Planet Normal

The Telegraph

The podcast that speaks your language. News and views from beyond the bubble with Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, every Thursday.

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317 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes317

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Sep 28, 2022 · 57 min
Mini-budget, big problem
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.
Sep 21, 2022 · 1 hr
End of an Era
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.
Sep 7, 2022 · 56 min
Trussonomics
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.
Aug 31, 2022 · 59 min
Lights out for Boris
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.
Aug 24, 2022 · 57 min
Anyone seen the Government?
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.
Aug 17, 2022 · 56 min
Cost of lockdown crisis
It’s A-level results day, and it’s not just the grades that are up for scrutiny on the rocket this week. Both our co-pilots lament the cost of lockdown on this year’s A-level recipients, with Allison also taking aim at social engineering schemes that are replacing traditional entry requirements into UK universities. Climbing aboard the capsule of common sense for his second voyage is Conservative Mayor of Teesside, Ben Houchen. He warns the Tories will face backlash for ousting Boris Johnson regardless of who wins the leadership contest, but is hopeful that delivering on levelling up could save the party at the next election. Liam is concerned rising inflation will get much worse before it gets better, and suggests the UK economy is now feeling the effects of lockdowns as well as the conflict in Ukraine. While co-pilot Pearson declares an unlikely allegiance to Sir Keir Starmer this week, over his plan to freeze the energy price cap. And the rocket crowns another ‘numpty of the week’. 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 Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 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.
Aug 10, 2022 · 59 min
An entirely captainless ship
With temperatures soaring and the energy crisis escalating, our co-pilots have run out of patience with the lack of political leadership. Allison is 'fuming' that the focus on net zero has led to a 'grotesque' failure of energy security, and warns we are on-board a ‘captainless ship’ at the mercy of the elements and heading towards an iceberg as winter approaches. Co-pilot Halligan takes aim at the 'indulgent' Tory leadership 'psychodrama', and argues the country urgently needs politicians to get on with the business of governing, as the economic rubber hits the road. Also strapping in to the capsule of common sense this week is barrister and trainee psychotherapist James Esses, who was ejected from his university course for raising the alarm about transgender ideology being pushed onto young people. And co-pilot Pearson's alter ego ‘Velma’ makes a welcome return to the rocket. 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 the Planet Normal with Sharon Davies: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/02/18/human-rights-females-trampled-olympic-swimmer-sharron-davies/ | Listen to the Planet Normal with Helen Pluckrose:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/10/12/week-planet-normal-declaration-covid-lockdown-rights-society/ | Support James Esses: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/expelled-university-free-speech/ | Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 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.
Aug 4, 2022 · 1 hr
End of the road for Rishi?
The political psychodrama rumbles on, but both our co-pilots think it's time for a curtain call on the leadership showdown. So will Rishi Sunak throw the towel in? Co-pilot Halligan climbs aboard the rocket from his holiday to deliver some hard truths, warning the former chancellor to ‘bow out’ if he wants to save his future in politics. Liam argues the political class needs to turn its focus to the energy emergency, rather than infighting. Fresh from declaring her allegiance to Liz Truss, co-pilot Pearson agrees that Rishi Sunak should step aside. She believes he is out of touch with the struggles most people face amidst the escalating cost of living crisis. Also hopping aboard the capsule of common sense is Michael Jacobs, economist and former adviser to Gordon Brown. He tells our co-pilots the policies being put forward by the Tory leadership candidates are fiscally irresponsible, and suggests the Labour Party now appears to be more economically credible. And our co-pilots share their favourite moments from the roaring Lionesses' triumphant Euros victory. 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 the Planet Normal with Gordon Wishart: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/09/planet-normal-nations-social-contract-government-has-broken/ | Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel 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.
Jul 27, 2022 · 54 min
Gloves off in Tory leader race
It's full-contact battle as Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak face off to become the next Prime Minister. So who better to join our co-pilots on the rocket of right thinking than Dame Andrea Leadsom, campaign manager for former front runner Penny Mordaunt, and a one-time Tory leadership contender herself. Dame Andrea takes aim at political 'black ops' and says it's painful to see candidates publicly 'taking lumps out of each other.' Co-pilot Pearson predicts that Liz Truss will be the one to cinch victory. But Allison is concerned about the effect that a Truss premiership could have on maintaining the red wall. Liam agrees that Sunak might lose out to Truss, arguing that his lack of political experience is coming to the fore and suggesting the former Chancellor shouldn't have run for leader at such an early point in his career. And our listeners have their say on who they think should be the future leader of the country… 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 Andrea Leadsom's ‘Snakes and Ladders’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snakes-and-Ladders/dp/178590700X | 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: 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.
Jul 6, 2022 · 58 min
Jumping off the Boris bus
It’s been a dramatic week since the rocket's last journey, with scores of cabinet resignations shaking the Johnson Premiership. So will the squealing piglet’s head finally reach the chopping block? And which member of the Tory party could be waiting in the wings to take over? Liam warns the job is a poisoned chalice, and wonders who would want to take the crown when an economic crisis is looming. Co-pilot Pearson is determined that Boris Johnson's replacement must be a Brexiteer, as she mourns the loss of broken promises made by the PM in his astounding 2019 victory. Joining our co-pilots this week is Donna Ockenden, the senior midwife who led the review into the maternity scandal at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trusts. In a moving interview she tells our co-pilots about the emotional toll the review took on her, and why she thinks mothers must be made aware of the risks of remote midwife led units (MLU). In light of the interview, co-pilot Pearson vows to launch a campaign to investigate this issue further, watch this space… 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 'NHS must disclose risks of giving birth in midwifery-led unit, Donna Ockenden warns': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/07/07/nhs-must-disclose-risks-giving-birth-midwifery-led-unit-donna/ | 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.
Jun 29, 2022 · 56 min
A.B.B: Anyone But Boris
The by-election results are in, and the predictions of Planet Normal's very own clairvoyant co-pilot 'Mystic Pearson' proved to be eerily accurate. Allison warns the results show many Conservative supporters are so dissatisfied that they will vote 'A.B.B: Anyone But Boris'. Our co-pilots blame the Prime Minister's broken promises, likening his Government to a Deliveroo driver turning up empty-handed but still telling you they've delivered. Liam believes Boris Johnson's party are now just keeping him around as a 'human sponge' to absorb the pain of the impending recession. Also hopping aboard the capsule of common sense this week is financial expert Justin Urquhart Stewart who delivers some dire economic predictions. He tells our co-pilots that rising inflation won't go away any time soon, and that it could have serious consequences for investment in the UK. And George makes a triumphant return to the rocket… 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: 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.
Jun 22, 2022 · 56 min
Tricky times for the Tories
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: 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.
Jun 15, 2022 · 55 min
Battle for the soul of the Conservative Party
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: 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.
Jun 8, 2022 · 58 min
Last chance saloon for Boris
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: 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.
Jun 1, 2022 · 58 min
Terrific Queen, shame about the country
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: 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.
May 25, 2022 · 58 min
A Gray day for Parliament
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: 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.
May 18, 2022 · 59 min
Woke Wars
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: 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.
May 11, 2022 · 1 hr 25 min
100 voyages, two co-pilots, one podcast
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: 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.
May 4, 2022 · 58 min
Complacency coma
NB: This episode was recorded on Wednesday May 4th 2022 It'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: 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.
Apr 27, 2022 · 57 min
Leg-gate, Labour and leadership troubles
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: 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.