Ben Titford
@dr-b-titford.bsky.social
GP/ UK General Practice. Devon. Uncertainty..transience..evidence, chaos, knowledge and (Rawl’s) ignorance to make the world better…Cycling/ active transport/ the environment; People; Kindness, community- spelling mistake -s deliberate punctuation crime
Reposted by Ben Titford
Wes Streeting letter 27th Nov to GPs
Wes Streeting has accused the BMA of being “impossible” & issuing “misleading” information in an escalation of tensions
Also ‘laggards’ ‘refuseniks’ & ‘stuck in 20th century’
- Sign the Petition! c.org/ppBPJjrMQC via @UKChange
Wes Streeting has accused the BMA of being “impossible” & issuing “misleading” information in an escalation of tensions
Also ‘laggards’ ‘refuseniks’ & ‘stuck in 20th century’
- Sign the Petition! c.org/ppBPJjrMQC via @UKChange
Sign the Petition
Response to Wes Streeting
c.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Wes Streeting letter 27th Nov to GPs
Wes Streeting has accused the BMA of being “impossible” & issuing “misleading” information in an escalation of tensions
Also ‘laggards’ ‘refuseniks’ & ‘stuck in 20th century’
- Sign the Petition! c.org/ppBPJjrMQC via @UKChange
Wes Streeting has accused the BMA of being “impossible” & issuing “misleading” information in an escalation of tensions
Also ‘laggards’ ‘refuseniks’ & ‘stuck in 20th century’
- Sign the Petition! c.org/ppBPJjrMQC via @UKChange
Reposted by Ben Titford
This is the main thing the resident doctor strike action is about, not the pay - though that helps retain doctors.
If resident doctors cannot get posts, which is the case currently, they cannot progress and may leave our NHS.
Down the line we will have a shortage senior doctors such as consultants
If resident doctors cannot get posts, which is the case currently, they cannot progress and may leave our NHS.
Down the line we will have a shortage senior doctors such as consultants
This year, 30,000 doctors applied for only 10,000 training posts. These are highly trained professionals who want long term NHS careers, yet thousands are being denied the ability to progress in their careers. Many are left moving between short-term roles or leaving.
www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/se...
www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/se...
December 2, 2025 at 11:58 AM
This is the main thing the resident doctor strike action is about, not the pay - though that helps retain doctors.
If resident doctors cannot get posts, which is the case currently, they cannot progress and may leave our NHS.
Down the line we will have a shortage senior doctors such as consultants
If resident doctors cannot get posts, which is the case currently, they cannot progress and may leave our NHS.
Down the line we will have a shortage senior doctors such as consultants
a sudden insight into the hidden bureaucratic madness of Britain‘s railways (and window int other aspects of governance?)
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Soon-to-be-axed 7am Manchester-London train will still run – but without passengers
Exclusive: Rail regulator pulls Avanti service from timetable from mid-December but it is needed for staff travel
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:51 AM
a sudden insight into the hidden bureaucratic madness of Britain‘s railways (and window int other aspects of governance?)
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Ben Titford
The contract ‘Your GP, here for you
November 26, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The contract ‘Your GP, here for you
Reposted by Ben Titford
Alarmed to hear Rachel Reeves talking about "selling government assets we no longer have any use for"
Look at everything that's been stolen from YOU since 2010 👇👇👇
*We need MORE publicly owned assets not fewer* to "break the cycle of austerity" #Budget2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XN4...
Look at everything that's been stolen from YOU since 2010 👇👇👇
*We need MORE publicly owned assets not fewer* to "break the cycle of austerity" #Budget2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XN4...
The truth about what 14 years of CUTS looks like
YouTube video by We Own It
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Alarmed to hear Rachel Reeves talking about "selling government assets we no longer have any use for"
Look at everything that's been stolen from YOU since 2010 👇👇👇
*We need MORE publicly owned assets not fewer* to "break the cycle of austerity" #Budget2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XN4...
Look at everything that's been stolen from YOU since 2010 👇👇👇
*We need MORE publicly owned assets not fewer* to "break the cycle of austerity" #Budget2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XN4...
Reposted by Ben Titford
🔥 Highly recommended that you all sign and share.
Link to the petition—> petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Link to the petition—> petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 26, 2025 at 8:55 AM
🔥 Highly recommended that you all sign and share.
Link to the petition—> petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Link to the petition—> petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Health service inflation estimated at ~4% (population increase, people living longer, ill for longer etc)
NHS yearly increase for 14 yrs has been less than 1%.
You can’t cut NHS by ~3% a year for 14 yrs & expect efficiency savings.
Things are cut to the bone & beyond.
I know. My wife is a nurse.
NHS yearly increase for 14 yrs has been less than 1%.
You can’t cut NHS by ~3% a year for 14 yrs & expect efficiency savings.
Things are cut to the bone & beyond.
I know. My wife is a nurse.
Public services are largely paid for by a combination taxes, NI and fees. Surely better public services can be achieved through productivity gains as well as increased funding… but never something for nothing.
November 26, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Health service inflation estimated at ~4% (population increase, people living longer, ill for longer etc)
NHS yearly increase for 14 yrs has been less than 1%.
You can’t cut NHS by ~3% a year for 14 yrs & expect efficiency savings.
Things are cut to the bone & beyond.
I know. My wife is a nurse.
NHS yearly increase for 14 yrs has been less than 1%.
You can’t cut NHS by ~3% a year for 14 yrs & expect efficiency savings.
Things are cut to the bone & beyond.
I know. My wife is a nurse.
