Ben Barr
@benjaminbarr.bsky.social
Professor in Applied Public Health Research. Head WHO collaborating centre for policy research on the determinants of health equity.
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/population-health/staff/benjamin-barr/ . Was once an anthropologist, maybe I still am.
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/population-health/staff/benjamin-barr/ . Was once an anthropologist, maybe I still am.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Happy Birthday to William Blake, who knows where the wild things are...
November 28, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Happy Birthday to William Blake, who knows where the wild things are...
Reposted by Ben Barr
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
November 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Read my mum's experience. 24 Hours in A and E redwineinmyseventies.co.uk/2025/11/25/2...
24 Hours in A and E
I am standing in a queue for the reception to the accident and emergency department and am gasping for breath. Why are there no chairs? A slim woman next to me is in obvious pain and clutching her …
redwineinmyseventies.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Read my mum's experience. 24 Hours in A and E redwineinmyseventies.co.uk/2025/11/25/2...
Evaluating the impact of a structured medication optimisation review on prescribing patterns and bleeding risk among patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): a difference-in-differences study. bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/14/4...
Evaluating the impact of a structured medication optimisation review on prescribing patterns and bleeding risk among patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): a difference-in-differences...
Objective To evaluate the safety of implementing structured medication optimisation reviews (SMORs) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). SMORs aime...
bmjopenquality.bmj.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Evaluating the impact of a structured medication optimisation review on prescribing patterns and bleeding risk among patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): a difference-in-differences study. bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/14/4...
Reposted by Ben Barr
Great to see ARC NWC’s contribution highlighted, with expertise from Equitable Place-Based Health and Care theme lead Prof Heather Brown on the economics of health inequalities, along with research from Prof Ben Barr, theme lead for Improving Population Health.
The report, was produced by HEN academics from @newcastleuni.bsky.social, @manchester.ac.uk @lancasteruni.bsky.social & @teessideuni.bsky.social
Read the full report: www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/poor-health-...
8/9
Read the full report: www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/poor-health-...
8/9
Poor health in the North costing the UK billions in lost productivity - Health Equity North
Closing the health gap between the North and the rest of England could put an extra £18.4 billion into the economy per year, according to new research. A report released today (November 20, 2025) by H...
www.healthequitynorth.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Great to see ARC NWC’s contribution highlighted, with expertise from Equitable Place-Based Health and Care theme lead Prof Heather Brown on the economics of health inequalities, along with research from Prof Ben Barr, theme lead for Improving Population Health.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Most of the public know what’s going on with flags on lamp posts.
Crucially for the government, 78% of its 2024 voters think anti-minority sentiment is involved in flying England flags (versus just 15% who think it’s just a national pride thing).
They are getting the politics of this all wrong.
Crucially for the government, 78% of its 2024 voters think anti-minority sentiment is involved in flying England flags (versus just 15% who think it’s just a national pride thing).
They are getting the politics of this all wrong.
Why do people think England flags have been raised on lampposts?
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
November 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Most of the public know what’s going on with flags on lamp posts.
Crucially for the government, 78% of its 2024 voters think anti-minority sentiment is involved in flying England flags (versus just 15% who think it’s just a national pride thing).
They are getting the politics of this all wrong.
Crucially for the government, 78% of its 2024 voters think anti-minority sentiment is involved in flying England flags (versus just 15% who think it’s just a national pride thing).
They are getting the politics of this all wrong.
