Planet Normal

Halloween might be over but the witch hunt has only just begun, as the Home Secretary Suella Braverman is under fire over the ongoing migrant crisis haunting the UK.Allison is appalled at the treatment of the Home Secretary,  who she feels has been subject to ‘political parlour games’.Whilst Liam thinks that with the right support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Home Secretary could push past some difficult decisions that might ultimately, be best for the country.Also hopping aboard the rocket this week is Professor Arif Ahmed, whose decision to book a controversial speaker at his Cambridge college has reignited the free speech at universities debate. He tells our co-pilots he thinks all new students should sign a waiver acknowledging that they might come across shocking material, and explains the damaging effect that cancel culture could have on our society.Also on the podcast, as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joins a well known reality television show, Allison shares the unlikely story of how she herself nearly ended up in the jungle...Telegraph subscribers can listen to Allison's full uncut interview with Professor Arif Ahmed at the bottom of this article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/11/03/students-should-sign-free-speech-waiver-attend-university-says/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript|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 |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 the rocket, and another Prime Minister on Planet Earth. But what does the future hold for ‘dishy Rishi’ as he moves into No10? Our co-pilots have their crystal ball out.Both our co-pilots think the new PM made a strong debut at his first PMQ’s. But Allison wonders how the new PM will fare when faced with conquering the red wall.Liam is also concerned that the Tories could be giving Labour an ‘open goal’ with such an economically flush PM  and Chancellor at the helm in the midst of a raging financial crisis.Also stowing away on the rocket of sweet reason this week is Planet Normal listener and lifelong Conservative voter, Alison, who tells our co-pilots why she hopes her fellow Tories get behind new PM Rishi Sunak, and why she'd urge him to target younger voters.And finally the rocket’s newly qualified economist, co-pilot Pearson has an inflation update for  listeners.Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Listen to How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator |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 |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 beloved rocket gains a few extra passengers this week as our second Planet Normal live event is broadcast from the IET in London.Allison has been gone for a mere two weeks and the country has descended into what she calls a ‘post apocalyptic mad max wasteland’. Can things come back from the brink or will co-pilot Halligan have to step in as the next Chancellor? Anything could happen!In the wake of Suella Braverman’s departure as Home Secretary, our co-pilots reflect on the circumstances surrounding her resignation, and delve into Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s early days in his new post.The first revered stowaway on the rocket this week is Lord David Frost, who shares his opinion on the current fractions in our country’s leading party, and warns that the government risks losing Brexit if it can't show it's up to the job. Also strapping in for lift-off is writer Lionel Shriver, who shares her frustration at how hard left views are maintaining what she believes are worryingly high levels of control over our society.And the Planet Normal citizens have their say as our co-pilots take questions from the live audience.We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | 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, another dose of economic woe to digest on the rocket. Honorary Planet Normal citizen Nick Timothy is back to give his take on what the Labour Party have dubbed ‘the crisis made in Downing Street’.Nick thinks the Government rushed into their budget, and that the Truss camp have been slow to switch gears from campaigning to governing. Liam thinks the Chancellor and PM might be stuck in a 'doom loop,' in part thanks to the political tactlessness of their mini-Budget.Also strapping into the rocket of right thinking is former Chancellor Lord Norman Lamont, who warns economic growth cannot be achieved without stability and urges the Government to 'reset' to show it is serious about fiscal discipline. Lord Lamont also calls for changes to the Tory leadership rules, and says ousting Truss now would be ‘farcical’.And one listener shares their review of co-pilot Halligan's grooming tips…We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Nick: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/n/nf-nj/nick-timothy/ |Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/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: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |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 lights have come down on another Conservative Party conference, but it hasn't been without its political psychodrama.Co-pilot Halligan beams in from the heart of the action in Birmingham, and joining him in the cockpit whilst co-pilot Pearson takes a well-earned rest is columnist and former Chief of Staff to Theresa May, Nick Timothy.Underwhelmed by the turnout and the mood at conference, Nick thinks the party may have underestimated the consequences of the recent 'botched budget'. But Liam saw glimmers of hope in the PM’s speech, and in the response to some cabinet members such as conference darling, Kemi Badenoch.Also joining Liam to help break down the conservative conference chaos is Baroness Claire Fox, who tells Liam she fears the Tory party is at risk of splitting. Claire also argues Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng should have done more to explain their economic vision to voters and markets.We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/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: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |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.

