Hands, face and empty space: where Covid has left politics | Anywhere but Westminster

Among vacant shops and 15% unemployment, John Harris and John Domokos get immersed in Birmingham as it emerges from the pandemic. Amid despair, they discover hope - focused not on a Tory/Labour race for mayor, but communities brilliantly helping themselves
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#AnywhereButWestminster #Birmingham #Politics #UK #Community #Covid #Covid19

[@marcjameson7540]

Thank you so much John and John for this series. Watched the whole thing now several times through and nothing else even comes close to giving a such visceral sense of the country like this does. Every new episode feels like an event, a chance to see what is really going on, how people are really feeling, and more than anything an opportunity to materially see the consequences of the distant headlines that we see every day. Thank You

[@martaaparecidadossantos2578]

I agree.

[@Harry15171]

A true reflection of actual society & people! This type of content should be on mainstream TV, not the usual rubbish with smoke & mirrors we see on a daily basis.

[@mattiemclean9882]

Yawn.... have you only just realised that?

[@AtheistEve]

Only if you forget that “vox pops” are edited by people with their own political agendas.

[@cfraser2286]

@@AtheistEve which in this instance is?

[@FuriousImp]

@@AtheistEve What agenda?

[@AtheistEve]

@@FuriousImp it doesn’t matter what the agenda is, it’s easy to only target a certain person in a certain area on a certain day to obtain preferred responses. And it’s just as easy to leave all or most contradictory material on the cutting room floor, so to speak. So, this might well be a reflection of what this team of journalists want you to agree is actual society & people. It helps, of course, if they then post it to a site where the audience is already onside. It’s still smoke & mirrors, even if we agree with it. And, we often get vox pops on mainstream TV, it seems that Harry P prefers Guardian vox pops to ITN or BBC vox pops. Much better to get accurate data from research papers that don’t rely too much on hearsay and opinion.

[@goawayimsleeping509]

ANYWHERE BUT WESTMINSTER IS BACK! WOOHOO! Best series on this website. Can't get enough. Have watched all the previous ones about five times now.

[@MrDanielfff777]

I'm conservative and enjoy it

[@arbenrexha4159]

@@MrDanielfff777 t

[@arbenrexha4159]

T

[@MrDanielfff777]

@@arbenrexha4159 what

[@allyi302]

Ask man that lady made me cry at the end. Why would you not want to try? What a great attitude

[@fatbobe1986]

It really bugs me when people say "because of covid". It's usually because of government policies

[@homosexualpanic]

Covid was a wet dream for the current administration. A perfect distraction and scapegoat

[@reality0815]

Let’s see how the now compromised immune systems cope with the normal seasonal flu, no doubt they will blame a covid ‘variant’.

[@r8chlletters]

I wish you would do more frequent episodes! These are incredibly relevant not just to the locales you focus on closely but to the economic climates and systems that inhabit the western world in general.

[@TheDoosh79]

This needs to be on mainstream TV, yes I know lots of people get all their content online these days, but the people that need to watch this don't, they still get everything from the TV and red tops. Put this on prime time TV in the evening on one of the main channels, it would be a national service.

[@matthewprince9705]

They will never put this on TV. You do have a re-packaged version of shows like this on Channel 5. But that is sanitised, this is raw and real.

[@Fletcher883]

This is one of the finest pieces of journalism I've seen in some time. Real people in real communities and a presenter willing to let people speak their minds. Almost unthinkable in this age.

[@keithashley6298]

This is what life is really like.John Harris and John Domokos do a brilliant job with these films, often depressing but it shows how communities come together and make things better for themselves. Well done, there should be more reporting like this 👏

[@AporiaDocs]

John(s), I hope you guys realise how important this series is! It's one of my favourite things to watch on KZbin. So candid, so eyeopening. Keep going!

[@je6874]

That woman who lives in the poor estate: “I’ll probably vote Conservative”… no wonder your area is downtrodden.

[@anavelascoferia1804]

La ef8fzdfd

[@anavelascoferia1804]

Z3usei

[@anavelascoferia1804]

3i tdxezfrdt34reetff↘️🚫↘️⛔🇦🇽🇦🇽🚩🇦🇴🏳️🇦🇱:-(:-{

[@fokyoursocks]

It really confuses me how people in these areas vote Tory

[@BDaMonkey]

Tories have controlled the narrative really well.

[@CondemnedLegacy]

media mind virus

[@andrewrobinson2565]

People who think they are posh vote Tory, even when they aren't. Simples... (yes they are).

