Have I Got News For You is in its 30th year on television. It’s incapable of being anything other than cosily establishment. It’s so toothless, it’s like watching an old mutt gumming at a bone.

HIGNFY is a safe way for the BBC to say it broadcasts political satire without the risk of, you know, actually upsetting anyone.

That the show is also a handy place for political chancers of all stripes to promote themselves is useful too. If you’re clever enough you can launder your reputation by being seen to “take a joke” without being under too much real scrutiny.

I’d try to get a commission writing about why HIGNFY should be cancelled but most people in the British media are waiting for their invite to appear.