Starmer out, Burnham in and we pay tribute to trailblazer Ann Widdecombe

Starmer out, Burnham in and we pay tribute to trailblazer Ann Widdecombe

Author: The Telegraph July 16, 2026 Duration: 57:28

You can watch this episode in full on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wQxi0BVywEs


This week’s journey in the rocket of right thinking opens with a tribute to former MP and Reform member, Ann Widdecombe as your co-pilots reminisce their time with Anne over the years.

Liam raises serious concerns about the incoming Prime Minister’s fiscal capabilities in light of a £120 billion budget deficit warning from the OBR, arguing that a reliance on tax-and-spend policies simply will not work.


Allison criticises the lack of scrutiny or public debates surrounding his transition to power and condemns the toxic political climate and the relentless demonisation of right-leaning figures that has preceded tragedy. 


Serving up some home truths about tennis and fresh from his Wimbledon victory is tennis ace Henry Patten, who tells your co-pilots why singles matches receive a lot more coverage and promotion than doubles.


Highlights



  • Planet Normal: Starmer out, Burnham in and we pay tribute to trailblazer Anne Widdecombe
  • Burnham's OBR warning: Andy Burnham enters Number 10 facing a £120bn deficit warning.
  • Anne Widdecombe Tribute: The co-pilots honour the late politician after her shocking death.
  • Wimbledon Champion: Henry Patten joins to discuss doubles drama and prize money cuts.


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Read Allison ‘Farewell, Ann. Middle England saw you for the sterling human being you were‘: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/10/ann-widdecombe-ridiculed-voice-middle-england-should-revere/ |

Read Allison ‘The Left’s constant demonisation of Reform was a ticking time bomb‘: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/14/britains-political-class-stop-dangerous-demonisation-reform/ | 

Read Allison ‘England’s clash with Argentina will be nail-biting, but there’s plenty to look forward to‘:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/15/we-need-an-england-triumph-more-than-ever-before/ |

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

Read Liam ‘Labour’s house of cards on tax will come tumbling down’: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/07/12/labour-house-of-cards-tax-tumbling-down/ |

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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