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.

Spring is in the air on Planet Normal, with resident economist Halligan spotting some economic green shoots amongst the doom and gloom. But all is not well on the rocket… Our co-pilots are appalled at the news that Roald Dahl’s books are being re-written. Liam labels the move cultural vandalism, with Allison declaring it is grotesque censorship. So with 'woke totalitarianism' taking hold, is any literature safe? Also strapping into the rocket of right thinking this week is economist and author, Dr Jerome Booth, who warns our co-pilots about the dangers of groupthink shutting down debate, as evidenced in particular during the Covid-19 pandemic. And finally, Allison gives her take on the verdict of Shamima Begum’s appeal to reclaim her UK citizenship.  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 '‘I was a sensitivity reader – until I realised why I was hired’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/confessions-sensitivity-reader-had-no-power-sanitise-books/ | 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.

It’s all eyes on Scotland this week, after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's surprising decision to stand down. And with a TikTok ban and a Tory tax row, it’s far from a quiet week on the rocket. Liam thinks Sturgeon's determination to have her own way on gender identity issues ultimately led to her downfall. Allison believes she ran out of road on Scottish independence, and predicts Labour could be the biggest benefactors of her shock exit. Also stepping into the sanctuary of sweet reason is author and journalist Peter Hitchens, who joins our co-pilots to discuss his latest book ‘A Revolution Betrayed’ all about the ‘gigantic losses’ the country has suffered as a result of getting rid of grammar schools. And finally our co-pilots talk UFOs... 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 full interview with Peter Hitchens: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/02/16/planet-normal-brits-suffering-gigantic-loss-consequence-getting/| Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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.

She’s back. Former short lived Prime Minister Liz Truss has re-entered the Westminster fray, but is it a triumphant return? Our co-pilots give their hot take. Liam thinks the Former PM has moved the needle in the economic debate, and forced those who tore down her ideas to think again. Allison was left concerned about how much influence the OBR really has on economic policy. Also boarding the rocket this week is Telegraph Science Editor, Sarah Knapton, who tells our co-pilots how was left 'bruised' by her experiences reporting on Covid and pushing back against the mainstream narrative. She also weighs in on the issue of the vaccine and whether young people should be encouraged to get it. And our co-pilots dive into the bursting mail bag once again, to read your emails. Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ | Read Liam’s Twitter Thread on the OBR: https://twitter.com/LiamHalligan/status/1622196572757934081?s=20&t=fZuOC7qlN_hu4Quf9raagw Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liz Truss's essay: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/04/liz-truss-downing-street-reflection-mini-budget-boris-johnson/| Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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 we mark the third anniversary of Brexit, our co-pilots take on the doomsters and get to the bottom of why the country feels short-changed by the decision to leave the EU. Allison argues the current government is obstructing the Brexit we voted for, whilst Liam feels the benefits of leaving the EU have been hampered by the pandemic and war in Ukraine. Also boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is journalist and author, Ross Clark, who straps in to tell our co-pilots why climate change might not be the catastrophe we have all been sold as well as the potentially dangerous impacts of the poorly thought through net zero agenda. And Bob the bard strikes again… 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.

Our co-pilots feel like they’re back to the 90s this week with a cloud of Tory sleaze and looming recession hanging over the country. But will it be death by one too many scandals for the Sunak Government? The residents of the rocket are appalled by the latest ‘petty’ Westminster developments. Allison worries that Rishi Sunak is merely a ‘timid technocrat’ not fit to lead, whilst Liam thinks the PM needs to start following his instinct and stop ‘governing by focus groups.' Also climbing aboard the capsule of common sense is Conservative MP Miriam Cates, who was shouted down during a heated debate over transgender rights in the House of Commons. Miriam explains her concerns about Scotland's gender bill and the potentially harmful impacts of gender ideology on young people. And co-pilot Halligan answers the all important question... what exactly is a gigafactory? 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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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.

