Journalists strike over planned sale of Observer
Journalists at The Guardian and The Observer will stage two 48-hour strikes in December to protest the proposed sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) announced the industrial action after members overwhelmingly voted in favour of striking. The NUJ has criticised the Guardian Media Group (GMG) for acting in 'poor faith’, revealing during negotiations that the sale recommendation had already been agreed upon despite earlier assurances to the contrary. The NUJ general secretary said that members had no choice but to act in defence of The Observer’s heritage and its commitment to public-interest journalism. A Guardian spokesperson acknowledged the concerns but defended their approach, stating that talks with the NUJ continue and emphasising their priority to sustain liberal journalism amidst a challenging media landscape. The union insists GMG must pause the sale and address journalists' and readers' concerns.
Britain soars to third in climate change action league table
The UK has surged to third place globally in the Climate Change Performance Index, up from eighth last year. Experts at the COP29 conference in Baku attribute this leap to Labour’s plans to ban new oil and gas projects, promote onshore wind turbines, and close the country’s last coal power station. Britain now trails only Denmark and the Netherlands, with analysts calling it a 'winner this year’. The NewClimate Institute praised Labour leader Keir Starmer's commitment to an 81% emissions cut by 2035. Meanwhile, energy secretary Ed Miliband has played a pivotal role at COP29, urging nations to halt new coal power projects and building alliances with countries like Brazil. Despite the UK's progress, challenges remain as the success of COP29 hinges on a finalised climate finance plan for developing nations. Britain’s tangible influence at the conference has revitalised its global leadership on climate change, with hopes high for lasting impact.
Ukraine: Biden’s decision on missiles, Russian territorial gains
Joe Biden’s long-awaited decision to allow Ukraine to use American missiles against Russian territory comes amid significant Russian territorial gains in 2024. One study shows that Russia has captured nearly 2,700 sq km of Ukrainian land this year - six times its 2023 gains. This aggressive push has strained Ukraine’s defences, despite Kyiv’s efforts to repel attacks. The destruction is immense, and Ukraine’s stretched defensive lines are increasingly vulnerable. The surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region initially boosted morale but is now faltering, with Russian forces reclaiming nearly 50% of lost territory. Analysts suggest that the incursion may have led to a broader strategic miscalculation, tying down its best troops and advanced equipment without significantly slowing Russia’s eastern advances. Meanwhile, the approaching second Trump administration casts uncertainty over US military support for Ukraine, raising fears of reduced aid as the war continues.
Greece: nationwide general strike
On 20 November a nationwide general strike disrupted Greece as workers demanded better pay and improved living standards. Doctors, teachers, transport workers, and trade union members were among those who joined the protest. In Athens, demonstrators chanted for workers' rights and decried the high cost of living, with inflation in energy, food, and housing outpacing salary increases. The strike reflects frustration over the lingering effects of Greece’s 2009–2018 debt crisis, which required severe wage and pension cuts in exchange for €280 billion in bailouts. Though the economy has rebounded, wages remain low compared to the EU average, and many workers report a 50% reduction in purchasing power. The government has raised the minimum wage four times, now at €830, with a target of €950 by 2027, but protesters argue these measures fall short. The strike coincides with the submission of Greece's 2025 budget, which includes plans for modest economic growth and increased spending on wages and pensions.
USA: Trump’s shocking cabinet appointments
Donald Trump has initiated a bold and controversial strategy for his return to power, unveiling cabinet appointments which embody his disregard for traditional governance. These selections, including individuals with histories of legal trouble, extremist ideologies, and controversial actions, aim to dismantle governmental structures Trump perceives as obstacles. Key appointments, such as Pete Hegseth as secretary of defence, reflect his intent to politicise institutions like the military, while figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary highlight his disdain for scientific consensus. Others, such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, are to downsize federal agencies radically under a vaguely defined ‘department of government efficiency’. Trump’s intent to bypass Senate confirmation through recess appointments signals his push for one-man rule. His nominations seem to be not only instruments of policy but tools of intimidation and revenge, targeting perceived enemies and undermining traditional checks and balances in favour of centralised authority.
Hong Kong: pro-democracy activists jailed
A group of 47 prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, including activists, journalists, and former lawmakers, have been sentenced to prison terms of up to ten years on subversion charges. This marks the largest prosecution under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Among the defendants was Joshua Wong, a well-known student leader, who shouted ‘I love Hong Kong’ before he left the dock. The group had been involved in organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which the government labelled a subversive attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The crackdown, which follows the violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, shows the severe erosion of political freedoms in the city. Western governments and human rights groups condemned the trials as politically motivated. With many opposition leaders either imprisoned or in exile, Hong Kong’s once vibrant pro-democracy movement is all but silenced. This transformation has prompted widespread international concern over Hong Kong’s future autonomy.