Clare Horton

Andy Burnham prepares to become the UK’s next prime minister as the Guardian Weekly highlights his political trajectory and the major challenges awaiting him. Additional coverage examines scrutiny of Reform UK’s funding, Venezuela’s deepening crisis following an earthquake, scientific research into tardigrades, the aftermath of far‑right protests in Essex, and concerns over Donald Trump’s conduct at the Nato summit.

Europe faces its most intense heatwave on record, prompting scrutiny of the continent’s lack of preparedness and highlighting adaptation efforts in cities including Paris. The issue also covers the aftermath of Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes, cultural debates around Toy Story 5, Nato’s concerns over US reliability amid geopolitical tensions, reflections on reporting from Ukraine, and renewed examination of Frida Kahlo’s legacy as a major exhibition opens in London.

The 3 April Guardian Weekly focuses on mounting legal and political pressure on major social-media companies after US juries found Meta and YouTube liable over addictive product design and Meta was ordered to pay $375m in a separate New Mexico case. Thousands of similar lawsuits and new government measures targeting children’s social-media use could mark a turning point for the industry. The issue is paired with commentary calling for a global response, alongside coverage of Donald Trump’s worsening Iran war, the rediscovery of Charles Darwin-related botanical materials, China’s humanoid-robot industry, Ed Miliband’s political influence, and a Henry Moore exhibition.

The Guardian Weekly’s 20 March edition focuses on the war involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens to obstruct Gulf exports accounting for about a fifth of global oil supplies and trigger a major economic shock. Coverage examines the route’s strategic importance, possible responses to the blockade, regional resentment at being drawn into the conflict, the escalation risks and conditions in Israel, Lebanon and Tehran. Other featured stories investigate alleged starvation tactics by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, Apple’s successes and failures at its 50th anniversary, advances in feminism, British conservatives’ loyalty to Donald Trump, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar win for One Battle After Another.

The 10 October Guardian Weekly leads with the Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur, in which Jihad al-Shamie drove into the gates and stabbed people before being shot by police, killing three people including himself. Chris Osuh and Geneva Abdul report on the Jewish community’s fears, grief and hopes for unity, while Jonathan Freedland argues that rising antisemitism must make the attack a turning point. Other featured content covers Donald Trump’s attacks on Democratic donors, treatments for maintenance insomnia, Tonga’s loss of internet connectivity after a 2022 volcanic eruption, US military pressure around Venezuela, and the Bruce Springsteen biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.

Global farming developments include advances in gene‑editing to avoid culling male chicks, projected increases in China’s protein demand, the EU lifting its ban on animal byproduct feed, and US trials for faster pork processing speeds. Multiple regions move to phase out mink farming, while Helsinki adopts plant‑based catering for public events. The US experiences rising meat prices alongside declining plant‑based meat sales, and UK agriculture faces labour shortages, trade concerns and animal welfare debates. Environmental crises, including Canadian floods, highlight vulnerabilities in livestock systems, while new initiatives such as airport patrol pigs and deforestation‑free farming zones reflect efforts to manage ecological and safety challenges.

Campaigners warn that major meat and dairy companies lack meaningful climate targets as global talks highlight livestock emissions, while some countries resist calls to reduce meat consumption. UK officials deny plans for a meat tax amid political opposition, even as research shows meat consumption has fallen but not enough to meet environmental goals. Reports from around the world highlight microplastics in livestock, labour exploitation in European slaughterhouses, shifts in US immigration enforcement in meat plants, regulatory efforts to reduce salmonella, and legal challenges over poultry welfare. Additional investigations examine emerging avian flu threats, African Swine Fever’s impact on small producers, and pollution linked to pig farms in Spain. UK industry leaders warn of rising chicken prices, and the government enables temporary visas for butchers to ease supply pressures. A short film explores how farms and processing facilities handle animal death, prompting reflection on industry practices.

Europe’s meat industry is described as reliant on exploited migrant labour, with investigations uncovering widespread use of subcontractors and significantly lower pay for temporary workers. Additional global reports highlight animal welfare violations at an Italian dairy farm, mass farm animal deaths from extreme heat in North America, and structural welfare problems in egg production. South Korea considers banning dog consumption, and Australia debates labeling for plant-based meat. In the UK, temporary visas are introduced to ease labour shortages, farmers warn of forced culling, and new gene-editing trials are approved. Celebrities including Billie Eilish call for animal agriculture’s climate impact to be addressed at Cop26, while a report notes progress by the UK meat sector on emissions and waste reduction.

Flash floods in China killed more than a million farm animals as African swine fever and the jailing of critic Sun Dawu highlighted ongoing challenges in livestock management. Global meat companies were accused of downplaying their climate impact, while investigations revealed animal welfare failures in horse slaughter and deep corporate concentration in the US food supply chain. New Zealand farmers protested environmental regulations, and US senator Cory Booker introduced a bill to ban factory farming. Berkeley committed to plant‑based purchasing, and the UK’s National Food Strategy recommended major reductions in meat consumption. Additional concerns included labour shortages in UK meat processing, the decline of small abattoirs, rising use of sexed dairy semen, and the growth of animal rescue sanctuaries in Spain.

The European Commission plans to propose phasing out cages in farming by 2023 with implementation targeted for 2027, as several countries and companies adopt cage‑free commitments. Regulatory changes include easing feed restrictions from the BSE era and national measures on live exports, animal‑welfare labeling, and fur‑farming bans. The UK–Australia trade deal raised concerns from farming unions over welfare standards. UK retailers vary in commitments to higher‑welfare chicken production, while campaigners call for reduced meat offerings at climate summits. Ongoing issues include waste management from intensive pig and poultry farming, antibiotic use in pig farms, and environmental impacts of large‑scale chicken production. WWF and Tesco report that insect protein could significantly reduce dependency on imported soya. The piece also highlights feedback on the renewed use of working horses in viticulture.

