Ben Wealthy
@benwealthy.bsky.social
Acting Director and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, World Wellbeing Movement.
Chair, Harrow Cycle Hub.
The back catalogue -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wealthy-73927449/
Chair, Harrow Cycle Hub.
The back catalogue -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wealthy-73927449/
Pinned
Ben Wealthy
@benwealthy.bsky.social
· May 6
'Birmingham's bin strike underlines why public health matters. Labour should talk more about it' - LabourList
The defining purpose of public health is creating richer and freer lives for all, not just crisis management. The Labour Government can make public health a good news story.
labourlist.org
Keir Starmer has talked about Labour going "further and faster" following last week's local elections.
My latest piece for @labourlist.bsky.social outlines what that could look like in terms of public health reform, building on notable progress so far.
labourlist.org/2025/04/birm...
My latest piece for @labourlist.bsky.social outlines what that could look like in terms of public health reform, building on notable progress so far.
labourlist.org/2025/04/birm...
Andy Burnham’s ultimate test will be whether people’s lives improve www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Couldn't agree more @sarahdavidson.bsky.social @carnegieuk.bsky.social
Couldn't agree more @sarahdavidson.bsky.social @carnegieuk.bsky.social
Andy Burnham’s ultimate test will be whether people’s lives improve | Letters
Measures of wellbeing should carry real weight in decisions about tax, spending and public services, says Sarah Davidson
www.theguardian.com
October 5, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Andy Burnham’s ultimate test will be whether people’s lives improve www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Couldn't agree more @sarahdavidson.bsky.social @carnegieuk.bsky.social
Couldn't agree more @sarahdavidson.bsky.social @carnegieuk.bsky.social
Textbook example of policy development purely for headlines www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....
The goal of their criminal justice policy appears to be more prison places. That's what success looks like.
Surely, the objective should be to reduce crime - especially violent and sexual offences?
The goal of their criminal justice policy appears to be more prison places. That's what success looks like.
Surely, the objective should be to reduce crime - especially violent and sexual offences?
Tories pledge to build 50,000 new prison places
The party says its proposals would stop prisoners being released early and cut crime.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 3, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Textbook example of policy development purely for headlines www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....
The goal of their criminal justice policy appears to be more prison places. That's what success looks like.
Surely, the objective should be to reduce crime - especially violent and sexual offences?
The goal of their criminal justice policy appears to be more prison places. That's what success looks like.
Surely, the objective should be to reduce crime - especially violent and sexual offences?
Almost 50 cyclists from @harrowcyclehub.bsky.social took part in the London Cycling Festival last Sunday @londoncycling.bsky.social. 6 volunteer-led rides converged on the beautiful Canons Park, Harrow.
Wellbeing through cycling and connection.
Pic credit: Wai Cheung from Pinner Camara Club
Wellbeing through cycling and connection.
Pic credit: Wai Cheung from Pinner Camara Club
September 25, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Almost 50 cyclists from @harrowcyclehub.bsky.social took part in the London Cycling Festival last Sunday @londoncycling.bsky.social. 6 volunteer-led rides converged on the beautiful Canons Park, Harrow.
Wellbeing through cycling and connection.
Pic credit: Wai Cheung from Pinner Camara Club
Wellbeing through cycling and connection.
Pic credit: Wai Cheung from Pinner Camara Club
UK youngsters recorded an average life satisfaction score of just 6.73 out of 10, bottom amongst European countries.
The focus of policy should be to improve the happiness of the people, with a big focus on children and young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news... @childrenssociety.bsky.social
The focus of policy should be to improve the happiness of the people, with a big focus on children and young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news... @childrenssociety.bsky.social
British teenagers named unhappiest in Europe for the second time running
New research has exposed the pressures facing young people, with school, money and wider worries weighing heavily on their wellbeing as The Children's Society calls for action
www.mirror.co.uk
September 18, 2026 at 3:35 PM
UK youngsters recorded an average life satisfaction score of just 6.73 out of 10, bottom amongst European countries.
