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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

317 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes317

Newest first

Apr 20, 2022 · 55 min
Marathon of contrition
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: 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 13, 2022 · 58 min
Tsunami of woes
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: 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 6, 2022 · 59 min
Economic rubber hits the road
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: 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.
Mar 30, 2022 · 59 min
National Health Disservice
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: 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.
Mar 24, 2022 · 41 min
Spring Statement Special
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: 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.
Mar 17, 2022 · 59 min
Adding fuel to the cost of living fire
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: 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.
Mar 10, 2022 · 57 min
All paths lead to Moscow
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: 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.
Mar 3, 2022 · 59 min
Putin pushes on in Ukraine
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: 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.
Feb 23, 2022 · 59 min
One and a half cheers for Boris Johnson
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: 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.
Feb 17, 2022 · 54 min
Russia's big gamble on Ukraine
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: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk | 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.
Feb 10, 2022 · 59 min
Soaking up the political gravy
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: 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.
Feb 3, 2022 · 1 hr
Pyramid of piffle
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: 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.
Jan 27, 2022 · 58 min
All eyes on Sue Gray
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: 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.
Jan 20, 2022 · 1 hr
A prime minister in trouble
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: 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.
Jan 13, 2022 · 59 min
Lord Frost on Partygate, Brexit and why he quit the Cabinet
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: 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.
Jan 6, 2022 · 56 min
A pandemic of testing
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: 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.
Dec 23, 2021 · 57 min
A crackers Christmas
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: 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.
Dec 16, 2021 · 58 min
Penny Mordaunt on Omicron hysteria, rebel MPs and Brexit
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: 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.
Dec 9, 2021 · 59 min
Parties, Plan B and betrayal
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: 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.
Dec 2, 2021 · 1 hr
The 'moronic' variant
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: 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.