[@spo666tty]

@@andrewrobinson2565 what’re you talking about you lunatic. I’ve voted conservative before and I’m definitely not posh.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@spo666tty You prove my point.

[@molly7625]

This series needed to come back 👍🏻

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

Get that man some more swings, he's clearly upset by the fact there's only 4 swings in the local area.

[@shmeef279]

much better than the normal broadcast on tv that thing is absolutely and completely utterly useless, this was much better to watch, SERIOUSLY, KEEP THIS SERIES GOING!!!!!!!!!

[@alingard1]

these are really great, you find out 100 times more from these than , say, the news. real people, real stories. more please!

[@lonhowell1]

Brilliant journalism. So many people I speak to think that everything will magically get better. But they don't realise that for a small minority that is true, but so many other people will be struggling for years to come. Investment in towns and villages doesn't show immediately. Neglect doesn't either. It slowly erodes.

[@theGuardian]

If you valued this film, please consider supporting the Guardian. Your contribution will help us create more quality journalism free from billionaire backers or political interference. Thank you for being part of our global audience ► bit.ly/33FxVVP Watch other videos from the Anywhere but Westminster series ► www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/series/anywhere-but-westminster

[@martaaparecidadossantos2578]

Sure I will 😻👏🏼👏🏼

[@andrewrobinson2565]

I pay 6.90€ per month (just for this series....)

[@arthedainedain9846]

Lol - imagine supporting an organisation that literally detests your skin colour and race. You're alright, but the repugnant views hosted by your organisation precludes that. It would be like asking indigenous people to fund colonional interests.

[@lionsingh18]

Love The Guardian reporting and the series anywhere but westminster. reader for 3 decades. Respect. ..worked as a locum in Alum Rock and great community !!!

[@jiggely_spears]

Opening derelict buildings for small businesses to start up sounds a lot like Leeds in the mid 80s.....

[@HenryFurnell]

Landlords raising rent bit made me furious!!!, 5% increase in economy? I don't think so, no one's got any money. The local governments will make their increase from big businesses making payments saying let us build our massive company here there and taking over.

[@danielcrafter9349]

@@angrybrit7331 - ...and?

[@aavkka4769]

Love these little mini docs, best thing the guardian do!

[@ChillwithLaurenZen]

More of these please, these are brilliant. John is a great host too, he gets it.

[@shmeef279]

more media needs to be like this

[@MOJORAPSCALLION]

Brilliant love the ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive here I hope this project turns out a success the people in the community deserve it!

[@markf9761]

Full of admiration for how resilient these local residents are - good luck to them

[@jameseden9380]

Great journalism. More please. I contribute to the guardian because of this series.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Me too. 👍

[@tdtvegas]

It’s about time for a new episode!!

[@fat1fared]

I now live on the other side of the world, but your show helps me stay connected with my home; the good and the bad.

[@hmq9052]

We are having the worst economic downturn for 300 years. You don't need this guy with a camera to prove that

[@grainnemcdonagh6672]

i cannot express how much i LOVE this series

[@hello150]

What a great piece of film this was.

[@banksiasong]

But why the heck are Brits still voting Tory? Boris is privatising the NHS which saved his life for FS!

[@MrDanielfff777]

Tories are not privatising the NHS, this is a Labour lie that you guys have been using since the 80s

[@hocosta1]

Beatiful video, thank you guys !

[@isotonemusic]

thanks for all your work John(s)

[@JerryDreadlocks]

Great videos guys! Keep up the awesome work

[@szajko4360]

Great video, thank you!

[@anee]

When was this filmed? Because ever since non essential shops reopened, city centre has been busy as usual Edit: it seems like it was recorded the day before the May 6th Elections.

[@chrisbates7743]

Best documentary available glad your back

[@commonsense9176]

Love these videos

[@reallylionbastard]

Love this series ❤

[@neverforever4787]

I'm American and find this series incredibly insightful. Please consider using John Harris in the US version of this feature, he is far more personable than the other guy you currently have reporting.

[@John-ps6ce]

Food truck proprietor and wedding photographer. Love it.

[@johncee1481]

Kind of depressing.....why did they vote in Boris, UKIP/Brexit.....weird. Poor Britain

[@martaaparecidadossantos2578]

Nice video. I really enjoyed it. 💞

[@SillyKhoons]

We're from Wolverhampton 🤡🤡

[@marcuscosgrove9431]

Just wanted to say I really enjoy this content.

[@fdr3170]

How to ruin people lifes? Force them to stop working.

[@callumtindal9856]

Anywhere But Westminster is why I live. Bit ironic considering it’s extremely depressing

[@IEddits]

same here, quality content!