The focus of policy should be to improve the happiness of the people, with a big focus on children and young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news... @childrenssociety.bsky.social
The focus of policy should be to improve the happiness of the people, with a big focus on children and young people.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news... @childrenssociety.bsky.social
The new PM has yet to deliver a Budget or a Spending Review so labelling it in the way Andy Haldane did feels more of a political attack (because you say that knowing it will get headlines) than thoughtful analysis on the challenges and opportunities for the UK economy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Andy Burnham rejects 'tax and spend socialist' comments
The prime minister insists he is prepared to take "difficult decisions" at next month's Budget.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The new PM has yet to deliver a Budget or a Spending Review so labelling it in the way Andy Haldane did feels more of a political attack (because you say that knowing it will get headlines) than thoughtful analysis on the challenges and opportunities for the UK economy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Important point - it is a real shame that these two issues have been pitted against each other as though they are mutually exclusive.
Deeply disappointing. Assisted Dying and improved palliative care are not alternative options - we urgently need them both.
MPs vote against legalising assisted dying in England and Wales
Bill fails at second reading despite near-identical legislation being approved by Commons in last parliament
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Important point - it is a real shame that these two issues have been pitted against each other as though they are mutually exclusive.
Deeply disappointing news; and for some individuals tragic.
73% of people support a law change, with only a small minority opposed.
If Parliament cannot make progress on this issue, it should pass the decision to the people through a referendum.
73% of people support a law change, with only a small minority opposed.
If Parliament cannot make progress on this issue, it should pass the decision to the people through a referendum.
Moments ago MPs voted against Lauren Edwards MP’s assisted dying bill, by 286 to 270.
September 11, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Deeply disappointing news; and for some individuals tragic.
73% of people support a law change, with only a small minority opposed.
If Parliament cannot make progress on this issue, it should pass the decision to the people through a referendum.
73% of people support a law change, with only a small minority opposed.
If Parliament cannot make progress on this issue, it should pass the decision to the people through a referendum.
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
Your postcode shouldn't determine your shelf life. But in the UK, it does.
Depending on where you live, your life could be cut short by up to 18 years.
That's not because of bad luck or individual choices alone. 🧵
Depending on where you live, your life could be cut short by up to 18 years.
That's not because of bad luck or individual choices alone. 🧵
August 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Your postcode shouldn't determine your shelf life. But in the UK, it does.
Depending on where you live, your life could be cut short by up to 18 years.
That's not because of bad luck or individual choices alone. 🧵
Depending on where you live, your life could be cut short by up to 18 years.
That's not because of bad luck or individual choices alone. 🧵
Good to see our 2026 UK Wellbeing Report covered in the Independent (thanks to Victoria Young).
The 2020s could be a lost decade for wellbeing without a change in course.
The World Wellbeing Movement is calling for an Annual Wellbeing Statement in Parliament.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/w...
The 2020s could be a lost decade for wellbeing without a change in course.
The World Wellbeing Movement is calling for an Annual Wellbeing Statement in Parliament.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/w...
How to tell if you are living below the wellbeing poverty line
If someone has good health, is well educated, has a partner and a certain level of income, you might assume that they are in a good place mentally. Not so fast; many factors can lead to a person falli...
www.independent.co.uk
July 25, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Good to see our 2026 UK Wellbeing Report covered in the Independent (thanks to Victoria Young).
The 2020s could be a lost decade for wellbeing without a change in course.
The World Wellbeing Movement is calling for an Annual Wellbeing Statement in Parliament.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/w...
The 2020s could be a lost decade for wellbeing without a change in course.
The World Wellbeing Movement is calling for an Annual Wellbeing Statement in Parliament.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/w...
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
We know more about prevention than ever before. So why do prevention efforts still fail?
open.substack.com/pub/jimmcman...
#PublicHealth #Prevention #SystemsThinking #HealthEquity
open.substack.com/pub/jimmcman...
#PublicHealth #Prevention #SystemsThinking #HealthEquity
Why Prevention Sometimes Fails
And how we create the conditions for success....
open.substack.com
July 17, 2026 at 2:10 PM
We know more about prevention than ever before. So why do prevention efforts still fail?
open.substack.com/pub/jimmcman...
