Barometer
Who first classified ‘working people’?
Working people Government ministers may have had trouble defining what was meant by ‘working people’ in the Labour manifesto, but…
Which were the closest US elections?
Back to the White House If Donald Trump wins on 6 November, he will be the first US President to…
What does Britain ‘owe’ Caribbean nations in reparations for slavery?
Still afloat Transport Secretary Louise Haigh nearly lost Britain an investment in an expansion of London Gateway docks by calling…
Who works as a bouncer or security guard?
Farewell, Chagos The government announced that it would hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. There are 13 other…
Where did ‘heckler’ come from?
What the heckler No party conference would be complete without a heckler or two, but where did the term come…
How much do we spend on workwear?
The first nimby Who coined the term ‘nimby’? — The expression, from ‘Not In My Backyard’, entered the political sphere…
What are the most ‘unsettling’ artworks to hang in 10 Downing Street?
The art of politics Keir Starmer moved a portrait of Lady Thatcher from one room at 10 Downing Street to…
How hot is too hot to work?
Gold standard The Paralympics were instigated in 1948 and first held alongside the Olympics in Rome in 1960. But disabled…
How long have we spent failing to upgrade the A303 past Stonehenge?
Deal or no deal Have public sector workers had a worse deal in recent years than private sector ones? –…
Are we in for 40 days of rain?
Rain or shine Has a wet St Swithin’s Day (15 July) ever been followed by 40 wet days or a…
Who was our most popular PM?
Close encounters The last time a parliamentary election in Britain was tied was in 1886 in Ashton-under-Lyne, when Liberal and…
What was in the first manifesto?
Made manifest What was in the first manifesto? The word ‘manifesto’ is first recorded as being used in English in…
How many countries have conscription?
Halfway points Rishi Sunak told us we would have an election in the second half of the year, and we…
How dangerous is it to fly by helicopter?
Crime without borders How many nations are signed up to the International Criminal Court? – 124 signed the Rome Statute…
When was the last genuine royal tour of Nigeria?
Royal welcomes The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Nigeria last week. When was the last genuine royal tour of…
How many people are attacked by sharks?
Horse trials Five Household Cavalry horses bolted in central London, with two reaching Limehouse before being calmed down. It may…
