Planet Normal
News & Politics
About
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.
Episodes
- Inflation threats to consumer prices and Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough!
This episode of Planet Normal covers inflation threats to consumer prices, government borrowing costs, and the geopolitical landscape. It also includes a segment celebrating Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday and an interview recall f…
- Starmer survives a vote this week, but what will the May elections reveal for Labour
This episode of Planet Normal examines Starmer's recent vote and the upcoming May elections, discussing their potential impact on the Labour party. It also covers UK inflation, geopolitical instability, and the rise of Reform UK and the Gr…
- The Mandelson mess, stagflation returns, and the battle for Wales
This episode of Planet Normal explores the political scrutiny surrounding Peter Mandelson, the economic concerns of rising inflation and potential stagflation, and the political developments in Wales. The hosts discuss the ‘process-driven’…
- Osborne and Cameron cut UK defence spending - and now Starmer is making it worse
Halligan and Pearson discuss UK economic forecasts, the Southport inquiry, and challenges facing the UK military. They are joined by former Royal Marine commando James Glancy to examine the state of Britain's national security and armed fo…
- Trump strikes ceasefire with Iran as Starmer grandstands in the Gulf
In this episode of Planet Normal, the hosts discuss geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the dismissal of a shop worker for intervening in a shoplifting incident, and Reform UK’s state pension triple lock policy. Former UK ambass…
- The Liberal consensus gave us mass migration and broken boarders
In this episode of Planet Normal, Pearson and Halligan discuss economic challenges facing Britain, NHS waiting list issues, and rising taxes. Professor Matt Goodwin joins the discussion to explore findings from his new book regarding the m…
- Anti-semitism is clearly out of control in the UK
Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss the rise of antisemitic attacks in the UK, Alison’s ongoing case against Essex Police, and the government’s approach to AI and the energy grid. They are joined by Helen Thomas to analyze the Labour…
- UK Meningitis outbreak and Starmer’s abortion policy shame
Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss the UK meningitis outbreak, North Sea energy policy, and proposed changes to abortion law. The episode also features guest Linden Kemkaran, who addresses the illegal migration emergency in Kent.
- The Iran war lays bare the betrayal of Britain’s energy security
The hosts discuss the impact of tensions in the Middle East and Iran on global energy security and Britain's preparedness. Additionally, the episode covers Labour's approach to the definition of Islamophobia and its potential implications…
- Iran, Trump and running scared Starmer
Dr. Alan Mendoza joins the Planet Normal podcast to discuss the conflict with Iran, the state of the special relationship, and the impact of the UK's position on military intervention. Hosts Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan also examine p…
- Planet Normal: Live, with Lionel Shriver and Suella Braverman
In this live recording of Planet Normal, guest Lionel Shriver discusses the themes of her book A Better Life, while Suella Braverman KC MP reflects on her transition to the Reform UK party and her time in government.
- Reform launch their top team, as Starmer U-turns - again!
Alison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss Reform's new Shadow Cabinet, the immigration debate, and speak with Siobhan Whyte about the immigration system following the murder of her daughter. They also cover recent political developments inv…
- Tick tock, Sir Keir’s against the clock
In this episode of Planet Normal, co-pilots Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss political instability in Britain, concerns over public spending, and bond yields. They are joined by campaigner Sophie Window to discuss her efforts to l…
- The Mandelson quagmire and murky dealing of Chagos
In this episode of Planet Normal, hosts discuss the ongoing political scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson and the potential for a release of files by the Prime Minister. Sir Richard Dearlove provides expert analysis on the situation.
- Starmer’s Shameful Soldier Witch Hunt
In this episode of Planet Normal, co-pilots discuss recent political events, including an article regarding Keir Starmer's role in prosecuting soldiers. General Sir Peter Wall joins the hosts to examine the scandal, while the hosts also di…
- Robert Jenrick's Reform defection and the Greenland rift
Robert Jenrick discusses his decision to join Reform UK on this episode of Planet Normal. The hosts also examine the state of the Conservative Party, the strategic importance of Greenland, and impressions of life in Australia.
