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
