No action
It is a historical fact that Britain can act with determination when crises arise but drags its feet in times between (Brexit is yet to be completed). The political system is at fault with no other party to challenge Labour or Conservative.
TG Springthorpe, Southend-on-Sea
Fair deal
I’ve just read Paul McNamee’s excellent piece ‘Look to Big Issue to get Britain working’ while enjoying a Fairtrade coffee. I already have a Big Issue subscription and now I’d like to buy one for Keir Starmer! He really should be listening to you. It was disappointing to read before the election that he isn’t a regular reader.
As you say, proper work opportunities can be a game changer. I want to add a plug here for carers / support workers. Some people say this work is unskilled. They obviously haven’t seen the talented people in these jobs. And cleaners – where would we be without them?
This kind of thinking shouldn’t stop at our borders. As customers we’re at the end of a long supply chain that starts with the hard, talented work of coffee farmers. They deserve a fair deal too!
Thanks to you and all at Big Issue.
Mary Robertson
A big year
Yesterday I was happy to unexpectedly encounter a vendor in Lancaster. It’s really nice to sometimes read a physical magazine instead of scrolling down the phone! Here are some memories I have of Big Issue in 2024:
A big change in my life happened this year: I moved to the UK in October for my postgraduate research. Soon after moving, I had the chance to join The Big Debate, which happened in Newcastle. I remember my body shaking with positive energy from the panels and the audience, who were passionate about improving their local community. I remember a conversation with a local gentleman who kindly spoke to me before the event. We were able to talk about various social issues such as the housing crisis and immigrant issues – partially because he was a great listener. I usually am reluctant to raise social ‘big issues’ with strangers. I won’t forget the vibes there. Meeting people who are eager to make society better gave me hope for living in this country.
Sayuri, Lancaster
Pearson wit
I was so pleased to have picked up a copy of Big Issue as there was an article by Adam Pearson. This gentleman is amusing, witty and self-effacing and I always appreciate his appearances on TV. What a lovely man!
H Hayhurst, Preston
RE: Andrew Ridgeley
I bought a Big Issue in Norwich and really enjoyed the article with Andrew Ridgeley’s thoughts on George Michael, and creating Last Christmas and its video filmed in Saas-Fee. The place is a favourite of ours. Last time we were there my two daughters spontaneously sang the song in the Felskinn cable car featured in the video, much to the embarrassment of their Swiss boyfriends.
The article stated that Saas-Fee can only be reached by cable car. In fact, there isn’t a cable car to the village. It is car-free, but there are electric taxis and electric buses. You can reach it either by driving up and parking on the outskirts or by taking the Post Bus to the centre. The director took an artistic licence – there is no accommodation where that cable car goes, just restaurants and an underground train that takes you to a glacier.
William Smith
Andrew Ridgeley is the essential catalyst that made it all happen for George Michael, as most fans know. Andrew is a class act, a solid friend and really the key that helped unlock George’s talent by getting him to actively pursue a record contract and make Wham! a reality.
What a cool, kind and intelligent person Andrew seems to be – it would be awesome to meet him. Being a fellow cyclist, especially.
u/Imaronin, Reddit
Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. This Christmas, you can make a lasting change on a vendor’s life. Buy a magazine from your local vendor in the street every week. If you can’t reach them, buy a Vendor Support Kit.
