Barometer
How many people have swum the Channel?
Journey’s end Holidaymakers are being flown home after travel company Thomas Cook failed. The idea might have horrified the company’s…
How many Britons now vape?
Talking Turkey David Cameron again accused the Leave campaign of ‘lying’ about the prospect of Turkey joining the EU. A…
Does the outcome of the Ashes dictate who wins a general election?
Party speak Should the next Speaker of the House of Commons be a Labour MP on the basis that John…
How often has a general election been held on a Monday?
A Monday poll? The government was considering a general election on 14 October — a Monday. This raised eyebrows because…
Is Trump’s suggestion to bomb hurricanes really that stupid?
Blowing against the wind President Trump was ridiculed for suggesting that hurricanes could be impeded on their passage across the…
How did Richard Braine become Dick Braine?
Name calling Richard Braine was appointed leader of Ukip, leading to jokes about the party being led by a ‘Dick…
Which country locks up the most people?
Girls only Polish village Miejsce Odrzanskie was reported not to have had a single boy born in the past decade,…
Dams, lives and statistics: the worst dam collapses in Britain
Dams, lives and statistics The town of Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, was evacuated after heavy rainfall caused the partial collapse of…
Hot topic: How many of us own fans?
Growing fanbase A photograph of the Queen meeting Boris Johnson revealed that she uses a Dyson electric fan. How many…
What kills more people in the UK: hot or cold weather?
Losing confidence The government may soon face a vote of no confidence, the second this year. How often do these…
When will man make it to Mars?
Mars missions When will there be a manned Mars mission? — As early as 1962, Nasa studied the practicalities of…
Is women’s football really that popular?
Ode to all sorts Brexit party MPs were likened to Nazis for turning their backs on a recital of ‘Ode to…
How many dogs are there in Britain?
Model hobbies Asked what he did to relax, Boris Johnson claimed that he liked to make model buses. Some others…
How many 999 calls are genuine emergencies?
To debate or not to debate Is Boris Johnson wise to shun TV debates? — Prior to the 2015 Labour…
Why are hustings called hustings?
History of hustings Why are hustings called by that name? — The word ‘hustings’ is derived from an old Norse…
How many people have tried illicit drugs?
What’s in a name? If Jeremy Hunt wins the Conservative leadership election both prime minister and leader of the opposition…
What are the perks of being Jean-Claude Juncker?
Juncker’s perks The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker complained that he doesn’t have an official residence, unlike the ambassadors who…
How many people make it up Everest?
Tears for fears Theresa May welled up while announcing her resignation in Downing Street. How often do leaders cry? —…
What punishment can you expect for throwing a milkshake at a politician?
Milkshakes and other missiles What can the man who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage in Newcastle expect as a…
Will more babies be called Archie now the royals have chosen it?
Royal name games Will more children be called Archie following the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son?…
How long before Baby Sussex slips down the line of succession?
Endangered species The UN claimed a million species of plants and animals could become extinct. If they all died out,…
Does fracking really cause earthquakes?
Great shakes Shale gas commissioner Natascha Engel resigned in protest at what she called ‘absurd’ restrictions on fracking — in…
How dangerous are barbecues?
Spires on fire Paris was lucky not to lose its medieval cathedral entirely, a fate which London suffered in 1666…
Who has hidden in an embassy for longer than Julian Assange?
Embassy endurance Julian Assange was thrown out of the Ecuadorian embassy in London, seven years after seeking sanctuary from extradition…
Eight things claimed to be worse than smoking
Flextensions Some organisations which may have benefited from Donald Tusk’s offer of a ‘flextension’ to Article 50: — Adidas, which…
