Britain's 'spiritual desert' and obesity crisis
Former MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has addressed Boris Johnson’s claim linking Britain’s obesity crisis to the Church of England’s focus on anti-colonialism. He noted the nation’s obesity issues but stopped short of directly blaming the Church. Johnson had argued that Britons are 'gorging themselves' on consumerism, likening it to 'living bread' but detached from spiritual nourishment, referencing Matthew 4:4. Rees-Mogg described Johnson’s comments as highlighting a deeper issue: Britain’s spiritual void. One comment was that Johnson’s analysis was an 'imaginative exercise' rather than a causal connection. Both men agreed that mainline denominations are not adequately addressing this spiritual hunger. Rees-Mogg emphasized the need for churches to proclaim Christ’s love more fervently to fill the void. This discussion sheds light on the perceived spiritual and moral challenges facing the UK, which may lead churches to re-evaluate their role in addressing societal needs.
Inspirational teen photographer dies after brave cancer battle
Liz Hatton, a 17-year-old photographer from Harrogate, has died after a courageous battle with a rare cancer (sarcoma). Despite her terminal diagnosis, Liz inspired the nation by completing an ambitious photography bucket list, capturing moments like a royal investiture and a West End musical. Her work gained recognition when she met the Princess of Wales, who invited her to Windsor Castle to photograph an event and bonded with her over their shared love of photography. Liz's resilience and creativity shone as she continued working despite immense physical pain, hosting a photography exhibition shortly before her passing. Her family remembers her as a brave and compassionate young woman who lived fully in her final months. A Just Giving page has been established in her memory to fund research into her rare cancer. Liz’s story and photographs remain a powerful legacy, inspiring hope and awareness about sarcoma.
France: Pelicot rape trial reaches its conclusion
The landmark trial in Avignon, involving the systematic drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot by 49 men orchestrated by her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, has gripped the nation. The prosecution has sought a twenty-year sentence for Pelicot, who admitted to facilitating the assaults over nearly a decade, and 10-18 years for most co-defendants. The case has sparked national debates on consent, male violence, and systemic legal shortcomings. Prosecutors have highlighted Pelicot’s bravery in waiving her anonymity and allowing graphic evidence to be shown, confronting societal shame surrounding sexual violence. Feminist activists have rallied in support, condemning the accused and demanding justice. Defence lawyers, however, argue that many defendants were misled by Pelicot’s claims of his wife's consent. The trial has renewed calls for legal reforms, and Michel Barnier’s government has pledged new measures to combat violence against women. One commentator said: ‘This trial has affected every one of us. What have we done wrong as a society to produce men who are capable of such inhumane behaviour?’
Ukraine: massive Russian attack on energy infrastructure
On 27 November Russia launched a massive, coordinated strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting cities nationwide with waves of drones and missiles. This marks the second large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities this month, compounding fears of a harsh winter ahead. Emergency power cuts were introduced as damage to civilian infrastructure was reported in many regions, leaving over a million people without power. Ukrainian officials warned of preemptive power cuts to protect the grid from overloads as temperatures continue to drop. The attacks are part of a broader strategy, with over 1,500 strikes reported this week. Ukrainian officials fear Russia aims to cripple the country’s power grid, a tactic used in previous winters. Russia has also deployed a new type of missile to strike the city of Dnipro, in response to Ukraine launching UK-supplied missiles into Russian territory. For an analysis of the recent developments in the war, see
Romania: unexpected result in first round of presidential election
Unexpectedly, the presidential election in Romania has seen nationalist independent Calin Georgescu leading the first round. A 62-year-old expert in sustainable development, he calls for a Romania based on small-scale organic agriculture, Christian values, and national sovereignty. His platform, similar to that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr, emphasises self-reliance and reduced dependence on international alliances. Georgescu’s rise is partly attributed to his pledge to ‘restore Romania’s dignity’ and challenge perceived subservience to organisations like NATO and the EU. His criticism of the US-backed missile shield at Deveselu, which he calls a ‘diplomatic embarrassment’, echoes the Kremlin narrative, raising concerns among Western allies. If elected, he could alter the country’s foreign policy and reshape its political landscape.
COP29: how much was achieved?
Developed nations at the COP29 summit in Baku committed to mobilising at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035 to address climate change. However, this figure fell far short of the $1.3 trillion per year which had been demanded, leaving many deeply dissatisfied. The agreed amount includes contributions from private investment, but critics argue it lacks ambition and clarity. Tensions flared during chaotic negotiations, with India and Nigeria accusing the presidency of forcing the deal without proper consensus. Decisions on transitioning away from fossil fuels, highlighted in last year’s ‘global stocktake’, were deferred to COP30, but a milestone was achieved with the completion of Article 6 on carbon markets, finalising the Paris Agreement framework nearly a decade after its inception. The summit's outcomes were overshadowed by Donald Trump’s reelection and his pledge to withdraw the USA from the Paris Agreement. Also, host Azerbaijan, which sources two-thirds of its revenue from fossil fuels, faced accusations of conflict of interest and malpractice during the conference. For in-depth analysis of what happened, see the weblink.