Strap in for an economic rollercoaster on the rocket this week. Fresh from his perch outside the Bank of England, co-pilot Halligan is here to break down why the mini budget has caused such big waves.Liam thinks that the markets have overreacted, but the decision to cut the top rate of tax during a cost of living crisis was ‘venal’ and 'indulgent.' Allison agrees the move was an act of 'dumbfounding stupidity' so close to the Labour Party conference. She's frustrated that the new PM has been 'hiding behind the sofa' at such a crucial time. Also joining our co-pilots on the sanctuary of sweet reason is leading economist Dr Gerard Lyons, who helped advise Liz Truss during her leadership campaign. Dr Lyons tells our co-pilots the Government 'mishandled communication over the mini budget,' and takes aim at the Bank of England over its failures on inflation.We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/ Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |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: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |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.

After a momentous period in which we lost our beloved Queen, the co-pilots are back to reflect on the historic turn of events.Allison was moved by scenes of people queueing to view the late Queen's lying-in-state, and shares her thoughts on the seismic sense of change the country is experiencing. Liam reveals the surprising warmth towards Her Majesty that he witnessed in Ireland, of all places, after the news of her death.But the tsunami of news rolls on with a major announcement on energy and a mini budget this week. Our resident economic expert, co-pilot Halligan, is on hand to answer the all important question: What is ‘Trussonomics’?Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is Tony Lodge, a political and energy expert who reveals why he's calling for a public inquiry into the energy crisis. And, our co-pilots share some creative ways Planet Normal listeners will be saving energy this winter.Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Book tickets for for Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event-oct/ Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|Read Tony Lodge's piece: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/09/17/just-paid-belgium-50-times-going-rate-keep-londons-lights/ |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 |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 dawn of a new era on the rocket as Liz Truss takes the throne as Prime Minister. But do our co-pilots think she's got what it takes?Co-pilot Halligan predicts Truss will grow into the role, but warns she will have to be a 'shape-shifter' in order to tackle the toughest in-tray of any peace-time PM. Allison wasn't blown away by Truss' debut speech, comparing her performance to that of a nervous head girl, but thought her first showing at PMQs was a vast improvement.Both our co-pilots agree Truss should ditch her notes and stick to speaking off the cuff in future.Also entering the sanctuary of sweet reason this week is journalist and General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young, who shares his disappointment at the fall of the Johnson premiership and his thoughts on the new Truss cabinet. Plus, Toby opens up about what it's like to be ‘cancelled’.And finally, the debate over co-pilot Pearson’s ‘hello’ rages on…Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Book tickets for An afternoon with Allison Pearson: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-idk-event |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: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |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 curtain is finally falling on the Tory leadership contest. The spectacle might be nearly over - to the relief of our co-pilots - but the madness is just beginning for Boris' successor.As we bid farewell to the Johnson premiership, co-pilot Pearson is adamant we need more of a ‘realist’ at the helm. She warns the incoming PM must put dealing with the cost of living crisis ahead of the green agenda.Co-pilot Halligan agrees the push towards net zero must not come at the expense of ordinary people. He's especially concerned about how businesses will cope this winter without any price cap on their energy bills.Also climbing aboard the rocket this week is co-founder of FairFuel UK, Howard Cox, who tells our co-pilots what the Government should be doing to reduce fuel prices as people struggle to fill up their cars.And co-pilot Pearson has an exciting event to announce....Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Book tickets for An afternoon with Allison Pearson: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-idk-event |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |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 |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.

Levels of discontent have reached new highs on the rocket this week, with crisis brewing in the NHS and the economy.Co-pilot Halligan is frustrated that the Government remains 'leaderless, rudderless and hopeless' at such a critical time. While Allison is concerned the country could descend into 'third world Britain.'Plus, our co-pilots deliver their verdict on Rishi Sunak’s revelatory interview in The Spectator, voicing his concerns about the Covid-19 lockdown. Liam is miffed the former chancellor is only speaking up now, but co-pilot Pearson is relieved that people who questioned lockdown have been vindicated. Also joining our co-pilots is oncologist Professor Pat Price, who says we are in the midst of the worst cancer crisis ever seen in the UK. Professor Price warns the backlog could cost thousands of lives, but politicians are failing to recognise the magnitude of the disaster.And co-pilot Pearson shares her latest bathing habits in light of the cost of living crisis...Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Listen to Chopper’s Politics: https://www.playpodca.st/chopper |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 |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.