[@guidzoe6258]

Yesss I love this series

[@lw3646]

Interesting video, I want more from these, wish they were longer. I really liked seeing some of these people giving their views off the hoof. Wish they could have been a bit more concentrate in offering solutions in terms of what they'd like changed about their areas.

[@gavinturner5565]

What do you do with no 💰???

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

@@gavinturner5565 work

[@gavinturner5565]

@@chilli-iceolive-abode2447 Brexit hasn't created enough trade! Who's running to the U.K. now???

[@honved1]

@@chilli-iceolive-abode2447in an ideal world yes, but if there is no work, there is no money. The conservative mantra of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” is a simpletons response.

[@silversurfermusicco5263]

Great series and presenter seems to care about the matters in hand

[@InfernalPasquale]

Incredible journalism

[@paulronalddoe4548]

Superb.

[@burtcocain1986]

Was thinking "those buskers aren't half talented".

[@_joebyrne]

gd to have this series back !

[@martaaparecidadossantos2578]

Very nice! 💞

[@ddkdkdkdkdkdk1]

Remember these barren high streets before you all cry for lockdown again.

[@gufdrrh]

"June 21st back to normal" that aged well

[@AlasdairILoveOxford]

Why bother setting up a business with all the costs & risks, if the government can just close you down on evidence free risk assesments?

[@stuartbest95]

Great content as always, thank you! You should ask these people if they care about who paid for Boris Johnson's wallpaper... I imagine the answer is no

[@charlottemarceau8062]

Maybe now people have had a break from the habit/addiction of consuming for the sake of it they won't go back to it

[@DoubleDashDiamond]

This style of Journalism is bliss!

[@killerbee8892]

2:50 best advice at the minute

[@sameaulahad2824]

This was a good show, please make more id make a contribution but I’m on JSA but Yh more videos please

[@baikhous]

A wedding photographer, who always wanted to run a take away van... Riiiiiiiiiight.

[@lw3646]

The hospitality industry will recover, live events should return, people will begin travelling again. Your life is partly what you make of it, though obviously Covid 19 has caused many industries to take a massive hit. Birmingham badly needs to clean up its air quality. I wonder what all the people featured in this video think about that?

[@zentamm]

Covid caused nothing, it was government policy overeaction.

[@3DomSculpts]

Air travel will be none existent within 2 years due to mass pilot deaths and airlines refusing "vaccinated" individuals due to the risk of potential heart related issues in flight. (Screenshot this). Enjoy the show.

[@naeemtahir2012]

Weldon done sir

[@nichootin]

great as always but would love more subtitles, those british accents are quite tricky for a non native speaker

[@theGuardian]

Hey, thanks for watching and for the feedback. KZbin subtitles will be added shortly.

[@nswinoz3302]

What do you mean? I’m originally from there and I needed subtitled! NSW in Oz

[@Handmaderollies]

Birmingham accents are hard for some brits to understand as well. Its a very strong accent

[@klemmr3233]

Looking forward to hearing from Liam Byrne, the local MP.

[@oilburner225]

I can’t believe this is even the UK, so grateful I don’t live in such a dreadful place.

[@lb6651]

Nice to the communitys around ward end allem rock have a say n good to see the small bussiness pulling through u would usualy see me getting curry around there its the best. I Miss birmingham

[@nationharris]

In 2011 he looks like he's from the 70s

[@squeakysoliloquy83]

One guy says that the parks are ruined, trashed and burnt.... God damn MPs and councillors vandalising our neighbourhoods.

[@douglasluciano11]

Perhaps most people do not know that here in Brazil we are experiencing extreme difficulties, with an omitted government ... I am unemployed without any kind of income, with great difficulty even to feed me and my family, I am 46 years old, I broke my foot was working and my boss left me, without giving me any help and I no longer know who to turn to and with great shame I come here to ask for any help from anyone who feels touched. (I don't speak english, google translate)

[@hmq9052]

At least you have the internet. Some how.

[@emcdavee]

Lol it was busy af last Sunday?...

[@searlek]

Birmingham: The most depressing and uplifting place in Britain. Miss the place.

[@aureliuswright1456]

That man is correct, many of the issues faced by the poor areas across the U.K. existed before COVID . I hate that the Government and some people are trying to now convince everyone else that the issues people are facing are due to the pandemic. All of this is due to mismanagement of taxpayers money. Edit: On the other hand I am starting to not feel sorry for the poor. Voting for a party that’s has been in power for the last 11 years. The same party that has caused so many businesses to collapse, and has made their lives harder. People deserve the government they vote for.

