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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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Planet Normal

A sombre journey to Planet Normal today, as Allison and Liam learn that the father of Sara Sharif has been found guilty of the 10-year-old’s murder just before recording. Co-pilot Pearson decries that a little girl could have been a victim to such violence in modern Britain, and what it says about integration in our country.

Plus they discuss the events of Syria, and co-pilot Halligan notes that the 'tectonic plates of Western politics is shifting' as mainstream European politicians use events as a chance to call for Syrians in their nations to return home.

Boarding the rocket of right-thinking this week are co-founders of savetheparish.com, the impressively named Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, and journalist Emma Thompson. Sir James and Emma give a passionate pitch for the humble parish church, and why bureaucracy is at fault for the many closures.

Plus your co-pilots dip into the mail bag for more tales of free speech fighters at work.

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/ |

Visit Save The Parish: https://www.savetheparish.com/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Cultural Sensitivities Can Cost Lives

Christmas is coming but the madness on the rocket of right thinking shows no signs of slowing down. It’s time to strap in for the last voyage of 2024.

In light of the latest inflation figures Liam gives his review of Labour's economic strategy which he feels has ‘talked down’ the economy.

And co-pilot Pearson delivers some strong opinions on the latest approach to governing non crime hate incidents in this country.

On this very special festive addition of Planet Normal the rocket is joined by none other than ‘Angela Rayner’....it’s a no brainer!

And your co-pilots reveal their news predictions for the upcoming New Year.

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/ |

More from Intel Lady: YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/@intellady?si=uq1tuVm9YJawRxLT

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@intellady1?_t=ZG-8sGtpm2UULY&_r=1

X- https://x.com/intel_lady?t=VkHooqNIXAkyGvpQUxI8Zw&s=09

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 |

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No brainer with ‘Angela Rayner’

In this, the first of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2024.

There’s been no shortage of madness on the rocket over the past few months, the peak of which was definitely when co-pilot Pearson spearheaded a free speech campaign in wake of a shocking visit to her home on the morning of Remembrance Sunday by Essex police.

There’s also been an abundance of politicians that have graced the rocket this year, and back in October your co-pilots were lucky enough to interview former Conservative Prime Minister, Liz Truss, to get her take on Labour's Budget.

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l... |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a... |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/pod... |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Christmas Special 2024 P1

In this, the second of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2024.

There’s been no shortage of madness on the rocket over the past few months, the peak of which was definitely when co-pilot Pearson spearheaded a free speech campaign in wake of a shocking visit to her home on the morning of Remembrance Sunday by Essex police.

There’s also been an abundance of politicians that have graced the rocket this year, and back in August Liam interviewed future Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch. 

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l... |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a... |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/pod... |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Christmas Special 2024 P2

It’s a new year and the rocket returns with a blast to take on tax rises, economy worries and a grooming scandal, but what do your co-pilots make of 2025’s headlines so far?

Liam questions why Labour won’t launch a national inquiry into the grooming gangs, whilst Allison thinks the country’s leading party are too hung up with promoting diversity as a strength to investigate any wrongdoing.

Strapping into the rocket for the first voyage of the year is Economist Andrew Lilico who explains exactly why he thinks Former PM Liz Truss didn’t crash the economy with her mini budget.

And there are results from the great ‘Planet Normal Christmas Weigh in’....

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/ |

Read Allison Elon Musk has ripped the cloak of deceit off one of Britain’s most disgusting scandals: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/07/elon-musk-has-ripped-cloak-of-deceit-off-britain-scandal/ |

Read Andrew Did Liz Truss Crash The Economy?: https://europe-economics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Did-Liz-Truss-Crash-the-Economy-Final.pdf |

Read Sentencing Remarks: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/JCO/Documents/Judgments/sentencing-remarks-r-v-dogar-others.pdf |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Liz Truss Threatens Starmer with Legal Action

Your co-pilots have blasted off a whopper of a rocket this week so strap in.

It’s Labour vs lettuce this week as the scrutiny of Chancellor Rachel Reeves continues to the rising drumbeat of calls for her to go. And with a resignation and an upcoming inauguration, there’s no shortage of melodrama in orbit this week.

It will come as no surprise that the residents of the rocket are less than impressed with ‘Rachel from accounts’; is she on borrowed time and will there be an emergency budget in March? Resident rocket economist co-pilot Halligan brings his expert opinion and context to the discussion.

Joining your co-pilots this week to discuss the recent grooming gang scandal is the inspirational author of Infidel: My Life, and Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women's Rights, is activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali. 

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/ |

Read Allison” : ‘Rachel Reeves should quit now, not later this year’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/14/rachel-reeves-should-quit-now-not-later-this-year/ |

Read ‘Infidel: My Life’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infidel-Ayaan-Hirsi-Ali/dp/1416526242 | 

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Is the UK's grooming gang shame just the tip of worldwide iceberg?

It’s the second coming of the Donald as President Trump is inaugurated to the Oval Office for his second term, but what do your co-pilots make of the political antics across the pond?