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Episode 3
This third and final installment of the best-of series for Planet Normal revisits conversations with choreographer Rosie Kay regarding her departure from her company, a report on the Pink Ladies protest in Westminster, and Suela Braverman'…
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Episode 2
In this episode of Planet Normal, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan revisit political discussions from the past year. Featured guests include Conservative MP Helen Whately on welfare savings, Danny Kruger on his defection to Reform UK, and Lo…
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Episode 1
Co-pilots Pearson and Halligan revisit highlights from the past year on Planet Normal, featuring discussions on BBC bias with Jake Wallis Simons and Orla Minihane. The episode also covers political events including Rachel Reeves in the Com…
- Rocket around the Christmas Tree!
In this festive episode of Planet Normal, the hosts review the past year in politics and economics, hand out end-of-year awards, and express gratitude to their listeners. The episode also features an interview with British tennis player an…
- Festive flu and the West’s cowardly silence after the Bondi massacre
The hosts discuss the Bondi massacre, the response of Western leaders to Islamist extremism, and concerns regarding Jewish community safety in the UK. They also cover youth unemployment, Net Zero policies, and feature an interview with Cla…
- Reform and Farage smears only make the Party stronger
In this episode of Planet Normal, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss Prime Minister Keir Starmer's mandate, Rachel Reeves' recent budget, and the current migration situation. Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf also joins to talk about the politi…
- Liar, liar, Reeves’ pants are on fire
The hosts discuss the recent autumn Budget, debating claims regarding Rachel Reeves and the impact of internal government disputes on the economy. Lord Nigel Biggar also joins to discuss the United Kingdom's historical role in fighting sla…
- Reeves Budget snowstorm of discontent
In this Budget Special, hosts discuss Chancellor Rachel Reeves' latest fiscal statement featuring a £30 billion tax rise. Guest Roger Bootle joins the discussion to analyze the impact on businesses and the implications of the Employment Ri…
- Reeves reverse ferret and Mahmood's immigration gamble
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss joins the Planet Normal podcast to discuss the upcoming Budget. Co-pilots Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan also examine Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s immigration proposals and potential tax changes in Ra…
- March of the BBC’s ‘tinfoil hat’ brigade
This episode of Planet Normal discusses changes at the BBC, allegations of ideological bias, and the broadcaster's coverage of Israel and Gaza. Journalist Jake Wallis Simons joins the discussion, which also addresses potential UK tax incre…
- Home Office fails to secure its own ‘fit note’
Nick Timothy MP joins Liam Halligan to discuss issues within the Home Office, following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech on tax rises. Additionally, choreographer Rosie Kay shares her experience with cancellation and the launch of 'Freedom…
- Labour’s asylum seeker 'Carry On'
The co-pilots discuss incidents involving migrants in Uxbridge, criticisms of the Home Office and Civil Service, and benefits system reform with guest MP Helen Whately. The episode also covers the Labour Party's election performance in Cae…
- Planet Normal: Live Special at the Battle of Ideas 2025
In this live recording from the Battle of Ideas Festival, Lord Maurice Glasman discusses the Labour Party, and sailor Tracy Edwards CBE shares her experiences with leadership and activism. Additionally, the hosts examine the government's e…
- Trump’s peace plan and the China spy row unfurling in Westminster
Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss Donald Trump's Middle East peace efforts, UK political polling, government economic claims, and the Chinese spy controversy. Author Iain Dale joins the discussion to mark the centenary of Margaret…
- October 7th freed Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi speaks to Allison
In this special episode of Planet Normal, Allison Pearson interviews Eli Sharabi, a former Hamas hostage who spent 491 days in captivity. Sharabi discusses his book, 'Hostage', which recounts his experiences and the loss of his family memb…
- The courageous ‘Pink Ladies' and Starmer’s toxic speech
The hosts discuss the recent Labour Conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks regarding Nigel Farage, and the 'Pink Ladies' demonstration outside Downing Street. The episode also features reports on women's safety concerns and the…
- Trump and Reform are right on immigration
Danny Kruger discusses his move from the Conservative Party to Reform, while Allison Pearson expresses concerns over government policies regarding Palestine and Israel. Liam Halligan analyzes the economic implications of mass immigration a…
- Starmer shows off for Trump as ‘no confidence’ in him spreads
This episode of Planet Normal discusses Labour's current political challenges, including Welsh polling and a potential leadership challenge by Andy Burnham. The hosts also examine economic concerns regarding the UK budget and interest rate…
- Ed Miliband’s Net Zero Gamble: blackouts and sky-high bills
Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss political scandals involving Lord Peter Mandelson and government energy policy. Expert Kathryn Porter joins to analyze the potential economic and infrastructure impacts of the UK's net zero targets.