#PublicHealth #Prevention #SystemsThinking #HealthEquity
open.substack.com/pub/jimmcman...
#PublicHealth #Prevention #SystemsThinking #HealthEquity
Interesting to hear Andy Burnham outside 10 Downing Street pledge to "help people live well."
At the World Wellbeing Movement, we believe wellbeing should be the priority of government.
My blog calling for 'wellbeing growth in every postcode' worldwellbeingmovement.org/insights/wel...
At the World Wellbeing Movement, we believe wellbeing should be the priority of government.
My blog calling for 'wellbeing growth in every postcode' worldwellbeingmovement.org/insights/wel...
Wellbeing growth in every postcode - World Wellbeing Movement
worldwellbeingmovement.org
July 20, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Interesting to hear Andy Burnham outside 10 Downing Street pledge to "help people live well."
At the World Wellbeing Movement, we believe wellbeing should be the priority of government.
My blog calling for 'wellbeing growth in every postcode' worldwellbeingmovement.org/insights/wel...
At the World Wellbeing Movement, we believe wellbeing should be the priority of government.
My blog calling for 'wellbeing growth in every postcode' worldwellbeingmovement.org/insights/wel...
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
This is very well worth a read👇 @tracyd-ph.bsky.social @felly500.bsky.social @jimmcmanusph.bsky.social @ogden140.bsky.social @sebrees1.bsky.social @charliepickles.bsky.social @davidjbuck.bsky.social @hetanshah.bsky.social @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social
NEW: UK Wellbeing Report 2026
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
July 17, 2026 at 9:33 AM
NEW: UK Wellbeing Report 2026
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
July 17, 2026 at 8:19 AM
NEW: UK Wellbeing Report 2026
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
Wellbeing is flatlining with the 2020s set to become a 'lost decade' for wellbeing.
Andy Burnham's vision of 'good growth' should include growing wellbeing and spreading it more equally.
Good policy, good politics.
worldwellbeingmovement.org/uk-wellbeing...
It is positive for public health that low and no alcohol drinks are becoming more popular - this is without changing the definition. Therefore, not at all convinced there is a case for doing so. Think DHSC should be resisting alcohol industry demand here www.theguardian.com/business/202...
UK’s alcohol-free beer boom threatened by regulations, trade body warns
BBPA wants content definition for beer to be considered non-alcoholic to be changed from 0.05% to 0.5%
www.theguardian.com
July 14, 2026 at 10:45 AM
It is positive for public health that low and no alcohol drinks are becoming more popular - this is without changing the definition. Therefore, not at all convinced there is a case for doing so. Think DHSC should be resisting alcohol industry demand here www.theguardian.com/business/202...
'Good growth in every postcode' needs definition. GDP problematic as a sole measure as it includes bad things, like drug dealing and prostitution. Burnham agenda could opt for 'two pillars' of success - growing GDP and growing wellbeing.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Andy Burnham to pledge ‘good growth in every postcode’ in devolution plan
Makerfield MP on course to be PM will argue for more decision-making in regions and communities as he sets out platform for government
www.theguardian.com
June 29, 2026 at 8:17 AM
'Good growth in every postcode' needs definition. GDP problematic as a sole measure as it includes bad things, like drug dealing and prostitution. Burnham agenda could opt for 'two pillars' of success - growing GDP and growing wellbeing.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
"The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging" www.gov.uk/government/n...
Rough sleeping no longer a crime as Vagrancy Act repealed
The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.
www.gov.uk
June 28, 2026 at 9:32 PM
"The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging" www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
This is remarkable.
June 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This is remarkable.
Dear Andy Burnham...
My latest Substack piece in the form of a letter to the next PM outlining why he should focus on health and wellbeing.
benwealthy.substack.com/p/dear-andy-...
My latest Substack piece in the form of a letter to the next PM outlining why he should focus on health and wellbeing.
benwealthy.substack.com/p/dear-andy-...
Dear Andy Burnham
A word on health and wellbeing
benwealthy.substack.com
June 24, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Dear Andy Burnham...
My latest Substack piece in the form of a letter to the next PM outlining why he should focus on health and wellbeing.
benwealthy.substack.com/p/dear-andy-...
