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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is associate editor at the Big Issue, where she specialises in coverage of the poverty and welfare system. She has interviewed prime ministers Andy Burnham and Sir Keir Starmer, written impactful series on the special education system, abortion rights and homelessness, led Big Issue takeovers by people with a learning disability, young people and people with Alzheimer's, as well as conducted many high-profile celebrity interviews. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025, was a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023 (formerly known as the 30 under 30) and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. She also has an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
Our children are in prison for murders they did not commit. We're fighting to change the law
Sally Halsall, the mother of Alex Henry, who is in prison for murder under the joint enterprise doctrine. Image: Supplied
Criminal justice

Our children are in prison for murders they did not commit. We're fighting to change the law

Water bills are going up in April 2025. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay
Cost of living crisis

Water bills are going up in April 2025. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay

I was trafficked and forced to work 23 hours a day. How was I meant to return to normality?
Modern slavery

I was trafficked and forced to work 23 hours a day. How was I meant to return to normality?

DWP payment dates in April 2025: When you will get your benefits this month
money
Benefits

DWP payment dates in April 2025: When you will get your benefits this month

DWP 'work coach shortage' could undermine Labour's bid to help disabled people into work
jobcentre plus/ dwp
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP 'work coach shortage' could undermine Labour's bid to help disabled people into work

Child poverty hits new record high – before Labour benefit cuts will push 50,000 more into hardship
child poverty taskforce
Child poverty

Child poverty hits new record high – before Labour benefit cuts will push 50,000 more into hardship

250,000 people will be plunged into poverty by benefit cuts, DWP analysis reveals
People protesting against the disability benefit cuts in Westminster.
Disability benefits

250,000 people will be plunged into poverty by benefit cuts, DWP analysis reveals

Rachel Reeves doubles down on welfare cuts in Spring Statement: 'This is change for the worse'
Rachel Reeves
Spring Statement

Rachel Reeves doubles down on welfare cuts in Spring Statement: 'This is change for the worse'

Families torn apart for not earning enough under 'unfair' visa rules: 'I can't take care of my husband'
Immigration

Families torn apart for not earning enough under 'unfair' visa rules: 'I can't take care of my husband'

'People are scared': Surge in helpline calls after Labour announces plans for benefit cuts
a person looking scared on a phone call
Disability benefits

'People are scared': Surge in helpline calls after Labour announces plans for benefit cuts

Cuts, taxes and Labour dissent: What to expect from the chancellor's Spring Statement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves
Spring Statement

Cuts, taxes and Labour dissent: What to expect from the chancellor's Spring Statement

'Frustrated, angry, exhausted': Food banks forced to 'throw out food donated by supermarkets'
Food bank shelves
Food banks

'Frustrated, angry, exhausted': Food banks forced to 'throw out food donated by supermarkets'