Just when you thought the strikes couldn't get worse, teachers have decided to join the wave of walkouts. But who do our co-pilots think will come out top of the class? Allison thinks the move to strike is disgraceful after children already missed out on so much school during lockdown. While Liam believes teachers will struggle to gain as much public support for their strike as nurses. In more positive news on the rocket this week, our co-pilots praise Westminster's decision to block Scotland’s gender recognition bill. Plus, boarding the capsule of common sense is Professor Angus Dalgleish, who delivers some harsh truths about the state of the NHS and warns that in order to reform the health service we must radically change its structure. And resident economist Halligan breaks down the latest inflation concerns... 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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator | 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 | Enjoy one whole year for just £59 with a Digital Subscription: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/livewell| See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a brand new year on Planet Normal and while the rocket has been taking a well earned break there has been a tsunami of news. Our co-pilots deliver a no-holds-barred review of Prince Harry’s bombshell book, declaring it a ‘pathetic’ attack on the media that will only result in more supposedly unwanted attention. Closer to home, as industrial strife and an NHS in crisis strain the Sunak Government, Allison and Liam agree the Labour party is looking more and more like a viable alternative. Also hopping on board the rocket is author, podcaster and comedian Konstantin Kisin. He tells our co-pilots why, as an immigrant himself, he believes the UK needs to do more to tackle illegal immigration. Konstantin also shares htis thoughts on the latest developments on the war in Ukraine. And there is a new update from NHS insider ‘George’… 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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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 a ho ho ho from our co-pilots this week as they embark on a very special festive voyage, strapping in for one last orbit of 2022 to look back at a year of tumultuous news. Allison had to steel herself with a glass of mulled wine before looking back at the year that's been: Three Prime Ministers, a war in Europe, soaring cost of living, the Queens' death, and a series of strikes. Amid the chaos Liam still wants to spread the festive joy, wishing a 'happy winter closure period' to all. But as well as the doom and gloom of 2022, our co-pilots also look back at the moments of levity on the capsule of common sense this year. From co-pilot Halligan's economic lessons, to the many appearances of Velma, and not to mention the poetic contributions of 'Bob the Bard.' The rocket of right thinking relaunches in 2023.... who knows what could happen?!  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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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 less striking action, more strike-in-action this week as England crash out of the World Cup and industrial action rumbles on. But how many strikes can the Tories take until they are down and out? Strapping into the rocket of right thinking this week is Stanford professor Dr Jay Bhattacharya. He tells our co-pilots about his private meeting with Elon Musk and why he doesn't blame the new Twitter boss for his blacklisting over the Great Barrington Declaration.' Our co-pilots also weighed in on the slew of strikes plaguing the country. Allison is losing sympathy for health workers walking out, as she thinks their timing over the winter period is 'cruel'.  Liam has been impressed by the response from Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who reminds him of a young Tony Blair.  And Liam’s latest bit of political trivia has Allison quite impressed.. 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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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 doing their best to minimise the gloom threatening to eclipse the rocket this week, by bringing a little festive cheer. Allison and Liam deliver their verdict on the week’s blockbuster releases; the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix tell-all, and Matt Hancock’s new book the 'Pandemic Diaries'. Co-pilot Pearson is shocked that the former government minister has been allowed to ‘pre-empt’ the public enquiry in his new book and thinks he should have been under oath first. Whilst Liam thinks that the former Health Minister has written more of an alib-iobgraphy rather than an autobiography. Also climbing aboard the spaceship sensible this week is former cabinet minister Lord Peter Lilley who explains why we need to take more of a cost benefit approach to net zero rather than an emotional one. Lord Lilley also warns soaring immigration levels are condemning a generation of young people who won't be able to get into the housing market. And as the World Cup fever continues to grow, can the beautiful game distract residents on the rocket from a potential twelve days of strike-mas? 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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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 winter of discontent appears to be in full swing, with strikes, swelling inflation and power cuts threatening to dim the Christmas lights. This week our co-pilots are wading into the immigration debate, and strapping into the rocket to help them is the Chair of Migration Watch UK, Alp Mehmet. Alp shares his concerns at the impacts increased levels of immigration are having on our country, particularly the strain on services and infrastructure like the NHS and housing. Allison thinks that the Conservative party is a ‘junkie’ for immigration, and that they are too hooked on cheap foreign labour to tackle the growing problems. Whilst Liam thinks that Home Secretary Suella Braverman will have difficulty trying to reduce immigration levels due to a lack of backing from PM Rishi Sunak. And as the World Cup rumbles on, what is co-pilot Pearson's take on England’s latest triumph? And more importantly, has she got a new favourite player? 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.

