politically.
- He argues recognition without preconditions shifted pressure onto Israel and felt like a moral betrayal to Jews.
British Jews Choosing Israel
- Jake describes a growing exodus of British Jews moving to Israel driven by security fears and loss of faith in Britain.
- He links this to rising Islamism allied with progressive radicals across institutions.