Social Murder? Austerity and Life Expectancy in the UK

Join this webinar where David Walsh and Gerry McCartney will present the key messages from the book, followed by a Q and A.

Life expectancy is about more than just health—it reflects the kind of society we live in. After decades of improvement, life expectancy in the UK, US, and many other rich countries stopped increasing in the early 2010s. For millions, it even declined. Despite the devastating impact of these trends, governments and officials remained silent.

Join us for a discussion with Dr. David Walsh and Professor Gerry McCartney as they share the evidence behind this public health crisis and austerity policies. Drawing from their book, they will share stories, uncover the systemic failures that led to shocking and tragic suffering, and present a hopeful vision for restoring progress and reducing health inequalities.

The event will be chaired by Sara Redmond, Chief Officer, the ALLIANCE.

As part of the ALLIANCE annual conference, “Our Voices Matter”, the webinar will highlight what must be done now to shape a healthier and more equitable future.

Biography

Dr David Walsh

I have over 30 years’ experience of health and public health research. Prior to my current post at the university (which I started in February 2024), I spent 17 years as Public Health Programme Manager at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) (2006-2024).

Pre-GCPH posts include the Public Health Institute of Scotland (PHIS) and NHS Health Scotland (2001-2006), ISD Scotland (then the statistical arm of the NHS in Scotland) (1994-2001), as well as undertaking various research projects within NHS Greater Glasgow (1999-2000), NHS Argyll & Clyde (1996-98) and NHS Grampian (1993-1994).

Professor Gerry McCartney

Gerry McCartney graduated from medicine at the University of Glasgow and did his GP vocational training in Paisley. Whilst working as a junior doctor he completed an honours degree in Economics and Development at the University of London. After this he entered the Public health training scheme, based initially at NHS Argyll and Clyde and then at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. During this time he worked on the 2007 E.coli outbreak in Paisley, performed needs assessments for communities in the east end of Glasgow and did his MD at the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit (SPHSU) on the impacts of the Commonwealth Games. He also worked at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) where he produced the first synthesis of the causes of the excess mortality in Scotland and Glasgow. In 2010 he took up post as Head of the Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO) at NHS Health Scotland and then Public Health Scotland. In September 2021 he took up post as Professor of Wellbeing Economy at the University of Glasgow.

You can register at this link here.

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