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 makes a case for the Party’s very representative and multicultural front bench, in light of Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s latest speech in Washington DC.And both co-pilots pick their movers and shakers ahead of potentially the last Party conference and the next General Election.Joining your co-pilots this week to weigh in on the HS2 debate is Jonathan Tyler, who tells our co-pilots why the expansion isn’t the carbon effective alternative it’s been portrayed as and might just be more of a ‘scar on the landscape’.And Allison shares some entertaining stories from her recent trip back to her Welsh homeland…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 the US Editor’s Newsletter: https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/fromtheuseditor/ |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.

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 consequences of easing the targets. Could this shake up ahead of the next General Election appeal to more red wall voters and play in the Conservatives' favour?Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who tells our co-pilots explain why current PM Rishi Sunak needs to ditch the 2030 Net Zero target in favour of more traditional conservative policies. She also takes a candid look back at her own brief premiership.And there’s a building mailbox to tackle, as the listeners 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 ‘Beware turning Russell Brand’s story into a conspiracy theory itself: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/19/brand-conspiracy-theory-own-right/ |Read Allison: ‘I’m not surprised Theresa May says she’s proud to be woke. She’s never been a true Conservative..’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/19/theresa-may-conservative-woke-transgender-immigration/ |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.

It’s official the interparty name calling has began, a sure sign that a general election is in the offing. And what’s all this about the triple lock and picking on pensioners? Only your co-pilots have the answers. Allison thinks we should be focusing less on the triple lock and more on the ‘hair-raising’ pay to pensions in the public sector while ignoring those in the private sector without a pension. While Liam thinks the Government should be spending more on those that rely entirely on their state pension.Strapping into the rocket this week is Conservative MP for Co-pilot Pearson’s old stomping ground of Lincoln, Karl McCartney. As a former Parliamentary under-secretary of State for Transport, he explains why he doesn’t agree with the ‘green zealots’ in his party, as it doesn’t match the lifestyles or economic circumstance of voters who rely on their cars.And brace yourselves there’s a new addition to Allison’s list of people that she would like to slap...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 Liam: ‘Soaring oil prices are an ominous sign of a new world order’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/09/10/soaring-oil-prices-are-ominous-sign-new-world-order/ |Read Philip Johnston: ‘It’s not just the triple lock that faces oblivion, but the state pension itself’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/09/12/its-not-just-the-triple-lock-that-faces-oblivion/ |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.

The heatwave is on, the sun is hot but Westminster is hotter as the politicians return, and there’s no shortage of issues on the new term agenda.Allison thinks the Conservatives are making their own concrete boots, and Liam is on hand to break down what exactly RAAC concrete is and why it could be the final nail in the coffin for the Tories. Allison is struggling to find a single politician who is concerned about anything beyond the next electoral cycle and Liam doesn't think anyone wanting to be the next Prime Minister should claim any credit for lockdown…Boarding the rocket of right thinking is major donor and supporter for the Labour Party, John Mills. He tells our co-pilots where the party are at as we race towards the general elections and why the party seriously needs to consider supporting fracking. Elsewhere on the podcast our co-pilots examine the shadow cabinet in more detail and give their hot take ahead of the Labour re-shuffle.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: ‘Gillian Keegan’s rant over the RAAC scandal is just entitled whining’ : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/05/gillian-keegan-arrogance/ |Read Allison: ‘Martha Mills’s death should be a turning point for Britain – we can no longer trust the NHS’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/09/06/martha-mills-death-turning-point-no-longer-trust-nhs/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.

There’s a chill in the air and the schools are back, which means Planet Normal is ready to blast off again, and there’s been no shortage of madness to contend with.Both our co-pilots are digesting the conviction of neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby, for the shocking murder of seven babies and question the bureaucratic issues that might have led to such an unthinkable crime.As we steam towards the party conferences, aka the ‘starting gun’ for the General Election next year, our co-pilots examine the Government which Allison calls ‘rudderless and burnt out’ and Liam explains why he thinks the ULEZ roll out has been ‘cack handed’.Also boarding the rocket is Reverend Richard Fothergill, who tells our co-pilots how his account at the Yorkshire Building Society was closed after he gave them feedback about their support for transgender ideologies. And Allison has returned from her holiday to Turkey with a furry souvenir…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:’The Letby case has revealed an NHS rancid with cover-up and corruption’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/08/22/lucy-letby-nhs-managers-grotesque-stupidity-and-cowardice/ |Read Allison: ‘The kiss of death for Spanish machismo’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/27/the-kiss-of-death-for-spanish-machismo/ |Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |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.

