In a year defined by significant political and social shifts, the campaigning journalism of the Mirror has been a driving force for tangible change. Throughout 2025, our relentless focus on key issues affecting ordinary Britons has translated into concrete government action, legal reforms, and vital support for communities across the nation.
Securing Support for Families and the Vulnerable
A landmark victory was achieved in the fight against child poverty. Following the Mirror's sustained campaign to end hunger in schools, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to extend free school meals to all households on Universal Credit. This transformative policy, set for implementation in September 2026, will make over half a million more children eligible for a nutritious hot dinner. The overhaul of strict eligibility rules is projected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty and help families save up to £500 annually.
In another crucial win for vulnerable citizens, planned cuts to disability benefits were dramatically scaled back. The Mirror's reporting on the devastating impact of proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) galvanised opposition, leading to a major Labour backbench revolt. Facing defeat, the government performed a U-turn just 90 minutes before a critical vote. The plans to tighten eligibility have now been shelved pending a review by Disabilities Minister Stephen Timms.
Delivering Justice and Protecting Public Health
Decades of campaigning by Hillsborough families, backed by the Mirror, culminated in a historic legislative proposal. The new Hillsborough Law, introduced to prevent state cover-ups, was described by the Prime Minister as being "in memory of the 97" victims of the disaster. The law aims to end what Starmer called "the culture of obfuscation and cover-up" by public institutions.
Public health also saw critical interventions. Responding to the Mirror's campaign, the government announced a ban on the sale of highly caffeinated energy drinks like Red Bull and Prime to under-16s. The ban, announced in September, will apply across all retailers, including corner shops and online, closing a loophole that left children exposed to products damaging to their health and behaviour.
Furthermore, a crackdown on dangerous cosmetic procedures was secured. After the Mirror highlighted the hidden horrors of the industry, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced new laws to regulate backstreet clinics offering risky bum lifts, lip fillers, and Botox. This followed the tragic death of 33-year-old Alice Webb after a non-surgical procedure.
Community Wins and Systemic Reforms
The Mirror's advocacy extended to local communities and essential services. Our campaign to save Britain's pubs led to new powers for communities, giving them first refusal to buy cherished locals, cafes, and clubs when they go up for sale, offering a lifeline to struggling high streets.
In healthcare, the Dentists for All campaign prompted significant action. The government promised hundreds of thousands of extra NHS dental appointments and, from April 2026, will introduce a reformed NHS contract in England to incentivise dentists to provide urgent care for serious cases like infections or severe pain.
The power of focused reporting was starkly demonstrated in the case of missing teenager Deante James. The 17-year-old, who had vanished from Enfield while suffering from psychosis, was found safe six weeks after the Mirror highlighted his case as part of our 'Missed' campaign. His mother Vandana credited the coverage with pushing police to correct his details in their system.
In a move to honour victims of terrorism, the government established a national day of remembrance on August 21, 2026, following the Mirror's 'A Place to Remember' campaign. Figen and Stuart Murray, parents of Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, said the day would formally recognise the profound loss experienced by victims and survivors.
Finally, just before Christmas, the government committed to an outright ban on cruel puppy farms as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, building on the earlier 'Lucy's Law' which the Mirror had championed.
From the dinner table to the courtroom, and from the dentist's chair to the community pub, the Mirror's campaigning in 2025 has proven that persistent journalism can be a powerful catalyst for improving lives and holding power to account.