- 'I would like to work with Reform' - Lucy Connolly joins Allison and Liam on stage at Reform Party Conference
Hosts Allison and Liam are joined by special guest Lucy Connolly for an on-stage discussion at the Reform Party Conference.
- Taxing questions for Angela Rayner
This episode features guest Suella Braverman discussing Reform and the ECHR. Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan also cover the arrest of Graham Linehan, Nigel Farage's concerns over free speech, and allegations regarding Angela Rayner and s…
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Part 3
In this final installment of the best-of series, Allison and Liam revisit discussions with Lord David Frost regarding post-Brexit relations with the EU and Andrew Doyle on the subject of culture wars.
- 'Am I Starmer's political prisoner? Absolutely' | Lucy Connolly speaks to Allison Pearson
In this bonus episode of Planet Normal, Allison Pearson interviews Lucy Connolly, a Northampton childminder recently released from prison after serving time for a deleted tweet posted following the Southport murders. They discuss Connolly'…
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Part 2
In this second part of a three-part series, the hosts revisit past episodes from 2025. This installment features a conversation with Ray Connolly regarding his wife's imprisonment and an interview with Kemi Badenoch on Keir Starmer and the…
- Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Part 1
In this best-of episode, the Planet Normal hosts revisit previous interviews, including Allison's discussion with Ayaan Hirsi Ali about free speech and Islamism, and Liam's conversation with Mike Calvey regarding his time in a Russian pris…
- Labour! Leave our kids alone
Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss Labour's migrant deal with France and the impact of the private school VAT increase. They are joined by a parent who shares her experience regarding the effect of private school fees on her family.
- Feeble Starmer is stoking a febrile country
Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss Prime Minister Keir Starmer's immigration and green power policies, including his interactions with Donald Trump. The episode also features Epping resident Orla Minihine discussing local protests r…
- The UK is on a Hard Road tackling immigration concerns
Nick Timothy joins Liam Halligan to discuss Labour's approach to immigration and the Rwanda scheme. Lord Peter Lilley also joins the discussion to examine the history of the ECHR in the UK.
- Red Ed’s kamikaze net zero policies and the most expensive email in history
In this episode, the hosts discuss the Ministry of Defence data leak, rising inflation, and the potential for stagflation. Guest Simon Boyd joins the conversation to discuss his concerns regarding Ed Miliband's net zero policies.
- Labour’s multicultural project has been a devastating experiment
Allison Pearson, Liam Halligan, and guest Matt Goodwin discuss the Labour government's policy direction, including potential wealth taxes and criticisms of their immigration and integration strategies on the 20th anniversary of the July 7…
- Starmer's ‘ming vase’ strategy smashed by policy pirouettes
Allison Pearson, Liam Halligan, and guest Dan Hodges discuss recent Labour Party policy changes, the government's response to the Welfare Bill, and the impact on Rachel Reeves' budget planning. They also examine the political implications…
- Starmer's morally and politically bankrupt stance continues to humiliate us
In this episode of Planet Normal, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss Keir Starmer's international and domestic policies, including the response to US strikes on Iran and Labour's poll ratings. They are joined by Baroness Cash to ana…
- Starmer should resign in shame at his latest U-turn on grooming gang inquiry
Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan discuss the government's approach to the grooming gang inquiry and explore the impact of Labour's policy U-turns. The episode also features an interview with campaigner and survivor Sammy Woodhouse on her…
- Labour’s spending review has no credibility
The hosts and economist Gerard Lyons discuss Chancellor Rachel Reeves' spending review, exploring concerns over national debt, government spending levels, and the effectiveness of current fiscal rules.