Reposted by Ben Barr
I wrote a little bit about the "missing heritability" question and several recent studies that have brought it to a close. A short 🧵
The missing heritability question is now (mostly) answered
Not with a bang but with a whimper
theinfinitesimal.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:34 PM
I wrote a little bit about the "missing heritability" question and several recent studies that have brought it to a close. A short 🧵
Reposted by Ben Barr
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood made more explicit her argument that when ethnic minorities face racism, "we have no choice but to ask: what is the cause of our division"
Her answer is the level of net migration, 2019-23 causes racism. (She on Monday said it was caused by the scale of asylum)
Her answer is the level of net migration, 2019-23 causes racism. (She on Monday said it was caused by the scale of asylum)
November 21, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood made more explicit her argument that when ethnic minorities face racism, "we have no choice but to ask: what is the cause of our division"
Her answer is the level of net migration, 2019-23 causes racism. (She on Monday said it was caused by the scale of asylum)
Her answer is the level of net migration, 2019-23 causes racism. (She on Monday said it was caused by the scale of asylum)
Reposted by Ben Barr
A video is going viral of a #Blackmother in #Texas in labor receiving triage questions instead of being cared for. She delivered 12 minutes later.
This isn’t an isolated mistake. It’s part of a long history of Black women’s pain being dismissed in #medicine
Attribution: @joelbervell
#Healthcare
This isn’t an isolated mistake. It’s part of a long history of Black women’s pain being dismissed in #medicine
Attribution: @joelbervell
#Healthcare
November 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Reposted by Ben Barr
Israel just hit the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Ain al Hilweh, with missiles.
It’s a dense camp with the presence of many Palestinian factions but also many civilians.
It’s a dense camp with the presence of many Palestinian factions but also many civilians.
November 18, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Israel just hit the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Ain al Hilweh, with missiles.
It’s a dense camp with the presence of many Palestinian factions but also many civilians.
It’s a dense camp with the presence of many Palestinian factions but also many civilians.
Reposted by Ben Barr
You can read more about the revised estimates here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Improving long-term international migration statistics, updating our methods and estimates - Office for National Statistics
Headline findings and revised estimates from updated data and new methods to estimate long-term international migration of British and EU+ nationals. These are official statistics in development.
www.ons.gov.uk
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
You can read more about the revised estimates here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Reposted by Ben Barr
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Revised estimates from the ONS suggest that net migration reached a peak of 944,000 in 2023 (rather than 906,000) and fell faster in 2024, to 345,000 (not 431,000).
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Revised estimates from the ONS suggest that net migration reached a peak of 944,000 in 2023 (rather than 906,000) and fell faster in 2024, to 345,000 (not 431,000).
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Reposted by Ben Barr
shows how distorted the narratives and perceptions are
November 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
shows how distorted the narratives and perceptions are
Reposted by Ben Barr
I like how they think that if we abolish white collar labor with AI and everyone starts working with their hands, it’s gonna be hammering shit at the masculinity factory and not wiping butt in hospitals, especially if immigration becomes more restrictive
November 15, 2025 at 10:38 PM
I like how they think that if we abolish white collar labor with AI and everyone starts working with their hands, it’s gonna be hammering shit at the masculinity factory and not wiping butt in hospitals, especially if immigration becomes more restrictive
Reposted by Ben Barr
Want some good news about the UK economy for once...levels of GDP (and forecasts) keep getting revised up...
November 14, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Want some good news about the UK economy for once...levels of GDP (and forecasts) keep getting revised up...
Reposted by Ben Barr
"These findings suggest that reductions in disability-related benefits may exacerbate financial and mental health vulnerability among affected individuals but not affect employment."
The Health, Poverty and Employment Effects of Cutting Income Replacement Benefits for the Disabled: A Difference -in-Difference Analysis of the 2016 Welfare Reforms. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
The Health, Poverty and Employment Effects of Cutting Income Replacement Benefits for the Disabled: A Difference -in-Difference Analysis of the 2016 Welfare Reforms
<p><b><span>Background: </span></b><span>Health-related economic inactivity in England has risen, with more working-age adults claiming disability benefits. The
papers.ssrn.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 AM
"These findings suggest that reductions in disability-related benefits may exacerbate financial and mental health vulnerability among affected individuals but not affect employment."