In this the final of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.In May, we heard from Planet Normal listener, and professional rowing coach Jane, who shared her despair at the lack of regulations with trans athletes competing against women, specifically in rowing events but also the concerns across all sports.Joining co-pilots Halligan and Pearson for a return voyage in April was Lord Jonathan Sumption who shared his thoughts on the Government's lockdown inquiry, and why he believed it shouldn't have been so judicial and "quasi-forensic".  Two fantastic and unforgettable guests.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: Planet Normal: British Rowing should follow example set by World Athletics regarding trans athletes: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/05/11/planet-normal-trans-athletes-rowing/ |Read: Jonathan Sumption: the BBC was pro-lockdown because of the threat to the licence fee: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/04/06/bbc-license-fee-lockdown-government/ | Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |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.

In this the third of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.Back in March, co-pilot Pearson travelled to Sweden for a Planet Normal exclusive interview with ‘pandemic hero’ and state epidemiologist for Sweden during the pandemic, Anders Tegnell.The co-pilots also welcomed back onto the rocket some of their heroes from the pandemic, those they felt had spoken out and dared to stick their head over the parapet against the mainstream.In this special episode he shared his observations from the very different approach Swedish authorities took to dealing with the pandemic, in comparison to the UK and the rest of the world. Not one to be missed!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 Pearson meets Anders Tegnell: ‘Lockdown was never on the agenda in Sweden’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/23/anders-tegnell-swedens-pandemic-plan-lockdown-never-agenda/ |Read ‘Planet Normal: the cognitive dissonance when it comes to lockdown’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/03/30/planet-normal-lockdown-heroes/ |Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |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.

In this the second of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.Back in February, co-pilots Halligan and Pearson welcomed Telegraph Science Editor, Sarah Knapton who explained why she felt 'bruised' by her experiences reporting on Covid and why she pushed back against the mainstream narrative. Sarah also weighed in on the concerns of the vaccine and whether young people should be encouraged to have it.Staying within the theme of health, in May, Planet Normal listener Jon Chapple shared his moving story of dealing with the NHS as ‘a covid only service’ whilst dealing with stage four cancer diagnosis.Two very important episodes outlining some of the problems within our health service.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: At 34, Jon has incurable bowel cancer – all because the NHS turned into a Covid-only service: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/30/crowdfunding-germany-bowel-cancer-nhs-failures/ Read: Planet Normal: 'People should be made aware of link between Covid jab and heart problems’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/02/09/planet-normal-people-should-made-aware-link-covid-jab-heart/ Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast  |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.

In this the first of a four 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 the year so far.The rocket blasted into the year with a special guest appearance from podcaster and comedian Konstantin Kisin. He shared his thoughts on how the UK could tackle the ever growing problem of illegal immigration as well as his take on the latest developments on the war in Ukraine, as a Russian immigrant.Back in March, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Westminster legend, the late Lord Nigel Lawson, gave his assessment on current Conservative tax policies and reflected on the lasting legacy of the Thatcher government. This was one voyage not one to be missed!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 Planet Normal: New Year news tsunami foreshadows tumultuous 2023 : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/01/12/planet-normal-new-year-news-tsunami-forebodes-tumultuous-2023/ |Read Planet Normal: 'The Conservative Party is going to have to reinvent itself,' says Nigel Lawson:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/03/09/planet-normal-conservative-party-going-have-reinvent/ |Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |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.

