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
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/
Reposted by Ben Barr
We’ll present our research on #advertising of unhealthy products and #publichealth at #EvidenceWeek @senseaboutsci.bsky.social
on 4th Nov:
senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...
We "invented" a game for it!
@danaldridgemp.bsky.social @sadikal-hassanmp.bsky.social @kennethstevenson.bsky.social
on 4th Nov:
senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...
We "invented" a game for it!
@danaldridgemp.bsky.social @sadikal-hassanmp.bsky.social @kennethstevenson.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 5:22 PM
We’ll present our research on #advertising of unhealthy products and #publichealth at #EvidenceWeek @senseaboutsci.bsky.social
on 4th Nov:
senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...
We "invented" a game for it!
@danaldridgemp.bsky.social @sadikal-hassanmp.bsky.social @kennethstevenson.bsky.social
on 4th Nov:
senseaboutscience.org/evidence-wee...
We "invented" a game for it!
@danaldridgemp.bsky.social @sadikal-hassanmp.bsky.social @kennethstevenson.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Barr
Your life is worse off because too many white people hate Black people.
November 3, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Your life is worse off because too many white people hate Black people.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Reposted by Ben Barr
Academics doom but honestly: I’m paid to speak with smart people of all ages, do research that might improve the world, and work with policy makers, while having a high level of autonomy so I waste less time. I could be paid more to have a less interesting, useful, challenging job. But… no.
November 1, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Academics doom but honestly: I’m paid to speak with smart people of all ages, do research that might improve the world, and work with policy makers, while having a high level of autonomy so I waste less time. I could be paid more to have a less interesting, useful, challenging job. But… no.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Index of Multiple Deprivation shows highly deprived areas are concentrated in the North of England
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Index of Multiple Deprivation shows highly deprived areas are concentrated in the North of England
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Barr
I can answer this. I interviewed Peterson's tailor a few years ago, although the interview was never published because I fell behind on work. Here is the story of this suit. 🧵
October 31, 2025 at 2:43 AM
I can answer this. I interviewed Peterson's tailor a few years ago, although the interview was never published because I fell behind on work. Here is the story of this suit. 🧵
Reposted by Ben Barr
New post out:
"The worst social policy ever"
Today we have a guest post from @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social on the abomination that is the two-child limit and why Labour need to scrap it ASAP.
Lots of data but also powerful testimony.
(Free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The worst social policy ever"
Today we have a guest post from @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social on the abomination that is the two-child limit and why Labour need to scrap it ASAP.
Lots of data but also powerful testimony.
(Free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The worst social policy ever"
We have a couple of bonus guest posts over the next week.
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:27 AM
New post out:
"The worst social policy ever"
Today we have a guest post from @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social on the abomination that is the two-child limit and why Labour need to scrap it ASAP.
Lots of data but also powerful testimony.
(Free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The worst social policy ever"
Today we have a guest post from @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social on the abomination that is the two-child limit and why Labour need to scrap it ASAP.
Lots of data but also powerful testimony.
(Free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Reposted by Ben Barr
#datascience
the foundation behind the #python programming language, has rejected a $1.5 million grant, as it required removing DEI and diversity efforts of the foundation
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
the foundation behind the #python programming language, has rejected a $1.5 million grant, as it required removing DEI and diversity efforts of the foundation
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Python plan to boost software security foiled by Trump admin’s anti-DEI rules
National Science Foundation said grantees must not operate any DEI programs.
arstechnica.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:28 AM
#datascience
the foundation behind the #python programming language, has rejected a $1.5 million grant, as it required removing DEI and diversity efforts of the foundation
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
the foundation behind the #python programming language, has rejected a $1.5 million grant, as it required removing DEI and diversity efforts of the foundation
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Reposted by Ben Barr
NHS England » Ethnicity Recording Improvement Plan
https://www.europesays.com/uk/536786/
Introduction The NHS is committed to reducing healthcare inequalities and delivering equitable access, excellent experiences and optimal outcomes…#uk #news #uknews
https://www.europesays.com/uk/536786/
Introduction The NHS is committed to reducing healthcare inequalities and delivering equitable access, excellent experiences and optimal outcomes…#uk #news #uknews
NHS England » Ethnicity Recording Improvement Plan - United Kingdom
Introduction
www.europesays.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:00 AM
NHS England » Ethnicity Recording Improvement Plan
https://www.europesays.com/uk/536786/
Introduction The NHS is committed to reducing healthcare inequalities and delivering equitable access, excellent experiences and optimal outcomes…#uk #news #uknews
https://www.europesays.com/uk/536786/
Introduction The NHS is committed to reducing healthcare inequalities and delivering equitable access, excellent experiences and optimal outcomes…#uk #news #uknews
Reposted by Ben Barr
Yes, Lord of the Rings is about how you must trust the “hard men.” Just as Narnia is about an evil lion. And the New Testament tells a tale of a wimp who wouldn’t fight back. Next week on “fascists read classics,” we’ll meet tech visionary George Orwell…
October 29, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Yes, Lord of the Rings is about how you must trust the “hard men.” Just as Narnia is about an evil lion. And the New Testament tells a tale of a wimp who wouldn’t fight back. Next week on “fascists read classics,” we’ll meet tech visionary George Orwell…
Reposted by Ben Barr
Everyone should send a donation to Wikipedia if you haven't already. I just did.
