The Big Issue

The Big Issue is one of Britain’s leading news and cultural magazines. Every week’s edition is packed full of original takes on the biggest issues of the day as well as interviews with the most significant figures in politics and entertainment. The Big Issue was founded 1991 to give people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to earn their own income. We continue to support hundreds of vendors across the UK and all proceeds from sales go to help anyone wanting to lift themselves out of poverty.

Going, going, gone

THE DISPATCH • News, views & miscellany

Last year, Sebastian ate Christmas dinner in a prison cell. This year, he’s cooking up a storm in a fine dining restaurant

The Big Issue

EDITOR’S LETTER • Look to Big Issue to get Britain working

BIRD’S WORDS • It will take modern thinking to solve an age-old problem

LETTERS

Frank Cottrell-Boyce • Acclaimed screenwriter, novelist, writer of London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, University Challenge points monster and, this year, he was appointed Children’s Laureate. Also, a terrible Duolingo cheat.

‘Like us, dogs know when they’re being loved’ • Who doesn’t love dogs? Loyal, loving, sometimes naughty but always nice, they are an essential part of the family and ask for so little in return. Many of our vendors have a dog – much-needed companions on their pitches as well as in their lives. So in time-honoured Big Issue Christmas tradition, we now celebrate all the amazing mutts (plus a few cats) and the vital work they do

*Most Valuable Pooch • We spend a day in Nottingham meeting a very special employee and see the support in place for people experiencing homelessness and their pets

The indispensable role of dogs

A dog’s life is happier than ours. Here’s why

Upper class wit of the year • The artist still known as James Blunt is a global superstar – and a global punchline. Aware of his Marmite status, he’s perfected the art of the self-effacing comeback on social media, and grown a whole new fanbase of loyal followers

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Pregnant, a refugee, and homeless at Christmas

STEVEN FRAYNE • His very own magic grandpa helped him beat the bullies. Then, as alter-ego Dynamo, his tricks wowed the world

Carla Denyer • As Green’s co-leader, this year she took the party to its biggest ever haul of Westminster seats (four). Likes an anagram.

TRYING TO STOP THOUGHTS

Books

A tail as old as time

KING CHRISTMAS STRIKES AGAIN • Richard Curtis can’t stop writing about Christmas. Two decades after Love Actually became a seasonal classic, a new animated movie, That Christmas, is re-wrapping his feelgood festive formula for the modern age

To be or not to be. That is PlayStation

‘BOXING GAVE ME A PLACE OF PEACE’ • Boxer Cindy Ngamba was the first person ever to win an Olympic medal for the IOC Refugee Team. She speaks to Big Issue about Home Office red tape, and the amazing feeling of being cheered on by strangers in the crowd at the 2024 Paris Olympics

ROBIN INCE IS ON THE ROAD

Ife Ogunjobi • Ezra Collective’s trumpet virtuoso has had another successful year with the band, and it looks like his beloved Chelsea FC are taking inspiration from him

Puzzles

MY PITCH • Motherwell Cross Monday-Saturday 11am-2.30pm