In the latest episode, before the rocket blasts off for a brief summer break, it’s Allison vs Alison as co-pilot Pearson takes on Dame Alison Rose in the still brewing Coutts Bank versus Nigel Farage war. But who will emerge victorious?Allison thinks things have taken a sinister turn and demonstrates the dark side of the diversity , and equality industry invading big corporations and businesses.Liam thinks this story could be less about wokery and more about the potential dangers of banks moving away from cash transactions and is concerned for the millions of people in the UK that can't get access to a bank account.Elsewhere on the podcast, boarding the rocket this week is previous stowaway Laura Dodsworth and her co-author Patrick Fagan, to chat through their new book ‘Free Your Mind’ and some of the techniques they have developed to resist the increasing manipulation present in our every day lives, and how to spot it!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/ |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

There’s something in the air this week, but what is causing the temperature to rise in the rocket of right thinking this week? Is it the woke banks telling you how to think before depositing your money or is it the 'Nudge Unit' colouring in all the maps in a sea of climate change red? Only your co-pilots have the answers.Both co-pilots are worried that climate alarmism has gone completely berserk. Allison is concerned that familiar scaremongering tactics are being used to crank up the fear. Could we be headed for a climate lockdown?Liam thinks there will eventually be a shift to being energy independent, but the message is being 'cranked' up to stoke fear before financial responsibility for the Country.Also boarding the rocket this week to share the secret stories of Lord Mountbatten, is historian Andrew Lownie and author of the book ‘The Mountbattens: The Lives and Loves of Dickie and Edwina Mountbatten'.There’s also a very special email from the youngest ever Planet Normal listener…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/ |Listen to The Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-telegraph-womens-sport-podcast |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.

Note: this episode was recorded before Huw Edwards was named by his wife as the presenter at the centre of the BBC scandal. There are no shortage of crises on the rocket this week, in-between the economic and immigration rows and a sex scandal threatening to rock the BBC, our co-pilots have got their hands full. Allison’s disgust with the government’s immigration policies are growing by the day. She thinks the ‘liberal elite’ in Westminster would rather stick up for foreigners than their people and that we’re in the midst of a ‘national emergency’.From immigration to the economy. Co-pilot Halligan is on hand to answer the big questions circling former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s new growth committee. Is the former PM really to blame for the country’s economic woe? Or were we already heading for a crash landing?Boarding the rocket of right thinking for her second voyage is former Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies MBE who gives our co-pilots an update on her campaign to keep biological men out of women’s sports categories. She also explains the dangers of abolishing gender categories at children’s sports days.And Allison gives Liam a lesson in Welsh pronunciation. 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/ |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

It’s the 75th birthday of our National Health Service but your co-pilots are feeling far from ready to celebrate…Allison thinks it’s less of a national health service and more of a national disaster, and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak is too busy with a 15 year workforce plan to fix anything quickly.Liam thinks the PM will struggle to meet his targets across the board including the NHS, whilst Allison was surprised to agree with former PM Tony Blair, when he said more private elements need to be brought in to the NHS.Also hopping onboard the rocket to discuss the NHS at its 75th year, is Former NHS Trust Chairman Roy Lilley who tells our co-pilots more about the NHS workforce plan, why it doesn’t include a social care plan and exactly how much funding the institution needs.And Bob the Bard makes an eagerly awaited return to the rocket..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/ |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

Following the Bank of England increasing interest rates, a mortgage crisis is looming. A week on, at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer is appealing to the traditional "red wall" seats, saying Labour is now the party of homeownership.Liam quickly points out that while inflation is a global phenomenon, the political costs for the Conservatives could be 'catastrophic'. Allison agrees, reckoning Labour will lose the red wall seats won by Boris Johnson in 2019. With Labour calling the rise in interest rates a 'Tory Mortgage Bombshell', how is the Bank of England going to slow inflation by the end of the year?Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is Conservative MP for Wokingham, John Redwood, to discuss where he thinks the Bank of England has made tough decisions in difficult circumstances and what can be done to steady the economy.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/ |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

