Planet Normal

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/ |

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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 tis 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/ |

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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/ |

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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/ |

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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/ |

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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/ |

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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 |

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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 |

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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 |

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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/ |

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