In the House of Lords on 14 November, Archbishop Justin Welby congratulated Prince Charles on his 70th birthday and praised his ‘lifelong dedication’ to serving his country and his ongoing concern for young people, especially through the Prince’s Trust. He added: ‘There has been talk of meddling. In the Church we politely say “being prophetic”. He has shown his prophetic instincts, not least in his welcome advocacy of the critical need to protect the environment. His Royal Highness has also been a leader in speaking out on the plight of persecuted Christians around the world, something for which I am most grateful. His deep confidence in his own personal faith has been a basis for, as he has put it, “building bridges across chasms”. As the whole nation has seen, it is matched by his clear love for this country. We have united this year to celebrate his family’s joys, and I am delighted to express the same joy on this occasion.’

Research published on 14 November shows that London’s low-emission traffic zone has modestly reduced residents’ exposure to diesel engine pollution, but the better air quality has not brought improved lung health among children. The results suggest that while air pollution levels may be reduced by low emission zones, extra measures are needed to deliver air clean enough to improve health. WHO says that in addition to the pollution problems caused by diesel vehicles, nitrogen oxide - which has been linked to asthma and impaired lung development in children - has become a major problem. Professor Chris Griffiths, who co-led the research, said, ‘In many areas of London, air pollution still remains a major issue’.

A giant mosaic (20 metres high), made up of thousands of photos of ‘inspiring’ women, has been unveiled. Depicting Hilda Burkitt, a militant suffragette, it is now on show at Birmingham New Street station, where she threw a stone at the prime minister's train in 1909. Named Face of Suffrage, the artwork includes 3,724 photos from the public, who had responded to an appeal by artist Helen Marshall. Ms Marshall said: ‘The photo is the face of a smiling Edwardian lady, but her story is far from what we might expect.’ Jailed for breaking a window of Herbert Asquith's train, Burkitt went on hunger strike and was force-fed 292 times while at Birmingham's Winson Green prison. Ms Marshall said she chose Burkitt as the subject of her piece after people she spoke to ‘really seemed to connect’ with the picture the mosaic is based on. It will be on display until 14 December, marking 100 years since some British women were allowed to vote in a general election for the first time.

On Saturday 1 December the Salvation Army’s Fair Christmas Fayre, now in its eleventh year, will return to London’s Oxford Street. It will feature over 25 unique stalls selling eco-friendly, fairtrade, upcycled, recycled and charity gifts and fashion. The fayre, which will give shoppers a chance to enjoy the sparkle of Christmas in a way that is fair for the world’s poorest people and the planet, will be at Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street - just a few metres from Oxford Circus. ​​Organiser Hayley Still said: ‘We are delighted once again to bring together a rich variety of ethical traders. The fayre offers shoppers the opportunity to buy high quality Christmas gifts, whilst also making a difference to the lives of others.’