2025 marked a significant year of transformations and accomplishments. The Mirror spearheaded various campaigns advocating for societal issues and pushing for positive changes. These efforts led to impactful outcomes throughout the year.
A notable success was achieved in the Mirror’s campaign to combat hunger in schools. Following persistent advocacy, Keir Starmer committed to extending free school meal eligibility to all households under Universal Credit. This initiative is set to benefit over half a million children by providing nutritious meals starting in September 2026, thereby alleviating financial burdens on families and lifting 100,000 children out of poverty.
Another triumph was the safe recovery of missing teenager Deante James, thanks to the Mirror’s spotlight on his case within the Missed campaign. After being missing for six weeks, Deante was found unharmed, bringing immense relief to his family. This success underscored the impact of the Mirror’s advocacy in aiding vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, the Mirror’s relentless reporting on proposed disability benefit cuts triggered strong opposition, leading to a significant government reversal. Labour MPs’ threats of revolt prompted a last-minute climbdown by the Prime Minister, resulting in the shelving of the contentious reforms pending a review by Disabilities Minister Stephen Timms.
In the realm of public health, the Mirror’s initiatives led to promising developments. Struggling pubs received support as communities were granted the authority to preserve local establishments, fostering economic revival. Additionally, efforts to improve dental care accessibility saw the promise of hundreds of thousands of extra appointments, signaling positive strides in healthcare services.
The Mirror’s advocacy extended to consumer safety concerns, prompting regulatory actions against hazardous cosmetic procedures and the ban on the sale of highly caffeinated energy drinks to under-16s. These measures aimed to safeguard public health and well-being, reflecting the Mirror’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.
Moreover, the enactment of the Hillsborough Law, honoring victims of state cover-ups, and the establishment of a national day of remembrance for terrorism victims highlighted the Mirror’s dedication to upholding justice and commemorating those affected by tragic events.
Lastly, the government’s decision to prohibit cruel puppy farming, building on previous legislative changes inspired by the Mirror’s campaigns, demonstrated ongoing progress in animal welfare advocacy.
Through its relentless pursuit of social justice and public welfare, the Mirror’s impactful campaigns in 2025 have contributed to positive societal changes and advancements across various critical domains.