Labour’s asylum seeker 'Carry On'

Labour’s asylum seeker 'Carry On'

Author: The Telegraph October 30, 2025 Duration: 1:02:41

Our co-pilots, energised from their trip down to earth for the live show at the Battle of Ideas festival last week, are back on the Rocket to try and make sense of a week of madness!


They address the growing discontent following a string of high-profile incidents involving illegal migrants, most recently in Uxbridge.


The discussion turns into a blistering attack on the Home Office and the entire Civil Service, who the co-pilots argue, are actively stifling political reform and preventing any government—regardless of party—from delivering functioning public services or stopping the boats.


Strapping into the rocket this week is Conservative MP Helen Whately, who joins to discuss the urgent need for benefits system reform to encourage young people into work and end their reliance on state support.


Meanwhile Allison addresses the historic collapse of Labour in its heartlands in the Caerphilly by-election last week, signalling what could be a death knell for Labour in Wales.


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Read Allison ‘The soaring cost of mince signals we’re in for a difficult winter’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/29/rising-food-prices-difficult-winter/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/

Read Liam: ‘Britain’s national accounts now resemble a Ponzi scheme’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l/lf-lj/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

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Every Thursday, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan step outside the daily noise to offer a different perspective on the week’s events. Planet Normal, from The Telegraph, is a conversation that often challenges the prevailing narratives found in mainstream media and political circles. This podcast digs into the stories shaping society, culture, and the news, focusing on the viewpoints and concerns that feel increasingly sidelined. Pearson and Halligan, both seasoned columnists, bring a blend of sharp analysis and relatable frustration to topics ranging from family life and economic pressures to broader cultural shifts. Their discussions feel like a break from a scripted debate, offering listeners a space where common sense and direct commentary take precedence. Tuning in provides a weekly reset-a chance to hear arguments grounded in everyday experience rather than abstract theory. It’s for anyone who feels the conventional discourse doesn’t quite reflect the reality they see. You’ll find the tone is more like a candid chat between two well-informed friends than a formal news broadcast, making complex issues accessible and engaging. This is the appeal of the Planet Normal podcast: a consistent, thoughtful alternative that speaks plainly about the forces shaping our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Planet Normal
Podcast Episodes
Fixing the foundations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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You have the freedom to be silenced [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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US Election 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:42
Co-pilot Pearson is off on a special mission this week so Liam is joined in the cockpit by resident part time co-pilot, Tim Stanley.As the news breaks of Donald Trump’s victory in the US Liam and Tim dissect the news tsu…
Labour’s big budget [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
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Planet Normal Live Special at the Battle of Ideas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:05
This episode was recorded live at the Battle of Ideas Festival in London on 20th October 2024In this very special episode of Planet Normal, the rocket beams in live from the Battle of Ideas Festival featuring not one, bu…
Rachel and the blackhole [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:06
The countdown to Labour's first Budget is on, but what do your co-pilots make of the new Chancellor's plans? Brace yourselves it's another news Tsunami…Liam isn’t convinced Labour’s plan for growth will strengthen up the…
The two Tory horse race [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:07
Fresh from a shock elimination in the Tory leadership race, your co-pilots deliver their verdict on the latest results from the now two horse race. And did co-pilot Pearson really influence the result?One year on from th…
Robert Jenrick on his Tory leadership bid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:59
The rocket beams in live from the Tory Party Conference in Birmingham this week and there’s no shortage of melodrama to dissect as the Party gears up to elect its new leader.Fastening their seat belt alongside your co-pi…
Conference season chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
**Some of Alison's reporting contains descriptions you may find distressingWith Conference season in full swing, what do your co-pilots make of the PM’s latest speech slip up at the Party’s Conference?Liam thinks Starmer…