October 28, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Everyone should send a donation to Wikipedia if you haven't already. I just did.
Reposted by Ben Barr
We wrote an article explaining why you shouldn't put several variables into a regression model and report which are statistically significant - even as exploratory research. bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/4/1/.... How did we do?
October 27, 2025 at 5:39 PM
We wrote an article explaining why you shouldn't put several variables into a regression model and report which are statistically significant - even as exploratory research. bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/4/1/.... How did we do?
Reposted by Ben Barr
To the surprise of nobody, Grok is sharing an innumerate and exaggerated defence of Sarah Pochin's comments, which is being widely celebrated by those with as or more prejudiced views than those expressed by Pochin.
October 26, 2025 at 5:53 PM
To the surprise of nobody, Grok is sharing an innumerate and exaggerated defence of Sarah Pochin's comments, which is being widely celebrated by those with as or more prejudiced views than those expressed by Pochin.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Ecological fallacy alert. Of the folks in these areas who are reliant on SNAP, how many voted for Trump? I don’t have the numbers, but I bet @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social does.
October 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Ecological fallacy alert. Of the folks in these areas who are reliant on SNAP, how many voted for Trump? I don’t have the numbers, but I bet @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social does.
Reposted by Ben Barr
“I’d be very surprised if there’s anything less than 50,000 nontrauma deaths,” said famine expert Alex de Waal.
If he is anywhere close to right, Israel has killed 7.5% of Gaza’s population in just two years. In proportional terms, deadlier than the wars in Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine.
If he is anywhere close to right, Israel has killed 7.5% of Gaza’s population in just two years. In proportional terms, deadlier than the wars in Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine.
October 25, 2025 at 11:53 PM
“I’d be very surprised if there’s anything less than 50,000 nontrauma deaths,” said famine expert Alex de Waal.
If he is anywhere close to right, Israel has killed 7.5% of Gaza’s population in just two years. In proportional terms, deadlier than the wars in Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine.
If he is anywhere close to right, Israel has killed 7.5% of Gaza’s population in just two years. In proportional terms, deadlier than the wars in Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine.
Reposted by Ben Barr
We must make racism disgraceful again. This kind of shameless ugly inadequacy from Pochin should be career-ending, not career-enhancing. Honestly… the Little England nastiness is repulsive.
October 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
We must make racism disgraceful again. This kind of shameless ugly inadequacy from Pochin should be career-ending, not career-enhancing. Honestly… the Little England nastiness is repulsive.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Simon and Robert sat there smugly, secure in the knowledge that he hadn’t said ‘Simon says…’ before commanding everyone to put their head on their hand - 12th century, Amiens. Bibliothèques d'Amiens Métropole, Ms. 108, f. 99v
October 24, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Simon and Robert sat there smugly, secure in the knowledge that he hadn’t said ‘Simon says…’ before commanding everyone to put their head on their hand - 12th century, Amiens. Bibliothèques d'Amiens Métropole, Ms. 108, f. 99v
Reposted by Ben Barr
Thank you, Andrew-- I wish your head honchos would speak sooner and stronger on this appalling proposal, de facto for mass deportation. This is not who we are as a country indeed.
October 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Thank you, Andrew-- I wish your head honchos would speak sooner and stronger on this appalling proposal, de facto for mass deportation. This is not who we are as a country indeed.
Reposted by Ben Barr
Irrespective of whether she was freelancing, or speaking for the Conservative Party - Katie Lam is plain wrong.
It's unconscionable to threaten to deport hundreds of thousands of people who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
This is not who we are as a country.
It's unconscionable to threaten to deport hundreds of thousands of people who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
This is not who we are as a country.
October 22, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Irrespective of whether she was freelancing, or speaking for the Conservative Party - Katie Lam is plain wrong.
It's unconscionable to threaten to deport hundreds of thousands of people who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
This is not who we are as a country.
It's unconscionable to threaten to deport hundreds of thousands of people who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
This is not who we are as a country.