Closer to home, co-pilot Pearson delivers her thoughts from this week’s trial of the Southport killings, which she believes demonstrates a ‘mass coverup’ by the government.

Joining your co-pilots this week is 'Britain's strictest' Headteacher, of Michaela Community School, Katharine Birbalsingh who explains the reasons behind her recent letter to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

And co-pilot Halligan gives a glimpse behind the curtain from his recent appearance on Question Time.

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/ |

Read Allison: Why we Brits envy the US having Donald Trump’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/22/britain-jealous-of-us-donald-trump/|

Read Allison: ‘Starmer’s mealy-mouthed statement shows he’s no leader’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/21/starmer-southport-axel-rudakubana-jo-cox-thomas-mair/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Labour’s Marxist attack on education

Co-pilot Halligan is joined by the highly qualified temporary co-pilot Tim Stanley whilst co-pilot Pearson is away from the rocket.

Tim gives his take on the flurry of activity during Trump's first days in office and why he is frustrated with Keir Starmer's ‘outdated’ ideas.

Strapping into the rocket for a return mission this week is Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, who beams in to give his verdict on the Labour Party and Reform, and why the Conservatives are the future of the Country.

Also Liam delivers some harsh economic truths and Tim reveals a surprising talent with his impression of President Donald Trump.

You can watch Liam's interview with Ben Houchen here: https://youtu.be/dQTS2z7tf-8

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/ |

Read more from Tim: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tf-tj/tim-stanley/ |

Read Ben’s letter to the Trade Unions concerning the UK Steel industry: https://x.com/BenHouchen/status/1842589896160202996/photo/1 |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen on Reform and the future of the Conservative Party

Is the country falling apart? It’s starting to feel like it this week on the rocket as your co-pilots lament the latest shortcomings from the Labour Party, questions over lockdown rule breaks, Trump’s tariff wars and the return of the dreaded ‘Brexit’ talk…

What do your co-pilots make of Reform leader Nigel Farage’s rising popularity? Resident rocket economist Liam also gives his take on President Trump’s recent tariff turbulence.

Beaming into the rocket this week is Baroness Tina Stowell who explains more about the sale of the Telegraph and where there are opportunities, and dangers, in the revolution of artificial intelligence.

And Allison has some questions for network rail, who have sent her on a one way ticket to the latest woke war of woe this week…

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/ |

Read Allison: On Islamophobia and migration, Labour are asking us to believe the impossible’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/04/islamaphobia-migration-labour-impossible/|

Read Allison: ‘The death of the formal train announcement is a tragedy’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/05/the-death-of-the-formal-train-announcement-is-a-tragedy/ |

Read: ‘Abu Dhabi fund ‘must be forced to sell The Telegraph by Easter’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/30/abu-dhabi-fund-must-be-forced-sell-the-telegraph-by-easter/ |

Read Tina’s report: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ldselect/ldcomm/71/71.pdf |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

The Rise and Rise of the Reform Polls

Rule by law or rule by lawyers, that's the question your co-pilots are posing from the rocket today as they ponder the week’s events on Planet Earth, and there’s certainly no shortage of madness!

Liam thinks the political state of the UK is less about supporting parties and more about being for or against the Whitehall 'blob’.

Whilst Allison is frustrated at the attitude of the Tory party based on her interactions with members of the electorate.

The co-pilots bring you a very special interview deep from the Welsh Hills from Gareth Wyn Jones who attended the recent farming marches and gives the rocket an exclusive glimpse from the outside. But do your co-pilots think Keir Starmer broke his promise to farmers?

Elsewhere there is a bulging mail bag to contend with and one lucky reader has won Allison as a prize…

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/ |

Read Allison: ‘Lefty lawyers like Starmer and Hermer have poisoned our children against Britain’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/11/hermer-starmer-lawyers-poisoning-children-against-britain/ |

Read Allison: ‘Pregnant people’? Even rail chiefs have bowed to the woke god of inclusivity’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/05/the-death-of-the-formal-train-announcement-is-a-tragedy/ |

Read post referenced by Allison: https://x.com/chishol92148373/status/1889322433875787943?s=48&t=OPk5GiE2zJCmmPkPDAnuTg |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |

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

The final nail in the agricultural coffin

Sir Christopher Meyer, former British ambassador to the US makes his maiden voyage to Planet Normal as Donald Trump’s presidency comes to an end. He tells Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan why it’s high time to abandon the idea of the “special relationship” and why we haven't heard the last of Mr Trump. Plus, as a former Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, Sir Christopher tells us why he believes Brexit divisions have seeped into the UK’s pandemic coverage.

Also on the show: Allison makes the case for lockdown scepticism, Liam delves into the latest covid statistics and one of our presenters shows off their Welsh.

Allison and Liam will be replying to comments beneath this article on Thursday 21st January from 11am-12pm here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/01/21/brexit-divisions-have-infected-covid-reporting-says-sir-christopher/|

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Do you 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 |

Listen to The Juggling Act: www.playpodca.st/jugglingact |

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In defence of scepticism

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