EU lawmakers backed phasing out animal cages and banning force-feeding for foie gras, while JBS paid an $11m ransom after a cyberattack disrupted global meat production. Global meat consumption is projected to rise, investment into lab-grown meat is accelerating, and Spanish, Turkish, and Libyan authorities were faulted for welfare failures that left thousands of cattle stranded at sea. Estonia moved to ban fur farming, and EU experts warned of Covid-19 risks in mink farms. UK debates focused on welfare standards in trade talks with Australia, labour shortages in meat processing, rising dairy calf registrations, and the end of new badger cull licences. Reader feedback, investigations into intensive farming across Europe and the US, and features on small-farm decline, edible insects, and sustainable practices rounded out the monthly farming and food production update.

Community gardening groups across the UK adapted their work during lockdown to support vulnerable residents, provide social connection, and maintain public green spaces. The Wonky Garden in Cheshire distributed hundreds of flower bouquets to care homes, hospices and isolated individuals, while gardening volunteers elsewhere contributed food to local communities and maintained outdoor areas that residents increasingly valued. Volunteers reported improved wellbeing and stronger community bonds, and the Royal Horticultural Society noted rising appreciation for their efforts. Despite logistical challenges, new and existing groups expanded their impact, helping people cope with isolation and find comfort in nature during the pandemic.

Cerrie Burnell reflects on systemic ableism in Britain and warns that disabled people continue to face exclusion, a trend intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic. She highlights how segregation and outdated prejudices persist despite advances such as the Disability Discrimination Act, and argues that austerity policies and public messaging during the pandemic have further marginalised disabled people. The article outlines her documentary exploring the history and consequences of disability discrimination and her hopes for improved representation, accessibility, and nuanced narratives in media and society.

Older people in Wales are collaborating with the Cardiff-based charity Re-Live to create the digital theatre production Secret Country, using their own experiences to counter stereotypes of frailty during the Covid pandemic. Developed through online workshops, the performance highlights resilience, connection and personal reflection while supporting participants through challenges such as illness, isolation and recovery. The project builds on Re-Live’s long-standing community work and includes post-show discussions aimed at reducing stigma and fostering hope.

A graphic novel created by people affected by homelessness presents personal stories through art, aiming to challenge stereotypes and build empathy. Developed by the charity Accumulate, the project involved workshops that helped participants gain confidence, share traumatic experiences, and develop creative skills. Contributors Mitchel and Amalia describe the process as therapeutic and life‑changing, with Accumulate also offering scholarships and educational opportunities. Profits from the book support both creators and the charity, reinforcing its mission to provide hope and pathways toward independence.

Occupational therapists across the UK faced significant strain during the first wave of Covid-19, adapting to redeployment, increased caseloads, and new safety challenges while supporting patients recovering from infection and those whose health declined during lockdown. Staff reported fatigue, anxiety, and disrupted work-life balance, while teams prepared for a second wave by studying Covid rehabilitation needs and addressing a growing “deconditioning” problem among non-Covid patients. Therapists expect long-term impacts, including rising cases of post-viral fatigue syndromes, and note heightened risks for vulnerable groups such as homeless people. Despite the pressures, the profession’s value and visibility increased as occupational therapists continued essential frontline work.

Remote working during the pandemic blurred the boundaries between social workers’ personal and professional lives, intensifying workload pressures and emotional strain. Survey findings highlighted widespread concerns about work-life balance, while frontline workers described long hours, increased caseloads and reduced colleague support. Video-based engagement brought both challenges and unexpected benefits, with improved multi‑agency collaboration. Experts pointed to austerity, structural inequalities and increasing service-user needs as core drivers of pressure on the profession, calling for investment, better retention efforts and recognition of workers’ contributions. Flexible working was seen as achievable and potentially transformative if sustained beyond the crisis.

Music-based dementia sessions in Leeds provide culturally appropriate support for South Asian communities facing language barriers, stigma and low diagnosis rates. Practitioners highlight music’s ability to evoke memory, reduce isolation and improve mood, while charities call for increased research funding and more inclusive services. Voluntary groups help fill service gaps, and advocates urge embedding personalized music into dementia care from diagnosis through end-of-life.

A furloughed recruitment consultant describes how joining the NHS volunteer programme through the GoodSam app provided structure, purpose and social connection during lockdown. Regular errands and check‑in calls with vulnerable neighbours offered emotional fulfilment while helping reduce pressure on the NHS. The experience highlighted local needs, strengthened community awareness and reinforced motivation to continue volunteering beyond the pandemic.

Care homes across the UK are using video calls, digital storytimes and social media to keep residents connected with their families during lockdown. Homes report strong community support through letters, gifts and window visits, while intergenerational projects continue virtually. Staff emphasize the importance of maintaining residents’ spirits and fostering connection, highlighting acts of kindness that have emerged amid the pandemic.

UK care workers in self-isolation are facing hunger, debt and severe hardship as highlighted by the Care Workers’ Charity, which has launched a £1 million emergency appeal to provide £500 grants to affected staff. Many workers already living on the poverty line are forced to choose between isolating or earning enough to feed their families. The charity urges public and corporate donations while calling attention to insufficient childcare, lack of protective measures and inadequate sick pay. The GMB union warns that the crisis threatens the stability of the entire care system and demands full pay for infected staff.