December is fast approaching but the mood is far from festive on the rocket, with strikes, spiralling living costs and World Cup wokery afoot - can it still come home? As a growing number of Conservative MPs announce plans to step down at the next election, our co-pilots mull over whether it might be time for a change in high office. Allison believes the Tories have given up on business and growth, and they're only surviving day to day. Co-pilot Pearson is also concerned the Government hasn't truly grasped the enormity of the challenges within the NHS. But Liam is doubtful that opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer is a better alternative and questions whether he is strong enough to lead a winning party, instead of gaining victory by default. Boarding the rocket of right thinking this week is journalist Charlotte Gill, who joins our co-pilots to share her frustrations with the housing market and how difficult it is for young people to own their own homes. And finally our co-pilots pay tribute to their unlikely hero… Tony Blair. 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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator | 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.

Tax is the word on our co-pilot’s lips this week as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveils the Autumn Statement. But with some bold moves expected, could there be Tory mutiny on the horizon? Liam is frustrated at the cynical use of ‘stealth taxes,’ which he worries might drive the economy into deeper recession and break already delicate bonds of trust between the public and the state. Allison thinks the Chancellor has made ‘cowardly decisions' in order to satisfy the left-wing media and opposition, and that tax hikes could alienate the core conservative base.  Also joining our co-pilots on the capsule of common sense this week is anonymous GP 'Dr Clare,' who reveals the cost that lockdown has had on accessibility to healthcare. Dr Clare also raises the alarm about excessive bureaucracy and layers of management hindering the health system. And Professor Velma makes a welcome 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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator | 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 Cop27 week, and as the world leaders jet in, our co-pilots digest the highs and lows from what is better known on the rocket as ‘the inverted pyramid of piffle'. The hypocrisies of the event certainly weren’t lost on either co-pilots. Liam thinks the PM should have set a better example, attending the event remotely on Zoom rather than attending by plane, whilst Allison is concerned that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s policies are unobtainable and more of a ‘green fairytale’. Also beaming into the rocket this week from the foothills of Wales is lifelong farmer Gareth, who tells our co-pilots why we could be facing a serious food shortage if we don’t start prioritising more sustainable policies that better support farmers, rather than pushing alternative milks and meats. And finally  co-pilot Pearson is holding no prisoners with her commentary on former MP (Sir) Gavin Williamson's resignation this week. Mr Wiliamson,listen at your peril… 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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator | 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.

Halloween might be over but the witch hunt has only just begun, as the Home Secretary Suella Braverman is under fire over the ongoing migrant crisis haunting the UK. Allison is appalled at the treatment of the Home Secretary,  who she feels has been subject to ‘political parlour games’. Whilst Liam thinks that with the right support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Home Secretary could push past some difficult decisions that might ultimately, be best for the country. Also hopping aboard the rocket this week is Professor Arif Ahmed, whose decision to book a controversial speaker at his Cambridge college has reignited the free speech at universities debate. He tells our co-pilots he thinks all new students should sign a waiver acknowledging that they might come across shocking material, and explains the damaging effect that cancel culture could have on our society. Also on the podcast, as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joins a well known reality television show, Allison shares the unlikely story of how she herself nearly ended up in the jungle... Telegraph subscribers can listen to Allison's full uncut interview with Professor Arif Ahmed at the bottom of this article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/11/03/students-should-sign-free-speech-waiver-attend-university-says/ | 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 Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript| 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.

Another week on the rocket, and another Prime Minister on Planet Earth. But what does the future hold for ‘dishy Rishi’ as he moves into No10? Our co-pilots have their crystal ball out. Both our co-pilots think the new PM made a strong debut at his first PMQ’s. But Allison wonders how the new PM will fare when faced with conquering the red wall. Liam is also concerned that the Tories could be giving Labour an ‘open goal’ with such an economically flush PM  and Chancellor at the helm in the midst of a raging financial crisis. Also stowing away on the rocket of sweet reason this week is Planet Normal listener and lifelong Conservative voter, Alison, who tells our co-pilots why she hopes her fellow Tories get behind new PM Rishi Sunak, and why she'd urge him to target younger voters. And finally the rocket’s newly qualified economist, co-pilot Pearson has an inflation update for  listeners. 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 How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator | 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.