The Health, Poverty and Employment Effects of Cutting Income Replacement Benefits for the Disabled: A Difference -in-Difference Analysis of the 2016 Welfare Reforms. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
The Health, Poverty and Employment Effects of Cutting Income Replacement Benefits for the Disabled: A Difference -in-Difference Analysis of the 2016 Welfare Reforms
<p><b><span>Background: </span></b><span>Health-related economic inactivity in England has risen, with more working-age adults claiming disability benefits. The
papers.ssrn.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:24 AM
The Health, Poverty and Employment Effects of Cutting Income Replacement Benefits for the Disabled: A Difference -in-Difference Analysis of the 2016 Welfare Reforms. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Reposted by Ben Barr
Do yall remember this?
In 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama gave each other a fist bump on the campaign trail.
Do you remember the controversy?
(Why would there be controversy? everyone gives fist bumps!!)
FOX News referred to it as a "terrorist fist bump."
(short 🧵)
In 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama gave each other a fist bump on the campaign trail.
Do you remember the controversy?
(Why would there be controversy? everyone gives fist bumps!!)
FOX News referred to it as a "terrorist fist bump."
(short 🧵)
November 12, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Do yall remember this?
In 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama gave each other a fist bump on the campaign trail.
Do you remember the controversy?
(Why would there be controversy? everyone gives fist bumps!!)
FOX News referred to it as a "terrorist fist bump."
(short 🧵)
In 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama gave each other a fist bump on the campaign trail.
Do you remember the controversy?
(Why would there be controversy? everyone gives fist bumps!!)
FOX News referred to it as a "terrorist fist bump."
(short 🧵)
Reposted by Ben Barr
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Reposted by Ben Barr
Unlike politics, there’s no such thing as public health centrism. It’s evidence-based radicalism. It’s all about change towards health justice and equity, not tinkering around the edges trying to keep everyone happy. Such notions, my friends, are rather radical and there’s no shame in that.
November 8, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Unlike politics, there’s no such thing as public health centrism. It’s evidence-based radicalism. It’s all about change towards health justice and equity, not tinkering around the edges trying to keep everyone happy. Such notions, my friends, are rather radical and there’s no shame in that.
Reposted by Ben Barr
How can natural infrastructure reduce health inequalities?
Prof Ben Wheeler is exploring:
"Geographical health inequalities in the UK are stark...the gap in healthy life expectancy across local authorities in England is around 20 years."
www.ecehh.org/news/nature-health-inequalities-webinar/
Prof Ben Wheeler is exploring:
"Geographical health inequalities in the UK are stark...the gap in healthy life expectancy across local authorities in England is around 20 years."
www.ecehh.org/news/nature-health-inequalities-webinar/
Webinar report on planning, health inequalities, and nature | ECEHH
Over 350 participants recently joined us for a webinar exploring links between nature and health inequalities.
www.ecehh.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:48 PM
How can natural infrastructure reduce health inequalities?
Prof Ben Wheeler is exploring:
"Geographical health inequalities in the UK are stark...the gap in healthy life expectancy across local authorities in England is around 20 years."
www.ecehh.org/news/nature-health-inequalities-webinar/
Prof Ben Wheeler is exploring:
"Geographical health inequalities in the UK are stark...the gap in healthy life expectancy across local authorities in England is around 20 years."
www.ecehh.org/news/nature-health-inequalities-webinar/
Reposted by Ben Barr
I went a third of a century accepting, on the testimony of a cartoon, that coyotes chase roadrunners before I ever saw the real thing.
Wonder why this scene looks so familiar...
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
November 6, 2025 at 12:51 AM
I went a third of a century accepting, on the testimony of a cartoon, that coyotes chase roadrunners before I ever saw the real thing.
Reposted by Ben Barr
The health inequalities agenda is "tired and risks having run out of road" - not my words, the words of a senior health policymaker in the Scottish Government. But other SG policymakers told me health inequalities were a "huge priority" - so what's going on? A thread... 1/
November 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The health inequalities agenda is "tired and risks having run out of road" - not my words, the words of a senior health policymaker in the Scottish Government. But other SG policymakers told me health inequalities were a "huge priority" - so what's going on? A thread... 1/