In an NHS ward I saw how Britain relies on immigrants. Yet still we tell them they’re not wanted | John Harris
My dad’s journey through the health and social care systems proves what politicians secretly know: we’ll be lost if they succeed in ‘sending them home’
One bitter absurdity now sits at the heart of British life. It centres on the NHS, our strained systems of social care and an ever-more toxic and hateful conversation about immigration. Without hundreds of thousands of people who have come to the UK from abroad, the most basic aspects of how we look after old, infirm and ill people would simply collapse. Politics, however, increasingly seems to demand that this truth has to be denied – and the result is a level of hypocrisy that is remarkable even by modern standards.
Three weeks before last Christmas, my dad – who turns 89 next month – fell down a flight of stairs, and broke his hip. After a terrifyingly long wait for an ambulance, he was admitted to hospital in Macclesfield, Cheshire, and operated on. In the midst of yet another awful NHS winter, the treatment he received felt faintly miraculous. And there was another aspect of his stay that seemed no less remarkable. Macclesfield is hardly the most diverse place in the world, but most of the doctors and nurses who so carefully looked after him were first-generation immigrants, mostly either from African countries, or India: people regularly overburdened and rushed off their feet, but who answered my endless questions and queries with an amazing grace and patience.
John Harris is a Guardian columnist
Continue reading...-
This is how we do it: ‘If she wants me to dominate her, I will. It brings her happiness’
It came as a shock to Chiara and Frank when they realised they were doing BDSM. They thought they were just having great sex! How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymously . I ...The Guardian - Feb. 8 -
Ukrainian film producer Alexander Rodnyansky: ‘Russians didn’t want politics — we gave them hits’
His blockbusters once gripped Moscow. Now an enemy of the state, he wonders if they helped pave the way for warFinancial Times - 5d -
How Do You Feel About Dining Alone? We Want to Hear.
We’re asking readers to help us understand solo dining in America.The New York Times - Feb. 13 -
I love my kids but I regret having them. How can I accept my life as a parent? | Leading questions
It may help to view parenthood as a rapidly changing condition, advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith says. It’s also important not to struggle with these feelings alone. Read more Leading ...The Guardian - 5h -
‘My wife and I are very grateful’: Our son wants to pay off our mortgage before we retire. Will this backfire?
“He’s also the executor of our will.”MarketWatch - 20h -
Trump administration wants to un-fire nuclear safety workers but can’t figure out how to reach them
National Nuclear Security Administration officials attempted to notify some employees who had been let go that they are now due to be reinstated but struggled to find them because they didn't have ...NBC News - 4d -
Woman stuck for 18 months on an NHS ward evicted from her hospital bed
She lived in a cubicle, despite being fit to leave, because of difficulties finding a care home.BBC News - Feb. 8 -
John Lithgow set to play Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV series – reports
Actor reportedly in final negotiations to follow up performance in Oscar-nominated hit Conclave with key role in much-anticipated HBO series. John Lithgow is nearing a deal to star as Professor ...The Guardian - Feb. 12 -
John Lithgow tipped to be Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV show
The Oscar-nominated star is reportedly "in final talks" to sign up to play the Hogwarts headmaster.BBC News - Feb. 13
More from The Guardian
-
We are on cusp of peace in Europe thanks to Trump, claims JD Vance – Europe live
US vice-president says Trump is determined to ‘bring peace to this endless war’. Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US and Europe People in the US: share your views on Trump’s ...The Guardian - 22m -
‘One of the hardest days’ in Israel as Hamas hands over hostages’ bodies
Remains of two young children, their mother and an elderly man arrive in Tel Aviv after ‘cruel’ handover in Gaza. The remains of two young children, their mother, and an elderly man taken hostage ...The Guardian - 1h -
Revealed: US firm running Guantánamo migrant jail accused over rights abuses
Corporate conglomerate Akima subject of critical audits and complaints over detainee treatment at facilities in US. A corporate conglomerate now running the US government’s immigration detention ...The Guardian - 8h -
James Bond producers give Amazon full creative control of 007
Deal is struck with heirs to film producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, long-serving stewards of franchise. James Bond has fallen into the hands of a billionaire’s business empire after Amazon revealed ...The Guardian - 1h -
Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US and Europe in CPAC speech
Vice-president also reaffirmed the administration’s Ukraine stance at largest conservative voters conference. US politics live – latest updates JD Vance marked one month since the Trump ...The Guardian - 41m
More in World
-
Europa League playoffs: Roma v Porto, Galatasaray v AZ and more – live
Europa League updates from around the grounds Live scoreboard | Read Football Daily | And mail Rob 45 min: Roma 2-1 Porto (agg: 3-2) Roma almost scored a third a moment ago, with a shot ...The Guardian - 14m -
Senators applaud McConnell as Republican vows to keep working until end of term in 2026 – live
Republican senator announces he won’t seek re-election in 2026, capping a decadeslong career in Congress. Mitch McConnell won’t seek Senate re-election in 2026 Donald Trump signed another ...The Guardian - 16m -
We are on cusp of peace in Europe thanks to Trump, claims JD Vance – Europe live
US vice-president says Trump is determined to ‘bring peace to this endless war’. Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US and Europe People in the US: share your views on Trump’s ...The Guardian - 22m -
La Cruz Roja dice que los rehenes israelíes deben ser liberados con ‘dignidad y privacidad’
Yahoo News - 23m -
Hamas returns 4 Israeli hostages' bodies, believed to include mom, 2 young kids
Hamas released the bodies of 4 Israeli hostages, including, it's believed, the youngest captive taken in the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack, Kfir Bibas, and his brother and mother.CBS News - 29m