In a year defined by significant policy shifts, the campaigning journalism of the Mirror has been at the forefront, securing tangible victories that are set to improve lives across the United Kingdom. From tackling child hunger to securing justice for families, 2025 has seen our readers' concerns translated into concrete action.
Major Policy Shifts and Social Justice
A landmark achievement came in the fight against child poverty. Following the Mirror's sustained campaign, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to extend free school meals to all households on Universal Credit. This overhaul of strict eligibility rules, set for September 2026, will make over half a million more children eligible for a nutritious hot dinner. The move is projected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty and help families save up to £500 annually.
In a powerful moment for accountability, decades of campaigning by Hillsborough families, backed by the Mirror, culminated in the introduction of the Hillsborough Law. This new bill aims to prevent state cover-ups, with the Prime Minister stating it would end "the culture of obfuscation and cover-up".
The government also performed a major U-turn on planned disability benefit cuts after Mirror reporting highlighted their devastating impact. Facing the threat of the biggest revolt of his premiership in June, Keir Starmer shelved reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) just 90 minutes before a critical vote. The plans will now await a review by Disabilities Minister Stephen Timms.
Public Health and Consumer Protection Wins
Protecting children's health was a central theme. After warnings about damage to health and behaviour in schools, the Mirror's efforts helped secure a ban on the sale of highly caffeinated energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster to under-16s. Announced in September, the ban will cover all retailers, including corner shops, vending machines, and online sales.
Another critical health victory came with a crackdown on 'cosmetic cowboys'. In July, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced new laws to regulate dangerous procedures like botched bum lifts and fillers, citing the Mirror's work in exposing the industry's hidden horrors. This followed the tragic death of 33-year-old mother Alice Webb after a non-surgical procedure.
For millions struggling to see an NHS dentist, hope arrived with a promise of hundreds of thousands of extra appointments. As part of changes to the flawed NHS contract in England from April 2026, dentists will be incentivised to offer urgent care for serious cases, a key goal of the Mirror's Dentists for All campaign.
Community, Remembrance, and Animal Welfare
Communities gained new power to save beloved local pubs thanks to the Mirror's campaign. The new 'right to buy' gives locals first refusal when community hubs like pubs are put up for sale, offering a lifeline to struggling high streets.
In a move to honour those affected by terrorism, the government established a national day of remembrance for victims and survivors, set for August 21, 2026. This responded to the Mirror's A Place to Remember campaign, with Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, calling it "an important step".
Just before Christmas, the government used its Animal Welfare Strategy to announce an outright ban on cruel puppy farming. This builds on Lucy's Law, secured by the Mirror in 2020, which made it illegal for dealers to sell puppies they had not bred themselves.
On a personal note, the Mirror's 'Missed' campaign helped find missing teenager Deante James alive six weeks after he disappeared from Enfield while suffering from psychosis. His mother Vandana credited the paper with pushing police to correct his details in their system, ensuring he was identified and is now receiving help.
These ten victories demonstrate the enduring power of campaigning journalism to hold power to account, change laws, and directly improve the lives of people across the nation.
