In The News This Week (the Have I Got News For You podcast) – Details, episodes & analysis

In Round One, the team discuss Donald Trump’s plea for military help from Europe with Iran, his deteriorating relationship with Keir Starmer and his secretary of war’s wife’s new nickname. In Round 2, we hear what recent event Morrissey will take a “year to recover” from, why Winston Churchill might be replaced by a beaver and how modern-day treasure hunters still exist. In Round 3, the Missing Words Round, we learn about a the 79-year-old paperboy who refuses to retire, what happened to the man who took himself to hospital because his skin turned blue and how a goldfish set a Guinness World Record… If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode! For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your host is Mike Rayment With Jack Harris Queenie Miller And Emerald Paston, back next series! The Producer is Diggory Waite The Executive Producer is Claire Broughton The Music is by Big George In the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Round One, the team discuss the UK government’s response to the escalating conflict between the US and Iran, Tony Blair’s latest intervention in Middle Eastern politics and whether Keir Starmer’s stance could really be his “Love Actually moment”. In Round Two, we hear about the spectacular downfall of former US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, from luxury deportation jets to a $50k Rolex in a super-prison, before heading to Brussels to learn about the EU’s new ban on “meaty” words for plant-based foods. In Round Three, the Missing Words Round, we find out why firefighters had to rescue a man trapped in a Manchester phone box, how a Surrey couple tried to claim their neighbour’s land with an unconventional means and why a camel beauty contest has been rocked by scandal… If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode! For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com.  Your host is Mike RaymentWith Jack HarrisEmerald Paston And Queenie Miller, back next week!  The Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big George In the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this festive series finale, the team unpick the limited learnings from the heavily redacted Epstein files and Vanity Fair’s exposé of Trump’s inner circle, before turning to rumours of an ultimatum involving Angela Rayner, Louise Haigh and Morgan McSweeney – as Labour MPs brace for what could be disastrous May elections under Keir Starmer.Next, Emerald reveals that all three of the UK’s Norths (yes, there are three) are drifting apart along with the state of the nation; Queenie uncovers suspected cheating at the World Pie Eating Championships and Jack recounts Wiltshire Police’s heroic efforts to apprehend a “rampaging” goat.Finally, the Missing Words round returns for a final time this series, featuring world-record attempts, four-year-old geniuses and the key to success and strength...If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisQueenie Miller Emerald Paston And Mike RaymentThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer Diggory steps in to reveal the heartwarming details of Buckinghamshire’s newest school – built in a millionaire’s garden before Queenie reports on the sausagey mystery gripping Bristol’s local Facebook scene. Next, Emerald offers her 2025 Transport Tidings complete with a train miracle fit for Christmas and the news that the UK’s biggest pothole has finally been filled. To finish, we play the missing word round where we learn why listeners are complaining about Radio 4, what the worst habits on trains are and about Diggory’s love of The Archers…If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Queenie Miller Emerald Paston And Diggory Waite, filling in the absent Jack Harris and merry Mike RaymentThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike reveals why Zack Polanski didn’t appear as scheduled on the TV show this week before delivering the sad news that the Kidderminster Carpet Museum will be closing its doors. Next, Queenie reports on MPs demanding an upgrade to the parliamentary gym and Jack takes us through Japan’s catchphrase of the year, featuring Rihanna-levels of work, a terrifying mascot and some very old rice. In the Missing Words Round, we learn how to cope with Christmas music, how Gen Z spend their money when it isn’t on dates and why cats meow more at men than women…If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisQueenie Miller Mike RaymentAnd Emerald Paston, away on holidayThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer Diggory returns to the podcast to sift through listener comments on Spotify before Emerald leads one of her famed Odd One Out rounds, this time featuring Batman, a footballing nun and robots with “ominous” Northern Irish accents who may all have links to Fathers for Justice…Next, Jack whisks us back to the so-called “golden age of air travel” as he unpicks Sean Duffy and the US Department of Transportation’s new campaign to bring “civility” back to the skies.Finally, in the Missing Words round, expect ‘sleigh’-themed cars in Dorset, odd dating-profile pics and to discover what the biggest faux pas at the dinner table really is...If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisEmerald Paston And Diggory Waite, filling in for Queenie Miller and Mike Rayment this weekThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After receiving messages from several Scottish football fans, Mike apologises for his comments about their World Cup qualification prospects from last week, before taking us through the story of Mark Bryan from Redbridge, who was interviewed by the UK press after eye surgery left him hallucinating “Baywatch-style” women at all hours of the day.Queenie then reports on an Australian inmate pleading for his right to eat Vegemite in prison, while Emerald covers the strange, pig-related goings-on in the New Forest.We finish with a Missing Words Round featuring ‘quirky’ driving habits, blood types and a comment from a celebrity maths-whizz.If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Queenie Miller Emerald Paston Mike RaymentAnd Jack Harris, away in the New ForestThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The team chat about where the TV show was last Friday before Jack takes us through Tesco Mobiles poll of 1400 people with ‘quirky side hustles’ – some are legit, others less legit and the rest are total bullsh*t. Queenie then investigates a National Folklore survey that claims you’re more likely to be visited by a ghost if you’re under 35 and Mike reveals all about the university testing for genius in dogs.Later, we end on our Missing Words Round which has an unhealthy dose of sarcasm, sex toys, vending machines and references to Robert Jenrick… If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisQueenie Miller Emerald PastonAnd Emerald Paston, absent this week as she’s still stuck in a vending machineThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The team briefly touch on Kim Kardashian’s new, critically panned TV show All’s Fair and The Traitors finale, before Jack (eventually) explains what 'Peppa Pig Syndrome' is whilst unpacking a Times survey of 10,000 teachers that concludes Americanisms are sweeping across UK classrooms.Later, Mike introduces us to the newest and greatest movie star on the planet (and no, it is not Jackie Potatoes), while Emerald tells us about the furious tour guide causing guests to flock to Düsseldorf’s Kunstpalast (stop laughing at the back!) and finally leading us through her missing-word game – complete with Tube-dwelling mosquitoes, tricky national anthems and the definitive guide to being a true gentleman.If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisEmerald Paston Mike RaymentAnd Queenie Miller, last spotted tour guiding in Düsseldorf...The Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike sends in a voice note with some juicy behind-the-scenes insight from the TV show, after the recording was interrupted by the breaking Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor news. The team then discuss the strange, snail-related tax-avoidance scheme spreading across London (slowly) and play Emerald’s latest game, ‘Tax Avoidance or a Load of Pants?’Later, Queenie takes the team through the story of a teacher in Germany who took a year off sick to appear on two TV cooking shows and Jack covers AI models resisting shutdown and wrongly prompting police to apprehend children over bags of crisps.In the Missing Words round, they learn about civil servants who want to sponsor mice, Bob Geldof’s regrets and the study that separates men and women on their punctuation…!If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you’re following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your hosts are Jack HarrisQueenie Miller Emerald Paston And the voice-noting Mike RaymentThe Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices