Laura Hughes

Laura Hughes’s investigation into the thousands of old metal mines across the UK that continue to leech poisonous lead into waterways and soil before being consumed by animals and seeping into the food chain, is replete with shocking facts. For example, even low exposure to lead can endanger humans (increasing the risk of miscarriage, depression, kidney disease and heart attacks), while a young child regularly eating two contaminated eggs could suffer cognitive impairment.

But the most shocking fact of all is that the threat has been understood for over two decades, yet little has been done to warn people of the dangers, or deal with them.

Hughes’s research included weeks spent identifying and visiting abandoned mines, following rivers downstream and knocking on farmers’ doors, many of whom would speak only anonymously about the effect on the animals they were rearing for public consumption. She also spoke to the retired academics behind government-commissioned (and then ignored) reports, and used FOI requests to reveal the extent of the problem.

Her reporting has so far prompted responses from a parliamentary committee and the UK’s independent food safety watchdog. “Exclusive, groundbreaking and original coverage – a strong example of public interest journalism,” said the judges.