The Vanishing Excess Deaths
A forensic investigator has accused the ONS of erasing approximately 68,000 excess deaths from the 2023 records.
Commentary
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom has introduced a new methodology for calculating excess deaths.
Leading this change is Julie Stanborough, ONS’s deputy director for Data and Analysis for Social Care and Health, an experienced veteran in government statistics. She has previously worked on statistical narratives during the COVID-19 crisis for the Cabinet Office, and in other government departments.
Ms. Stanborough has committed to continually refining these new estimates of excess deaths, now labeled as “Official Statistics in Development.”
Ms. Stanborough has implemented a statistical model using age-specific mortality rates instead of the previous method.
The ONS is now exploring the question of how many deaths can be expected in the context of a changing population.
The introduction of this new calculation method has been carefully scrutinized by health advocate John Campbell, who uncovered significant differences between the old and new figures, with the new method substantially reducing the count of excess deaths.
Forensic investigator David Dickson has made a startling revelation, accusing the ONS of removing approximately 68,000 excess deaths from the 2023 records through this statistical adjustment.