With the ‘media froth’ surrounding the economy building, bond yields spiking and interest rates set to soar, can our economy keep defying gravity?Special guest co-pilot Nick Timothy is on hand to explain why interest rates are set to feel incredibly painful during this the Bank Of England’s 13th interest rate rise. However, Liam thinks that there is a ‘policy crunch' on the way with the political and media classes unable to leave the Bank of England and its independence alone.Also strapping in the rocket this week is author and commentator, Dr Rakib Ehsan to discuss his new book, Beyond Grievance: What the Left Gets Wrong About Ethnic Minorities. He tells the co-pilots why he thinks there are growing tensions between the liberal cosmopolitan Left and the patriotic faith based conservatism found in many ethnic communities. In light of Labour’s considerable lead in the current polls, Nick also delivers his verdict on the party’s leadership prospects. And there’s one particularly headline-worthy listener email…Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Nick: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/n/nf-nj/nick-timothy/ \Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

The summer silly season isn’t yet upon us but already things have descended into circus mode, with Boris Johnson’s resignation as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. But did he jump or was he pushed? And will he go down without a fight?Allison thinks Boris Johnson is being hung out to dry in a ‘witch hunt’ and doesn't believe any former Prime Minister deserves. Whilst Liam is quick to identify the holes in the recent Covid inquiry, which he thinks shows our country in a poor light.With Westminster descending into chaos could there be one hell of a political ‘ding dong’ on the cards for the upcoming by-elections in England?Also boarding the rocket this week is Russian specialist and author Owen Matthews, who in light of Putin’s recent offensive in Ukraine joins our co-pilots to share why he thinks we may be a long way off a peaceful resolution to the war.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 Call of the Witch Hunt, Boris has already lost: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/06/14/boris-johnson-privileges-committee/ Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files 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.

There’s a lot to discuss this week; the latest lockdown report, Sir Keir Starmer taking on the Unions and some High Court action. Your co-pilots are strapped in ready to give their take.It's a big week for the covid misinformation brigade as the latest lockdown report lands in the rocket. Is retribution in the air? As for the country's own inquiry, it all seems to be taking an awfully long time (as Liam says, even the Italians have finished theirs!) .The co-pilots also examine Sir Keir Starmer’s latest net zero policies. Allison thinks its supporters need to get out of 'Ed Milliband’s windmills of your mind' and into the real world. While Liam thinks the policies will cause implications for our carbon footprint and could cost more.Also strapping into the rocket this week is author and journalist Brendan O'Neill who tells our co-pilots the negative labelling of free speech could have damning consequences for our democracy, as laid out in his new book, A Heretic's Manifesto: Essays on the Unsayable.And brace yourselves, there’s a spot of karaoke from our co-pilots…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/ |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.

Where are all the grown ups? This is the burning question our co-pilots are asking today. Amongst the latest drama at Westminster not to mention the This Morning sofa, our co-pilots feel as if they’re now  living through the looking glass.Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s energy strategy is under (a carbon emitting) fire, which Allison describes as an act of ‘national suicide’ too reliant upon foreign strategies to be virtuous enough for the green lobby. Whilst Liam thinks the Labour leader needs to put more care into his strategy in order to appease vital voters in Scotland.Hopping aboard the rocket today to share his moving story is Jon Chapple, who fell victim to the NHS becoming a ‘covid only health service’, leading to a late Stage four cancer diagnosis.And one listener has some entertaining tips for dealing with pesky garden visitors…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/ |Donate to Jon Chapple’s appeal: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/30/crowdfunding-germany-bowel-cancer-nhs-failures/Read Debbie Hayton: Kathleen Stock and the rejection of reality: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kathleen-stock-and-the-debate-over-gender-reality/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.

Inflation has slowed but the latest bombshell immigration figures are in. Could the Conservative party be heading for a possible 1997-style landslide election defeat? Liam thinks the latest immigration figures could give Labour the leg up they need, but only if they start ‘talking tough’ and stop trying to appease their most Left leaning voters.Joining the rocket this week is Nigel Farage, who buckles in next to the co-pilots to give his take on the latest immigration figures, and why he thinks this government cannot overcome the issue because they will never leave the European Convention of Human Rights.Also on the podcast, Allison is concerned the Whitehall 'blob' is still slowing down government business with more revelations about Lockdown parties under Boris Johnson and Suella Braverman's speeding ticket.And resident economist Halligan is on hand to take us through the highs and lows of inflation; is there a sense of retribution in the air, after whispers from the Bank of England that they may have overestimated numbers?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/ |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.

