Planet Normal

The Chancellor has revealed his Budget but the rocket of right-thinking has spotted a shadowy figure on the horizon heading towards Mr Hunt - the Office for Budget Responsibility. Strapping into the rocket to help navigate the nuances is Helen Thomas from Blonde Money, a former advisor to then-Chancellor George Osborne. Helen thinks that the ghost of ignoring the OBR in the now infamous Autumn Bud...

As co-pilot Pearson is away this week Liam is joined by special guest Telegraph Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, to discuss the issue of the military housing plan that has barracks up and down the country up in arms, and how Allison and Danielle's reporting sparked a huge response from the Ministry of Defence.  Danielle explains to Liam why military personnel are so fed up with the...

This episode was recorded before the evening's events in the House of Commons. You can read more here on the Telegraph's live blog:   https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/21/rishi-sunak-latest-news-atkins-labour-snp-gaza/#comment It was a double by-election blow for the Conservative Party as Labour claimed victory in Wellingborough and Kingswood. In what is now a common occurence the...

Give children brick phones, not smartphones, says this week's guest on the rocket of right thinking, Sophie Winkleman. The Peep Show star gives an insight into her plea to promote screen free learning for children and finds time to share a sprinkling of showbiz gossip on the rocket… Plus your co-pilots experience some déja-vu, as the Tories demonstrate another set of 'barely managed meltdowns...

As inflation drops, anger on the rocket rises, at the issue of illegal immigration and asylum seekers in light of the shocking chemical attack in London. Plus, where do your co-pilots stand on Liz Truss' ‘Pop Con’? Liam thinks that immigration could well overtake the economy as the number one issue for voters in the upcoming election and closely impending by-elections. Allison feels the rise...

This week your co-pilots are busy celebrating the anniversary of Brexit and the subsequent birth of Planet Normal. But aside from a hit podcast, what does the country really have to show from the referendum? Liam thinks that the people talking down the economy since the referendum often underestimate UK, and that our GDP growth is actually on par with other countries in the EU. Allison meanwhile i...

Just when the UK has finished surviving a battering from storm Isha Talk of Tory regicide is blowing its way in with storm Jocelyn. It’s safe to say your co-pilots are in for a turbulent week on the rocket. Allison is still in favour of Conservatism which she thinks a leadership change could help encourage, whilst Liam thinks that talk of a possible revolt be put to bed until after...

This episode was recorded before The Rwanda Bill cleared the Commons Strapping into the rocket alongside your co-pilots this week is former Fujitsu employee ‘Robin’ who gives an exclusive inside take on what really went on to cause such a huge miscarriage of justice. Plus, it’s official: the Conservative party has gone full ‘Tonto’ but is Britain's once most reliable party really heading for a bre...

It’s business as usual this week as the rocket launches back into action after its Christmas hiatus. And your co-pilots are not short of opinions on the latest scandal. The political and media class are finally waking up to the Post Office Scandal, drawn attention to by the airing of a recent ITV drama and your co-pilots are naturally incensed at the rife injustice of the situation. Allison q...

 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 2023. The rocket featured many unique interviews from stowaways from many different worldly professions. In September the rocket also had a visit from former PM Liz Truss who stopped by to tell our co-pilots &nbsp...

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 2023. The rocket featured many guest appearances from big names in politics including previous Home Secretary, Priti Patel, live from the Conservative party Conference in October. She shared her thoughts on the ‘woke blob’ run...

The bells are ringing, the Christmas spirit has well and truly hit the rocket. Joining your co-pilots in looking back at the highs and lows of 2023 as well as giving their predictions for 2024 is Telegraph columnists Con Coughlin and Tim Stanley. Was 2023 the year of immigration? Is the Tory party as we know it finished? And what’s on the cards for European politics and elsewhere across the w...

The Tory tribes are at war over the Rwanda Bill, but who will emerge victorious? One thing is for sure, these party politics aren’t very festive at all… Co-pilot Pearson has polished her crystal ball and is ready to predict which way the party is going to swing in the immigration debate. She thinks there is a huge gulf between the ruling class and the rest of the Country which could allow opp...

