As 2025 draws to a close, the UK continues to struggle with the cost of living crisis, the rise of anti-immigration rhetoric, and a landscape where flags fly from lampposts as a symbol of division. For human rights defenders it has been a challenging year. But within these struggles there are voices of determination and resistance.
This collection of six stories offers some optimism through the eyes of younger and emerging writers who confront injustice, and share alternative perspectives.
From the cruelty of welfare policies that punish grieving families to the surge of far-right riots, these stories are told with hope and courage. Written by journalists, students and new voices in social justice, these pieces invite readers to imagine a different, fairer Britain.
We look forward to sharing more in 2026. If you would like to share your story, get in touch.
How austerity and benefits policies punish grieving people
The pain of grieving a loved one is intensified when those mourning are also cut off from the welfare and benefits payments they need to survive. With personal experience of this, Kai Charles explores how UK welfare policy and the legacy of Austerity Britain hurts the poor, disabled and marginalised.
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Without Banaz’s Law, UK ‘honour’-based abuse reforms fail Black, minoritised and migrant victim-survivors
Like many, Banaz Mahmod longed to marry for love. Instead, at just 17 years old, she was forced into an arranged marriage, as was customary in her Iraqi-Kurdish community. This piece tells the story of Banaz, and the ongoing fight by Southall Black Sisters for the protection of women from honour-based abuse.
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A short story of loss, displacement and gentrification in south London
In this piece of creative writing, the student writer highlights the hotly contested topic of gentrification and its subtle nature, asking when the celebration of culture turns into the commodification of culture. She asks how gentrification affects the social and cultural fabric of communities, and their sense of identity.
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The far-right racist riots of summer 2024: Britain’s hidden bigotry
Looking back on the 2024 UK riots, this story by a first-year student conveys the fear and frustration of many people who no longer felt safe in the country that is their home. Reflecting on her identity as a first-generation British-Sri Lankan, undergraduate Law student Nasha Salahudeen wrote this piece for the annual Lacuna Writing Competition.
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Neglect, denial and delay: The dangers to disabled people in prison and police custody
What is it like to be disabled in prison or police custody? If something goes wrong, how do you access the structures, tools and treatment you need to survive? Around 36% of UK prisoners are disabled. Our second story in this collection by Kai Charles investigates their experiences, finding a pattern of neglect, denial and delay within the confines of a crumbling carceral system.
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Through The Mirror: A lesson in Black British history
Why do we learn so little about Black British history at school and through the media? In our final student story, a young podcaster interviews her grandmother to learn about the past. From memories of the Bristol Bus Boycott to the toppling of the Colston statue, they discuss key moments and figures in the campaign for racial equality in Britain.
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Thank you to all the writers and readers of the stories we’ve published this year. We look forward to bringing you more in the year ahead.
Featured image by Lacuna artist Emily Wong.