We saw two mini conferences this week from Tory Land: both the National Conservative conference and the Social Conservative Democratic Organisation had speakers from across the party both claiming they know what is best for members going forward. Are we about to see a full blown Tory identity crisis?Allison predicts the last nail in the Conservative coffin might be on the horizon when the net immigration figures are released next week, whilst Liam thinks that the potential betrayal of the Tory manifesto could see more extreme political forces try to grab their votes. Joining our co-pilots this week is Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, who boards the rocket to tell our co-pilots that he thinks there is a dominating presence in the heart of government that is preventing the party’s manifestos from being fulfilled.And diving into the mailbag, one listeners plea to Universities has our co-pilots seething…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/ |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.

The local elections results are in and your co-pilots are on hand to deliver their verdict. But who won the all important sweepstake, Allison or Liam?Liam thinks the Conservatives should be quietly confident with the results, but suggest they should reframe the threat of an anti-Tory coalition as a ‘coalition of chaos’. Allison however, is doubtful that the governing party can hold the country together, comparing recent policy announcements to ‘moving deck chairs around the titanic’.Joining our co-pilots this week is Planet Normal listener and professional rowing coach Jane, who shares her despair at the lack of regulations with trans athletes competing with women in competitive rowing events.And the Planet Normal mailbag is bursting with some brand new bards 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/ |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.

NB: This episode was recorded on Wednesday May 3rd 2023It’s a big week on the rocket, as England faces local elections and The Coronation in one orbit. But will the pomp and circumstance be enough to distract from potentially troublesome poll results for the Tory party? Your co-pilots have their predictions ready.Allison thinks Rishi Sunak might have to pull off a miracle to help the Conservatives weather this election, and that a new branch of the party might emerge from the rubble. Liam still thinks the results are hanging in the balance and will depend heavily on the state of the economy.Joining our co-pilots this week is leading economist Stephen King, author of ‘We Need to Talk about Inflation’, who joins our co-pilots to do just that! And both co-pilots share their thoughts on the latest guestlist for the weekend’s coronation of King Charles III.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/ |Listen to Being the King: https://podfollow.com/being-the-kingNeed 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.

With concerns about the London marathon and FA cup final due to protests, our co-pilots weigh in on the latest protest psychodramas dominating the news this week.Allison thinks public patience with these sorts of protests is wearing thin and that more realistic net zero targets need to be set. Whilst Liam is optimistic that the renewable energy debate is shifting towards a bigger focus on technology rather than ‘moral virtue’.Joining our co-pilots this week is author Professor Matthew Goodwin, who explains to our co-pilots how our culture has become skewed towards a "new elite" class, and his fears that universities have become “ideological monocultures” that do not tolerate different opinions. And the rocket’s resident economist Halligan explains why soaring inflation rates on food could have a ripple effect on the results of the upcoming local elections.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/ |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.

As the country’s junior doctors hit the picket lines, your co-pilots hit the rocket of sweet reason to dissect what’s really going on in our ‘first class' National Health Service.Allison thinks the NHS might have finally kicked the bucket and questions whether we should start sending patients abroad for treatments, whilst Liam thinks the strikes represent bigger failings of our political and media classes.Joining our co-pilots this week is trade economist Catherine McBride, who is on hand to explain exactly what the mouthful that is the CPTPP really is, and why she thinks that controversial 0.08% figure is in her words, "arse-covering".And Allison surprises Liam with some particularly enlightening insights on the economy…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/ |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.