This episode was recorded before the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick. The lettuce has returned, could PM Rishi Sunak be heading for a similar demise as his predecessor Liz Truss? And would the Conservative party be mad enough to change leader AGAIN before the next general election? Both your co-pilots place their bets. Meanwhile the Tory Cabinet has snapped into action to reduce...

It's been a calamitous week for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at least that’s what our co-pilots think with the latest immigration figures hitting a record high. So is he really ‘busy delivering’ as he claims? In light of the shocking riots happening in Ireland, Liam weighs in on the rising concerns about immigration now coming to the forefront in his homeland. He feels the views of the people are n...

It’s budget week on the rocket and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has some sizeable tax cuts to pull out of his fiscal stocking. But what do your co-pilots make of the Country’s pre-christmas giveaway? Joining us to navigate this autumn budget is associate editor for the Telegraph Ben Wright, who gives his take on the Chancellor’s statement. Liam thinks the Conservatives have buckled under pressure fr...

It’s been a busy week at No10 with Suella being shown the door and the surprise recycling of David Cameron returning as Foreign Secretary. Could this be the most controversial of all recent cabinet reshuffles to date? Both co-pilots question Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision, wondering whether he has abandoned the faithful Red Wall in favour of appealing to the swing voters and picking up...

To protest or not to protest? The question on everyone's mind this week as the conflicts between Remembrance weekend commemorations and pro- Palestine marches reach a heated conclusion. Your co-pilots  weigh in on the power and the pain of both arguments. Liam and Allison are both opposed to the protest going ahead on Saturday with Liam questioning whether the law is being ‘circumvented’...

With the Covid Inquiry reaching boiling point, your co-pilots dissect the political finger pointing and blame shifting amongst the witnesses.   Allison is feeling infuriated and disgusted at the events unfolding, whilst Liam feels it’s simply 'political theatre' and a show trial for people that dislike former PM Boris Johnson. In light of said inquiry, strapping into the rocket this week is P...

It's a whole year since Rishi Sunak took the reins at No10 but has it been more annus horribilis or steady as she goes for Planet Sunak's Premiership? In light of the historic by-election in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire, Allison thinks the government have abandoned Conservative voters, and that the Reform party could be poised to steal those disillusioned.  Whereas Liam questions w...

N.B This episode contains content that some listeners may find distressing As the shocking events in the Middle East continue, the rocket reflects on the impact of Israel’s declaration of War on Hamas, and how that can affect the UK and the rest of the world. Liam draws shocking parallels to the Yom Kippur War and thinks there could be a danger of the conflict having a significant impact on o...

It’s an 'alright' from Liverpool this week as the rocket orbits the Labour Party Conference. So, as the glitter settles around Keir Starmer’s speech, and jacket, what do your co-pilots make of the opposing Party’s speeches? Liam thinks the Labour Party leader delivered a ‘blinder’ and is impressed by the Party’s focus on issues such as housing and the cost of living crisis. Allison agrees but pond...

The rocket beams in live from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week, at the last conference before the next election. And with strikes, and policy gloom on the horizon the mood is surprisingly upbeat. The unexpected jovial mood at the conference isn't swaying Allison who is adamant that voters will be staying home in the upcoming by-elections, and that its leaders and decision...

As the Conservative Party conference fever grows, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears to be changing his tune with some big amendments in the Party's manifestos. But will it change the state of play in the polls? Staring down the barrel of a potential election whitewash Allison is questioning after thirteen years of rule what the Conservative Party have actually done for the country. Whilst Liam ma...

There’s a sweet taste of retribution on the rocket this week as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rows back on the green policies that have been intensely scrutinised on the rocket. However, with the smell of burning tyres still fresh in the air is it a rocky road ahead for the Tory Party? Both co-pilots welcome the U-turn but Liam is concerned about who will be paying for net zero, and the economic...