The housing crisis needs better solutions than this | Letters

John Harris’s article on poverty and housing in the UK’s hinterlands is both moving and a vital element of the combined analytical framework that describes the situation in modern Britain (A waiting list of thousands, and just five new homes for social rent: this city shows the depth of Britain’s housing crisis, 19 October).Harris notes, though, that “On the upside, the renters’ rights bill … is about to receive royal assent”. I appreciate the sentiment, but it misses two vital points. First, does anyone believe that a bill imagined by the previous Tory government and written by this current Labour one will be effectively worded and enforced? This would require courage and competence.Second, and more importantly, the new bill actively alienates landlords rather than viewing them as partners in a process of reciprocal and mutual need

Samaritans accused of stifling dissent and bullying over branch closure plans

Samaritans has been accused of bullying behaviour and shutting down dissent after suspending a number of senior volunteers who spoke out publicly against its controversial plans to close as many as half of its 200 UK branches.The mental health charity suspended at least two of its branch directors and one former branch director on Tuesday, 48 hours before its annual general meeting.It refused to elaborate on the suspensions other than to say complaints had been received about “the recent conduct of a small number of volunteers” and that these would be investigated “in the normal way”.One volunteer said the suspensions had been greeted with outrage and disbelief. “It’s petty and stupid and self-defeating,” they said

NHS staff: have you seen or been affected by violence in hospital?

According to the Royal College of Nursing, incidents of violence against A&E nurses have almost doubled over the last six years, often due to people being frustrated at waiting so long for care. Incidents include nurses being punched, spat at and pinned up against a wall.We would like to hear from NHS staff about their experiences of seeing or being the victim of violence in hospitals. What happened and was the incident reported? If the police were involved, what was the outcome?You can tell us about your experiences of violence in the NHS by filling in the form below, or messaging us.Please include as much detail as possible

Walking just 4,000 daily steps once a week cuts risk of early death in older people, study suggests

Older people who only walk 4,000 daily steps once a week still reduce their risk of dying early by a quarter, a study suggests.Staying active is known to bring a wide range of health benefits. But many people in their 60s, 70s and beyond may struggle for a variety of reasons to maintain the step count they used to reach. Until now it has been unclear how much people need to do as they age to reap the rewards.Research led by Harvard University has some answers

UK grooming gang inquiry faces further disruption as candidate for leader withdraws

A national grooming gang inquiry ordered by Keir Starmer is facing further disruption after one of two candidates who had been shortlisted to lead it withdrew from the process.Annie Hudson, a former director of children’s services for Lambeth, told survivors on Tuesday that she no longer wanted to be considered after intense media coverage.Her decision comes after three abuse survivors resigned from their roles on the victims and survivors liaison panel, accusing the Home Office and ministers of sidelining them and manipulating the agenda.“Elizabeth”, which is not her real name, stepped down on Tuesday, joining Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds, who quit the panel on Monday in protest.Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, has denied claims of a cover-up and insisted her government was “committed to exposing the failures” to tackle “these appalling crimes”

The ultimate meaning of ‘six-sevvuhnn!’ and everything | Brief letters

I trust that the young people saying “six-seven” (Pass notes, 20 October) realise that the product of those two numbers is 42, which, according to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, is “the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything”. It’s what we old people say.Toby WoodPeterborough My 13-year-old granddaughter, Sophia, confirms that randomly yelling “Six-sevvuhnn!” is trending at her school. This sort of thing is nothing new: when her mother was at school, the fashionable standard greeting between teenage boys was “Whassup?”.Mark NewburyFarndale, Yorkshire “Prince” Andrew still reflects unearned privilege (Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with king’, 17 October)