This issue has rectified itself
I had not realised lighting whilst strip mining in general is no longer having any visual effect. Where previously once a torch was place an area would illuminate this no longer happens.
Just been playing in realms and there are mobs galore excessive amount of husks, creepers and skeletons. Creepers are certainly spawning in daylight as well. Venturing anywhere is now a danger, also I have never seen as many zombie pigmen or endermen at one time.
I have also reported losing 2 hours of strip mining goodies. I left them in a chest to sort later and on my return the chest was empty.
This issue is not resolved as it is still happening. If this is meant to be funny it isn't. My game is presently unplayable and I don't expect to find I can't play a game because some knobhead at Mojang find this sort of behaviour amusing.