Well, 2023 didn’t exactly go to plan, did it? Here in the UK, prime minister Rishi Sunak had promised us a government of stability and competence after the rollercoaster ride of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Remember Liz? These days she seems like a long forgotten comedy act. Instead, Sunak took us even further through the looking-glass into the Conservative psychodrama.

Overseas, the picture has been no better. In the US, Donald Trump is now many people’s favourite to become president again. In Ukraine, the war has dragged on with no end in sight. Then there is the war in the Middle East and not forgetting the climate crisis …

But a new year brings new hope. We have to believe in change. That something better is possible. The Guardian will continue to cover events from all over the world and our reporting now feels especially important. But running a news gathering organisation doesn’t come cheap. So this year, I am asking you – if you can afford it – to give money. By supporting the Guardian from just £2 per month, we will be able to continue our mission to pursue the truth in all corners of the world.

With your help, we can make our journalism free to everyone. We couldn’t do this without you. Unlike our politicians, when we say we are in this together we mean it.

Happy new year!