Planet Normal

General Sir Peter Wall, former head of the British Army with frontline experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, reflects on military morale and veteran welfare. He discusses the fallout from retrospective prosecutions, how trust in leadership affects willingness to deploy, and the wider implications for defence and recruiting. He also touches on balancing diplomacy with China while defending core principles.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative MP and ex-Shadow Justice Secretary, shares his reasons for defecting to Reform UK. He reflects on the Conservative Party's failures, especially regarding immigration policy, and argues they no longer deserve a second chance. Jenrick candidly recounts his own political evolution, emphasizing the importance of experienced ministers and radical reforms. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical significance of Greenland and the broader implications for international relations.

In this engaging conversation, Rosie Kay, a contemporary choreographer known for her thought-provoking works, shares her journey and the controversies surrounding her gender-critical views that led to her ousting from her own company. Meanwhile, local activists from the Pink Ladies protest discuss the impact of migrant hotels on women's safety, relaying urgent calls for policy changes. Lastly, Suella Braverman, a prominent Conservative MP, argues for withdrawing from the ECHR to regain border control and shares insights on migration policies. The discussion is both vibrant and eye-opening!

Helen Whately, Conservative MP and shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is joined by Danny Kruger, former MP turned Reform UK strategist, and Lord Peter Lilley, a veteran political figure. They delve into pressing welfare reforms, emphasizing the moral imperative to get individuals back to work. Whately discusses her push against rising sickness claims among youth, while Kruger reflects on his party defection and critiques the Conservatives' hesitance. Lilley warns of the dangers of the ECHR's influence on judicial politics, advocating for a decisive policy shift.

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.

This week’s guest is Henry Patten, a British doubles tennis star and Wimbledon champion. He shares insights from his career, including the unique challenges of doubles tennis and the importance of teamwork. Henry reflects on how playing college tennis in the U.S. shaped his approach and commitment to the game. He also discusses his Christmas traditions, including what’s on the table for the holiday feast, and his excitement for defending his title at the upcoming Australian Open. Tune in for a blend of tennis tales and festive cheer!

Your Co-pilots reflect on a sombre week as the festive season is overshadowed by the beach massacre in Sydney earlier this week. Co-pilot Pearson delivers a blistering critique of Western leaders whom she accuses of failing to confront the root of Islamist extremism.Liam connects the tragedy to the rising sense of fear among the Jewish community in the UK, arguing that the ‘aggressive’ weekly protests should not be allowed to continue in the Capital.On the economic front, Liam warns of rising youth unemployment and Ed Miliband’s growing European isolation on Net Zero following the EU's retreat from petrol car bans. And the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Couthino, straps in to tell your co-pilots why Labour’s Net Zero drive won’t encourage economic growth.Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor |Read Allison ‘It’s time to end the cowardly appeasement of radical Islamism’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/16/bondi-beach-jewish-massacre-allison-pearson/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘Labour’s nutty EV policies are pushing us towards economic catastrophe’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/12/14/labour-ev-policies-pushing-towards-economic-catastrophe/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam’s Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zia Yusuf, Head of Policy for Reform UK and former chairman, joins the conversation to reveal his thoughts on the political landscape. He describes the smear campaign against Nigel Farage as one of the most coordinated efforts in recent history. Zia shares insights on the migration crisis, advocating for robust measures and mass deportations. He also discusses how public sentiment is shifting towards immigration issues, framing it as a winning narrative for Reform UK. Zia's personal journey adds a compelling angle to the discourse.

With reaction to the autumn Budget still on the lips of news outlets everywhere, your co-pilots are here to make sense of the chaos.Allison doesn’t hold back and thinks Reeves has ‘lied’ to the electorate and inflated her own words in order to try and sneak her Budget past everyone.Meanwhile Liam thinks the fighting between Number 10 and 11 is harming the economy on a fundamental scale.Meanwhile stowaway Lord Nigel Biggar tells the co-pilots why history should recognise the UK fought against slavery across the British Empire.Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorRead Allison ‘A jury took 17 minutes to find Jamie ‘not guilty’. I hate to think what a Left-wing judge would’ve done’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/02/jury-trials-lammy-left-wing-judiciary/ |Read Allison ‘Joyless and fake, what a strange person Meghan is’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/03/id-pay-not-to-spend-a-christmas-with-meghan-and-harry/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘If Labour sticks two fingers up to the bond market, Britain will pay the price’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/11/30/labour-two-fingers-bond-market-britain-pay-price/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam’s Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roger Bootle, a prominent British economist and Telegraph columnist, joins the hosts to dissect Chancellor Rachel Reeves' controversial new £30 billion tax rise. Bootle argues the budget will negatively impact businesses and discusses the implications of the pre-budget leak. The conversation also touches on the 'shirking class' label for Labour’s welfare stance, potential recession risks, and the burdens of rising energy costs. Finally, Bootle critiques the size of government, advocating for spending cuts to foster economic growth.