The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & Entertainment10 Reform policies that would clobber Brits - from trade war to online safety and net zero
Darren Fower#GordonBrown sold UK gold at around $275–300 per ounce!
-> NOTE: The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549 (£3,378) an ounce before slipping after Christmas to stand at about $4,350 on New Year's Eve.
-> NOTE: The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549 (£3,378) an ounce before slipping after Christmas to stand at about $4,350 on New Year's Eve.
World news | The GuardianBrown’s allies could wreck Labour’s 2005 election hopes, Mandelson warned https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/dec/30/gordon-brown-allies-could-wreck-labour-2005-election-peter-mandelson #Labour #PeterMandelson #TonyBlair #GordonBrown #PoliticsPast #NationalArchives #UkGeneralElection2005 #Politics #UkNews
KEVIN MAGUIRE: Donald Trump siding with 'soulmate tyrant' Putin means UK can't rely on US
EditorVirgin Media O2 donates hundreds of smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank
Hundreds of people in Swansea facing financial hardship will be able to stay connected this winter thanks to a donation of smartphones and free O2 mobile data from Virgin Media O2.
The devices have been handed to Cwtch Mawr Multibank, the city’s one‑stop shop for essential non‑food items, which is run by Faith in Families. The scheme, set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, already provides clothing, furniture and toys — and now connectivity has been added to the list.
Targeted support for those most in need
Community leaders across Swansea are working with health professionals and schools to identify who needs the phones and data most. Recipients include people who have been made redundant, young people leaving care, refugees, and survivors of domestic abuse.
With a working phone and data, people can book medical appointments, apply for jobs, access training, manage housing applications, and stay in touch with loved ones.
Jakob, who received a smartphone through the scheme, said:
“When I was in temporary housing, I didn’t have a phone or internet, which made things really tough. Now I can use GPS to find my way around, learn more about the area, and I feel a lot safer knowing I can reach out for help if I need it.”
Backed by leaders
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the company was proud to support Swansea’s Multibank:
“We know how important it is to have access to the internet. This partnership is helping to put phones and mobile data into the hands of people who really need it.”
Jonathan Waite, Facility and Development Manager at Faith in Families, added:
“Without a phone or data, people are effectively cut off from the support around them. For survivors of domestic abuse and those in temporary accommodation, having a safe, reliable phone can mean control, safety and independence at the moment they need it most.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, welcomed the initiative, calling it “much needed digital solidarity.”
And former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who is President of The Multibank, said:
“Having access to the internet is now as essential as electricity, water and gas. Virgin Media O2’s partnership will boost digital wellbeing and social inclusion, bringing hope to where it’s needed most.”
Tackling digital exclusion
The donation is part of Virgin Media O2’s pledge to hand over up to 12,000 devices in 2025 through its Community Calling programme with charity Hubbub. Phones are sourced from the company’s supply chain, tackling electronic waste while helping those who can’t afford devices or data.
It builds on wider efforts to tackle digital exclusion, including the National Databank, which provides free O2 data, and social tariffs for broadband and mobile customers on benefits.
Related stories: Cwtch Mawr Multibank
New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
Faith in Families officially opens its larger warehouse in Swansea Vale, boosting support for families in crisis.
Swansea Multibank campaigns to combat child hygiene poverty
Drive launched to ensure children return to school with dignity and confidence.
Local Multibank helping 120,000 people a year gets £30K boost
Funding injection supports expansion of essential non-food donations across South West Wales.
New charity initiative already supporting thousands
Families, care leavers and those hit by the cost of living crisis benefit from Swansea’s Multibank.
Swansea project provides over 62,000 essential items
Cwtch Mawr delivers clothing, furniture and essentials to struggling households across the city.
#CwtchMawr #digitalExclusion #FaithInFamilies #GordonBrown #JaneHuttMS #MobilePhone #Multibank #Swansea #VirginMediaO2
Donald RoyUnfortunately #tonyblair was quite happy to see that attrition continue - as were 'ultras' such as #alanmilburn . The people round #gordonbrown were rather more sceptical so the attrition stopped - and was even reversed albeit partially - for a while from 2007 onwards. Unfortunately the business of advocating further degrading of state capacity can be pretty lucrative - especially if the beneficiaries of outsourcing think individuals or organisations can influence #labour !
M. Grégoire"In a June 2025 poll by the campaign group Care Not Killing, 65% agreed that the government should prioritise sorting out palliative, social and end-of-life care before considering whether to introduce assisted dying. Given the damning evidence of underfunding in end-of-life care, the message that the members of both parliaments should now take on board is that assisted living matters too."
#ukpol #MAiD #AssistedDying #DoctorsKillingPatients
#TheGuardian
CheshireIt is not too late to put the brakes on assisted dying, and focus on what is really needed
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/02/assisted-dying-palliative-care-underfunded-politicians?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
#GordonBrown
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/02/assisted-dying-palliative-care-underfunded-politicians?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
#GordonBrown
Andrew most named Brit in Epstein files as stars, royals and politicians referenced
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/andrew-most-named-brit-epstein-36269911
TomIf #JohnMajor and #GordonBrown started a party I would vote for that. Competent, honourable, and effective government seems like a dim and distant dream these days. #UKPolitics.