The campaign starting gun has been fired and the race to the local elections has begun. But which horse is the current front runner in the eyes of our co-pilots?Allison believes the Conservatives are heading for a huge election defeat and a chasmic ideological party split. However Liam doubts that Keir Starmer lacks the charisma to achieve a 1997 style landslide. Also on the podcast, our co-pilots weigh in on the latest political developments across the pond, and ponder over what former president Donald Trump’s arrest says about the state of democracy in America.Joining our co-pilots for a return trip on the rocket is Lord Jonathan Sumption who shares his thoughts on the upcoming lockdown inquiry, and why he wishes it wasn't so judicial and "quasi-forensic".  Plus our co-pilots pay a heartwarming tribute to recent and revered rocket guest, the late Nigel Lawson.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/ |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.

In the second of this two-part lockdown retrospective, your co-pilots welcome back onto the rocket some of their heroes from the pandemic, those they feel that have spoken out against the mainstream.Previous stowaways Sir Graham Brady, Professor Pat Price, Laura Dodsworth, Lord David Frost, Luke Johnson, Lord Jonathan Sumption and the infamous 'George' all strap in to share where they were in March 2020, reveal what they think the collateral damage has been, as well as how they think historians will remember it.And co-pilots Pearson and Halligan delve into the  rocket’s bulging mail bag once more to share listeners' own retrospectives from the lockdown.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/ |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.

In the first of this two-part lockdown retrospective, your co-pilots look back at the events of March 2020, that unexpectedly led to them being at the helm of a ‘covid podcast’.Both are in no doubt that the pandemic has changed them. Allison feels she has lost a trust in authority as a result, whilst Liam feels he’s become steelier at arguing his opinion, after speaking out against mainstream thought.Also joining our co-pilots on this very special voyage is Anders Tegnell the State Epidemiologist for Sweden during the pandemic. Hailed as a ‘pandemic hero’ Anders shares his observations from Sweden’s vastly different approach in comparison to the UK and the rest of the world.And our co-pilots delve deep into the mailbag to look back on some of the listeners' own contemplations from the Covid-19 lockdown.A special thank you to Linköping University for recording our interview with Anders Tegnell. 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/ |Listen to a full length version of the Int with Anders Tegnell: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/23/anders-tegnell-swedens-pandemic-plan-lockdown-never-agenda/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.

Strap in, its Budget week and the Planet Normal rocket has got a first class ticket to the most eagerly anticipated financial breakdown of this Spring.Co-pilot Pearson has been sent off on a special mission (more on that to come) so Telegraph Associate Editor Ben Wright is keeping her seat warm. So: are we on course for a rocky economic ride?Liam is quietly optimistic that this ‘steady as she goes budget’ is better than anticipated, and could help erase the scars of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini Autumn Budget. Whilst Ben worries that the Chancellor's calm ‘bedside manner’ could be treating the symptoms rather than addressing the real problems.And both co-pilots ponder the position of the opposition and question whether Labour could be a safer pair of hands to move the country forwards into smoother economic waters.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/ |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.

We may be aboard the rocket of right thinking, but this week on Planet Normal we're discussing a very different type of vessel, small boats, and the Prime Minister's strong words this week about stopping them. Allison argues that if we have to leave the European Convention of Human Rights to gain control of borders then so be it, and Liam worries that this could be the latest battle in the culture wars to get really nasty. Plus joining our co-pilots on the sanctuary of sweet reason is former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Westminster legend Lord Nigel Lawson, who gives his assessment on current Conservative tax policies and reflects on the lasting legacy of the Thatcher government. Not one to be missed.And one brave listener makes a surprise plea in defense of Matt Hancock - shocking even themselves - in wake of the Telegraph's Lockdown Files.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/ |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://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.

Our co-pilots are feeling a bit smug this week, as a series of revelations lift the lid on Covid untruths at home and abroad.Allison argues The Telegraph's Lockdown Files give us a 'jaw-dropping' insight into the mayhem behind decision-making in the pandemic. Liam thinks the leaked messages will have a profound impact on the public inquiry into Covid-19.The FBI chief's admission that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese lab is cause for cheer on the rocket, as so-called conspiracy theorists are finally vindicated.Also climbing into the capsule of common sense is Director of Don't Divide Us, Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, who shares her concerns about children being taught that Britain is systematically racist and warns parents to be alert to indoctrination in schools.And our co-pilots pay tribute to the late Baroness Betty Boothroyd.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/ |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.