NEW YEAR, SAME PROBLEMS

WRITTEN BY ANNA MALEWICZ

There is almost always a relentless optimism surrounding the start of a new year, a refreshed mindset fixated on hope and change for the better, on personal growth and new opportunities Yet the start of 2023 brings little promise of change, instead forcing us to succumb to apathy or frustration, inevitable when considering the same problems persist that have persisted for a while. Whether it be anger at the government’s failure to resolve the Cost of Living Crisis and consequent economic instability, or disappointment that people have somewhat forgotten about the conflict still occurring in countries like Ukraine and Iran, it is understandable this year brings with it a sense of pessimism and fear for the future, but perhaps we can utilise the somewhat naïve premise of a new year and fresh start to consider how we can collectively help others and think of different solutions to tackle and eliminate these same problems.

Cost of Living Crisis and Anti-strikes legislation

One of this year’s recurring themes thus far is the Cost of Living crisis, with data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting that 93 per cent of the population saw an increase in their living costs compared with a year ago, with inflation currently being at 10.7%. Fortunately, the government will be offering some financial support, such as a £900 cost of living payment to those receiving benefits, as well disability and pensioner payment support. However, with many people’s wages not increasing to accommodate this unprecedented rise in living costs, workers have resorted to strikes to demand a fair pay deal, with the continuation of strikes by groups such as teachers, nurses and ambulance workers presenting a dire need for change in these vital sectors Yet rather than attempt negotiation that could undoubtedly prevent the need for strikes in the first place, the government is currently considering passing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which would allow the government to decide ‘minimum service regulations’ and potentially give employers the right to fire striking staff Mick Lynch (general secretary of the RMT rail union), one of the critics of this bill, referred to it as ‘an attack on human rights and civil liberties’ Striking is a fundamental right and restricting it threatens the democratic values everyone should be entitled to.

Iran Protests

Protests began in September, fuelled by anger caused by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for violating Iran's rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab. Yet conflict is continuing to escalate in Iran, with threats of violence higher than ever before. Although protests initially focused on fighting for women’s rights, there are now more general demands for freedom and the overthrow of the state. There is currently less video coverage of the events unfolding, but this is due to fear of arrest and even execution by the Irani security forces, with death being an imminent fear. At least 552 people have been killed during the protests according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Last week another two antigovernment protestors were brutally executed following an ‘unfair trial based on forced confessions’, according to the UN. Amnesty International has also reported prisoners facing torture or ill-treatment in custody and there is also recent suppression of the Internet. Ultimately, there is widespread discontent amongst the international community and a general consensus that the regime should cease to use force against protestors and innocent people.

Ukraine War

Another prominent event in 2022 was Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Unfortunately fighting is still occurring and it unclear when conflict will end, particularly now as horror at the events unfolding has led to other countries becoming involved This is evident by the UK’s recent announcement to send a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks to ‘intensify our support to Ukraine’ and ‘accelerate Ukrainian success’, with threats from the Kremlin that ‘British tanks will burn’ being indicative of rising tensions and uncertainty for the future The war has led to immense loss of life, with over 42,000 deaths, as well as 54,000 injuries and approximately 14million displaced people Missile strikes continue, such as in the city of Dnipro, creating destruction and chaos in a once peaceful country now ravaged by war.