Thursday, January 2, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week's Independent Voices roundup!

As we step into 2025, it's a great time to embrace change and set fresh priorities. Life coach Rhea Freeman suggests January is perfect for "weeding your circle" to nurture healthier relationships. Money coach Talia Loderick recommends choosing a single "word of the year" — like "growth," "balance," or "courage" — to focus your energy and intentions throughout the year.

For those simply relieved New Year's Eve is over, Maja Anushka shares who truly gets a pass for hating it.

In politics, Labour leader Keir Starmer faces an opportunity to rebuild trust after a rocky six months, while 2025 marks 25 years of Vladimir Putin's rule — a milestone that, as Mark Almond reflects, underscores the global challenges ahead.

On the home front, post-Christmas food waste remains an urgent issue. Felix Project CEO Charlotte Hill reminds us that tackling it is a collective effort. And for those looking to eat well on a budget, Flic Everett champions "Canuary" — a focus on creating wholesome meals with tinned food, reviving the lost art of storecupboard cooking.

Here's to clarity, purpose, and meaningful change in the year ahead.

Until next week!

Victoria Richards

Voices Editor | @nakedvix

Most commented this week

In the spotlight

Jimmy Carter saw peace in the Middle East – then came his big failure

By Mary Dejevsky

The PM must hold his nerve – it won't be long until the Musk slips

By John Rentoul

I love all dogs – but there's a problem with Britain's favourite breed

By Kate Spicer

Jocelyn Wildenstein's face launched a thousand trout pouts

By Rowan Pelling

After the New Orleans attack, will Trump abandon the Middle East?

By Mary Dejevsky

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FEATURED OPINION: OLIVIA PETTER

Baldoni has built a career on feminism – but does it all mean nothing?

With violence against women and girls rife, we need male allies more than ever.

Read more

Further reading

Having problems with work, love, family or friends? Get in touch with

My ex wrote a sensational book about me – and it backfired. Badly

When people we love tell lies to protect their own reputations, the hurt can linger for a long, long time. It's not fair, right or just – and I can sense the desperation you are feeling to tell your side of the story. Read more.

What do you want to see from the Labour government in 2025?

I do not recognise any political plusses of this Labour government even if they replaced Starmer so the only thing which would at least make them worthwhile would be if they took us back into the EU in some form which allows trade and freedom of travel. 

Restore HS2 in full. Achieve much closer relationship with EU, including youth exchange scheme. Solve the conundrum posed by water privatisation. Secure Covid corruption inquiry breakthroughs leading to convictions. Most of all: communicate morning, noon and night about what they are doing, why, and how it is improving the lot of the voter.

Share your opinion and read the full debate here

Charisma or honesty?

"Some complain that Keir Starmer 'lacks charisma' as if somehow 'charisma' would solve the problems. Well, they said that Boris Johnson had charisma. That went well.

"Despite some missteps, Starmer appears to be a man of integrity and justice. Given the country's recent experiences, this return to honesty is more important than ever," David Lowndes writes to The Independent.

Do you agree? Vote in the poll above and remember to come back next week to see how your opinion stacks up with other readers.

Last week, 70 per cent of readers said the House of Lords should be abolished, following a letter from Alex Ore.

Send your own thoughts to letters@independent.co.uk

Cartoon of the week

Dave Brown

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