My latest Substack piece in the form of a letter to the next PM outlining why he should focus on health and wellbeing.
benwealthy.substack.com/p/dear-andy-...
A 5-point 'Health and Wellbeing Manifesto' for Andy Burnham.
1) Health inequalities
2) National Care Service
3) Community public health
4) Measuring child wellbeing
5) Wellbeing at work
1) Health inequalities
2) National Care Service
3) Community public health
4) Measuring child wellbeing
5) Wellbeing at work
Andy Burnham could be the first post-war PM to have served as Health Secretary.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
June 21, 2026 at 8:09 PM
A 5-point 'Health and Wellbeing Manifesto' for Andy Burnham.
1) Health inequalities
2) National Care Service
3) Community public health
4) Measuring child wellbeing
5) Wellbeing at work
1) Health inequalities
2) National Care Service
3) Community public health
4) Measuring child wellbeing
5) Wellbeing at work
Andy Burnham could be the first post-war PM to have served as Health Secretary.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
June 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Andy Burnham could be the first post-war PM to have served as Health Secretary.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
Here are 5 things he may focus on:
1) Health inequalities are widening across the UK. As Health Secretary he welcomed the landmark Marmot review and this issue has remained a core part of his politics since.
If if if...Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister he will be the first to have previously served as Health and Social Care Secretary (or its equivalent titles).
I'm interested to see how health and wellbeing issues shape discussions around the Labour leadership in the coming days and weeks.
I'm interested to see how health and wellbeing issues shape discussions around the Labour leadership in the coming days and weeks.
June 19, 2026 at 12:07 PM
If if if...Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister he will be the first to have previously served as Health and Social Care Secretary (or its equivalent titles).
I'm interested to see how health and wellbeing issues shape discussions around the Labour leadership in the coming days and weeks.
I'm interested to see how health and wellbeing issues shape discussions around the Labour leadership in the coming days and weeks.
"I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."
Rare to see the word happiness in politics - more please.
Short post from me in another place.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/social...
Rare to see the word happiness in politics - more please.
Short post from me in another place.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/social...
June 17, 2026 at 10:50 AM
"I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."
Rare to see the word happiness in politics - more please.
Short post from me in another place.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/social...
Rare to see the word happiness in politics - more please.
Short post from me in another place.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/social...
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
It is a great privilege to have come second in the ballot for Private Member’s Bills. After giving the matter a great deal of thought, I will be reintroducing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. You can read my full statement on this here or on my website: buff.ly/I78DfUX
June 14, 2026 at 8:01 PM
It is a great privilege to have come second in the ballot for Private Member’s Bills. After giving the matter a great deal of thought, I will be reintroducing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. You can read my full statement on this here or on my website: buff.ly/I78DfUX
Reposted by Ben Wealthy
"I believe it undermines public trust in our democracy more widely if we cannot deliver on a measure that is supported by a very large majority of voters in all parts of the country.”
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Assisted dying bill set to return to the Commons
Labour MP Lauren Edwards to use private members bill to put issue before MPs again
www.theguardian.com
June 14, 2026 at 9:06 PM
"I believe it undermines public trust in our democracy more widely if we cannot deliver on a measure that is supported by a very large majority of voters in all parts of the country.”
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Restoring the Mother of Parliaments is not just a basic matter of health and safety, as well as protecting a stunning architectural gem, but a statement of intent about our collective commitment to the future of democracy in the UK.
Each year of delay to the restoration of Parliament is estimated to increase the overall cost of delivering the programme by between £320m to £420m - latest @nao.org.uk report
www.thetimes.com/article/71db... (full report: www.nao.org.uk/reports/rest...)
www.thetimes.com/article/71db... (full report: www.nao.org.uk/reports/rest...)
Delays to Parliament’s restoration costing taxpayer £1.5m a week
Indecision means the Grade I listed-building requires expensive maintenance to address fire safety issues, asbestos and decaying stonework
www.thetimes.com
June 15, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Restoring the Mother of Parliaments is not just a basic matter of health and safety, as well as protecting a stunning architectural gem, but a statement of intent about our collective commitment to the future of democracy in the UK.