To all the readers of Mirror, I extend warm wishes for a joyful New Year. Regardless of how you celebrate, I hope it’s a fantastic one!
Reflecting on 2025, it was a year filled with notable achievements. The Lionesses’ remarkable victory in the Euros, the Red Roses triumphing in the women’s Rugby World Cup, and Scotland’s impressive World Cup qualification stand out. Despite these successes, many faced continued challenges. I understand the dedication of Mirror readers and the desire for modest luxuries like dining out, a vacation, or a new phone.
Looking ahead to 2026, I assure you that the promised change is on the horizon. Anticipate improvements in your bills, communities, and public services. More police presence in your neighborhoods, closure of asylum hotels, and the opening of new health centers in your vicinity are just a glimpse of what’s to come. Community investments in parks, piers, and youth clubs will enhance your town’s essence. Additionally, enhanced rights at work and improvements for renters are in store, along with a significant reduction in child poverty rates.
Recently, a nine-year-old Scottish girl’s poignant letter highlighted the impact of poverty on children. From hunger to cold rooms and inadequate clothing, her words resonated deeply. It’s disheartening that the majority of impoverished children in Britain come from hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.
In our efforts this year, we aim to uplift over half a million children from poverty by eliminating the two-child limit on child benefits, expanding free school meals, and tackling the rising cost of living head-on. Our commitment to financial stability enables us to provide relief on various fronts, from freezing rail fares and prescription charges to reducing energy bills and enhancing the national minimum wage for the essential workers who uphold our society.
Rebuilding our nation is a gradual process, but we are making strides towards a brighter future. Each positive change signifies a reversal of decline and a restoration of opportunity and pride. As we move forward, the prospect of a better life for your family is not merely a dream but a tangible reality.
Amidst recent political turmoil, the concept of hope has been overlooked. In 2026, let us rediscover hope, witness the true essence of Britain, and embrace the future with renewed confidence.
Prime Minister
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and <a data-testid="cipa