Farming concerns
After an expensive 2023 harvest, this autumn's weather has not been kind to farmers. Very dry conditions quickly turned to very wet. Crops thought to be safely growing have been overwhelmed by waterlogging and even flooding, with slugs and flea beetles adding to the damage. The political backdrop to this is a fundamental change in the way farming is funded. The Basic Payment Scheme, which has supported farmers to produce food, is being phased out in favour of incentives which exclusively support environmental benefits. However, while adjusting to the new situation, we give thanks to the Lord for 'Natural England' and 'Catchment Sensitive Farming', which are doing a great job of educating farmers and signposting available support, and for 'Farming Community Network', which provides practical help to those in difficulties. Pray for all in farming who are feeling weighed down by the burdens of weather, finance and regulation, for Christian farmers seeking to farm to God's glory, and for those who open their farms to schoolchildren and others.
Missing teenager found in France
A 17-year-old English boy, Alex Batty, who went missing in Spain in 2017, has been found in the town of Revel, France, six years after his disappearance. He is in good health, and is now awaiting the arrival of British authorities. His mother and grandfather, who took him on holiday and do not have parental guardianship, remain wanted in connection with his disappearance. Alex had been living in a spiritual community in Morocco, as his grandmother, his legal guardian, had previously suggested. He decided to leave the community and embark on his own path, eventually making his way to France. After walking through the Pyrenees foothills for days, he was spotted by a local delivery driver who picked him up. The area is known for attracting people in search of alternative lifestyles.
Ukraine war to continue - Putin
On 12 December Vladimir Putin asserted that peace will elude Ukraine until Russia achieves its unchanging objectives, despite nearly two years of heightened tensions with the West due to the ongoing conflict. During a lengthy year-end news conference, Putin offered some insight into Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine. He dismissed the idea of a second wave of reservist mobilisation, stating that there are already 617,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine, including 244,000 conscripts supporting professional military units. He emphasised Russian military advances in Ukraine, while accusing Kyiv of sacrificing its troops to gain Western aid. Putin, who has been in power for nearly 24 years, held this press conference as Ukraine seeks more US aid amid a faltering counteroffensive and waning Western backing. It was the first time he had faced questions from Western journalists since the conflict began. He also took questions from ordinary Russian citizens; reportedly at least two million questions were sent in.
Armenia / Azerbaijan: prisoner exchange a step forward
On 12 December, Armenia and Azerbaijan took a significant step forward by exchanging prisoners. This move follows years of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan annexed in September, resulting in most of its population fleeing to Armenia. The exchange, facilitated by the International Red Cross, involved the release of 10 Azerbaijani prisoners and the return of 15 Armenian captives. This act of goodwill was welcomed by the EU and the USA, who have been trying for years to persuade the two countries to sign a peace treaty. The exchange follows another positive move, an announcement on 7 December by Azerbaijan that it would not object to Armenia hosting COP29 in 2024: see