[@LondonReps]

This is so much better than 99% of the muck by the Guardian. Proper non partisan stuff.

[@tonycodolo]

Sunny Uplands all the way.

[@henntendo]

The human spirit lives on- despite the tyranny and attempts to squash our freedoms.

[@NectarineSoup]

Harlows proper bustling compared to Birmingham

[@TomNook.]

These areas have been run down for decades now.

[@ChristopherPhillips]

John - how is talking to activists a true reflection of life? How is going to only the poorest areas going to show the reality?

[@jakehowie442]

It’s all about presentation and high standards. How do you present yourself, your town, home and employment profile. If you present it well, you will have a good outcome and you will appear well. If not, this is what happens in the video...

[@panda-wy5mk]

The playground is burned by who?

[@VorosMedve]

Keep on bursting that Westminster media bubble!

[@panda-wy5mk]

People vote by mail now. People don't go to polling stations. The vote by post.

[@lb6651]

Bet u someone with a lucrative parcel bussiness would drop in there quite nicely someone who wishd to have a city delivery hub with cashless stores inside 🤔

[@fleshboundtobone]

I hate to break it to you all but that is NOT UB40

[@308473mb]

The complete and utter decay of civil pride and investment underscores what society and politics think of neighborhoods like these: best forgotten, and if that can't be done, ignored. It doesn't help me to see that the majority of the inhabitants are people with (some) foreign roots, but going by your other mini-docs, it seems this societal curse is mostly one about socio-economic status. Color plays a side role, at best. That's my view on it anyway.

[@breohtbrusmid489]

The spectre of "big society" becomes a self fulfilling prophecy...

[@mgaka47]

Only the Guardian would bump into someone from the Circus . Did that young woman say she's from the generation that suffered under Covid ? Let's ignore the poor elderly then that died

[@mattfry3851]

“I’ll probably just vote Conservative”. Sums it all up really. Impossible to get through to people the damage that this indifference engenders. Quite chilling actually.

[@macmachine]

If you film the broken and hopeless everything will appear broken and hopeless. Most of the UK, people with jobs, are functioning, even in Covid. Maybe not gilded, but able to pay their bills and buy a pint. These films don´t show the middle ground. So they´re skewed.

[@gavinbissell8847]

Labour and the guardian, the gifts that keep on giving

[@011258stooie]

major coup in finding a bearded ginger top to bequeath yesteryears heritage, to 2021's pram pushing generation. And he carried the mandatory back pack, bless him ;)

[@garrybarry2268]

I don't know Birmingham at all but I know there are certainly jobs in Leeds and London. Yes, mainly in hospitality, but plenty of jobs....

[@abdulhaq40]

Have you applied to any of these jobs ?

[@garrybarry2268]

@@abdulhaq40 yes mate. Only in Leeds though. In London I have a friend who has just got a bar manager job (and turned down 3 others which weren't management)

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

Yeah same in Reading and Dartford easy to get work as usual there at least.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Sad thing is that, there will be more national and local lockdowns

[@dudeguy7347]

I don't know if it's because I'm American and have a hard time understanding British dialect or the background music/noise but I can barely understand the speech.

[@martaaparecidadossantos2578]

😂😂

[@nswinoz3302]

You’re not alone I grew up in Brum and took my Australian wife there on a return trip back for her nieces wedding in Ireland all of whom live in WA. Took her to Aston Hall, a stately hall right in the middle of Birmingham, to show her how bad it was and she was shocked at what it was like. Also needed to translate for her as she couldn’t understand sometimes! Scotland was even harder for her where I translated everything into Australian English for her except for the tour guide. NSW in Oz

[@primalconvoy]

Then learn more English, then. Also, it's not a "British" dialect, but the regional accent of Birmingham/Wolverhampton and surrounding areas.

[@nswinoz3302]

@@primalconvoy Mr Paul McCabe appears to have a better understanding of the English language than someone who is unable to use his name on line? A dialect is “a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group”,which is exactly what you stated but using only one word. I’m originally from Birmingham and my brothers’ wife is from Wolverhampton a mere 24km away, or 15 Miles for the Imperially challenged. When I first met her many years ago I needed a translator in order to understand what she was saying to me! These days not so much! My father-in-laws spoke five languages his fifth being English and he used to apologise for his poor pronunciation, my response to that was it’s my first language and I’m still learning it! Try being a little less critical of others and not being a Muppet! NSW in Oz

[@dudeguy7347]

@@primalconvoy You only needed one "then" in that first sentence.