Reposted by Ben Titford
Anyone who's read me ranting about screening will know I'm all for thinking critically about health care. But there's a reason maternal mortality has more than halved in the last 40 years. There's a reason maternal mortality is used as a proxy for health care quality globally.
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Anyone who's read me ranting about screening will know I'm all for thinking critically about health care. But there's a reason maternal mortality has more than halved in the last 40 years. There's a reason maternal mortality is used as a proxy for health care quality globally.
Such an excellent conversation, full of content and humanity.
I really loved this conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social - I've thought about it lots ever since.
Hope you enjoy it too!
youtu.be/3xx6lNFx8tI?...
Hope you enjoy it too!
youtu.be/3xx6lNFx8tI?...
How To Platform Socialist Ideas Through Billionaire Owned Channels | George Monbiot | Zack Polanski
YouTube video by Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Such an excellent conversation, full of content and humanity.
In fact, on reflection, I was wrong.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This study tested whether an unexpected event, such as the presence of a person dressed as Batman, could increase prosocial behavior by disrupting routine.
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
November 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
In fact, on reflection, I was wrong.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This study tested whether an unexpected event, such as the presence of a person dressed as Batman, could increase prosocial behavior by disrupting routine.
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Unexpected events and prosocial behavior: the Batman effect - npj Mental Health Research
npj Mental Health Research - Unexpected events and prosocial behavior: the Batman effect
www.nature.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This is such a potent, rich, kind and hopeful message…
The biggest problem in the world isn’t climate change, future pandemics, or democratic collapse.
It’s that far too many of our most brilliant minds are working on *everything but* those problems. 🧵
It’s that far too many of our most brilliant minds are working on *everything but* those problems. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
This is such a potent, rich, kind and hopeful message…
Reposted by Ben Titford
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Not just our cities- access to rural areas is just as important and is often challenging in different ways without a car. In my Devon village the only way in and out is by road- which is getting busier and faster due to satnav routing … it doesn’t need to be like this!
Here’s something that’s really important for everyone to understand.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
November 16, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Not just our cities- access to rural areas is just as important and is often challenging in different ways without a car. In my Devon village the only way in and out is by road- which is getting busier and faster due to satnav routing … it doesn’t need to be like this!
This is so worth reading and thinking about… and worth thinking about how we live our lives and might - like trying to exercise more- try to live with others a bit more… Even An introvert like me is convince by this argument…
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
The Perils of Social Atrophy - The Ideas Letter
Societal disconnection is often framed as a “loneliness epidemic,” but the crisis runs much deeper: It’s not just that we feel alone, but also that prolonged isolation is rewiring our…
www.theideasletter.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:26 AM
This is so worth reading and thinking about… and worth thinking about how we live our lives and might - like trying to exercise more- try to live with others a bit more… Even An introvert like me is convince by this argument…
Reposted by Ben Titford
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Sir Mo Farah reveals 'the truth' about how he came to the UK
The Olympic star was warned speaking out could put his British citizenship at "real risk" - but it is understood the Home Office is taking no action against him.
news.sky.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
this is such a great thread- and speaks to me about what values we want or chose to have as a society and a nation. If we resolve that they are kindness, compassion, enlightenment, humanity and generosity- we will always be repaid far more than we have ever given.
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
this is such a great thread- and speaks to me about what values we want or chose to have as a society and a nation. If we resolve that they are kindness, compassion, enlightenment, humanity and generosity- we will always be repaid far more than we have ever given.
I really appreciate the (albeit oblique) recognition in this of benefits of retaining experienced GPs. huge efficiencies and other benefits in maintaining depth of experience in our workforce.
Latest fascinating & comprehensive analysis from the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team of Labour’s public services performance… www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wes Streeting accused of ‘chaotic and incoherent approach’ to NHS reform
Exclusive: thinktank report finds health secretary has failed to improve productivity, with the health service unlikely to meet its targets
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I really appreciate the (albeit oblique) recognition in this of benefits of retaining experienced GPs. huge efficiencies and other benefits in maintaining depth of experience in our workforce.
Reposted by Ben Titford
"Beyond the numbers, there’s a simple truth that emerges from both the research and the riders: e-cargo bikes are fun. They turn errands into adventures, draw smiles from strangers, and make cities feel friendlier."
Cycling has come a long way.
And with cargo bikes offering more transport capability plus the option of extra power from electric batteries, the fun and benefits are great
Matthew O'Connor Lomas tells all...
And with cargo bikes offering more transport capability plus the option of extra power from electric batteries, the fun and benefits are great
Matthew O'Connor Lomas tells all...
From cars to cargo bikes: How families found freedom
A new study shows that households using cargo bikes can halve their car miles – and a scheme is helping Norwich residents make the shift
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:41 AM
"Beyond the numbers, there’s a simple truth that emerges from both the research and the riders: e-cargo bikes are fun. They turn errands into adventures, draw smiles from strangers, and make cities feel friendlier."
Reposted by Ben Titford
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
The Perils of Social Atrophy - The Ideas Letter
Societal disconnection is often framed as a “loneliness epidemic,” but the crisis runs much deeper: It’s not just that we feel alone, but also that prolonged isolation is rewiring our…
www.theideasletter.org
August 7, 2025 at 11:02 PM
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Climate breakdown is driven by a storm of lies. This lying is systemic, funded and coordinated, and operates across almost all media, old and new.
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Climate breakdown is driven by a storm of lies. This lying is systemic, funded and coordinated, and operates across almost all media, old and new.
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ben Titford
I could be spending more time in the garden, but I’m here X or working as a GP
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
November 13, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I could be spending more time in the garden, but I’m here X or working as a GP
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
