THE evidence is now undeniable: the global shift to clean energy has begun in earnest. According to Ember's latest Global Electricity Review, renewables overtook coal to supply 33.8% of global electricity in 2025, the first time in over a century that coal has been surpassed.

More strikingly, clean electricity grew fast enough to meet all new global electricity demand last year, meaning the world used more power than ever before, yet none of that extra demand was met by fossil fuels. Solar alone met 75% of the increase in global electricity demand, while together with wind it accounted for 99% of demand growth.

The current turmoil engulfing the Middle East is making this transition even more urgent. Recent energy shocks have highlighted the inherent vulnerabilities of a system built around fossil fuels: exposure to price volatility, geopolitical risk, and supply disruption.

Every missile fired is another reminder of why energy independence matters. Investing in homegrown renewables is widely seen as a key strategy to lower that risk, as geopolitics continue to destabilise. The headline in the Financial Times says it all: “Investors pile into clean energy as Iran war drives push for energy security.”

The transition is happening now, and ongoing instability is accelerating it. Those counties that align their policies with this shift will be the winners. Farage and Badenoch need to be honest with us because the rapidly dwindling North Sea oil and gas won’t help one bit.

Dilys Morgan, via email

Dear Editor,

I’M writing to let you know about our petition and ask if you would support the introduction of a simple, humane duty requiring drivers to stop when safe to do so and take reasonable steps to assist an animal they have collided with. This is in relation to our current petition on the Government petition page which is live currently; Legislate to require drivers to report collisions with cats - Petitions

We already have over 30k signatures and, although a little way to go yet, we intend to hit the 100k before the deadline. We have to for it to go to debate!

The current law under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act is inconsistent and outdated. It requires reporting collisions with dogs, but not with cats - despite the fact that many dog breeds are smaller and less detectable than the average cat. This undermines the Government’s argument that cats are excluded because drivers “may not realise” they have hit one. If detectability were the criterion, small dogs would also be excluded, yet they are not. (see response on official petition page - response from the Government).

A modernised duty based on awareness of collision, rather than species, would be more coherent and more humane. It would not criminalise drivers who genuinely did not realise a collision occurred. Instead, it would ensure that where a driver is aware, they must stop when safe and take reasonable steps to assist - such as calling a vet or local authority.

This would reduce unnecessary suffering, increase the number of injured animals receiving help, and align the law with public expectations of responsible behaviour, and we just can't understand why we have to fight to get a bity of decency legislated for. Attached is a [picture of Henry that inspired the campaign and petition. He was tragically hit on the road and the driver just drove off leaving him for dead. How in 2026 is it OK in the UK to hit a cat and leave them scared, alone, in pain, or worse, roadside? We hope to have your support on this.

Yours sincerely,

Carlie, Mandy and Tiya

CatsMatter

Dear Editor,

I WOULD like to draw your readers’ attention to a pressing matter. Every day, despite some of the best medical care available in the world via our NHS, children are traumatised in hospital. Clinical environments, complex and painful procedures and isolation from friends can all build up to immense levels of stress. The anxiety can be particularly acute for little ones, who find it hard to understand what’s going on.

Healthcare-related trauma experienced in childhood can lead to the avoidance of medical appointments and delayed diagnosis and treatment. It can also affect access to care in adulthood and have a devastating impact on long-term emotional wellbeing. According to our research, 10% of adults in the UK said their childhood experiences of healthcare had negatively impacted their mental health.

Another little-known fact is that play can stop this trauma in its tracks. Starlight provides play resources to hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. We also provide support and high quality training to health play specialists and healthcare professionals to help them support children through play.

We have launched an appeal to reach even more children as soon as they need it because play can be the best medicine for babies, children and young people. Find out how you can help children like nine-year-old Arlo who has a rare genetic condition and has spent weeks in hospital at starlight.org.uk.

Sincerely,

Hannah Mattock

Individual giving manager, Starlight