Planet Normal: Live, with Lionel Shriver and Suella Braverman

Planet Normal: Live, with Lionel Shriver and Suella Braverman

Author: The Telegraph February 26, 2026 Duration: 1:31:00

You can watch this recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lFRwaTYK-mM


Your co-pilots have braved the atmosphere of planet Earth as the rocket touches down at the Emmanuel Centre in London for a live recording of Planet Normal! 


To mark the occasion, your co-pilots are joined by two of the most fearless voices to navigate a country they fear is currently on an ‘economic cliff edge’. 


The first revered stowaway on the rocket today is Lionel Shriver: The celebrated satirical novelist discusses her provocative new book, A Better Life. She pulls no punches while exploring the naivete of the progressive left and the ruthlessness often overlooked in the immigration debate. 


Also strapping in for lift-off is Suella Braverman KC MP in her first appearance since her high-profile defection to Reform UK. She reveals the ‘list of great betrayals’ she witnessed at the heart of government and explains why she believes the Conservative Party has abandoned the principles of Margaret Thatcher. 


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Read Allison ‘No ‘spares’, no climate preaching: My plan to save the monarchy’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/24/my-plan-to-save-the-monarchy/ |

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

Read Liam ‘Reform needs to convince global markets it can govern’: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/22/reform-needs-to-convince-global-markets-it-can-govern/ | 

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

Read Liam’s Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ |      

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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: 50

Planet Normal
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