FOI release
Frameworks in Health Communication and Policy
Some or all of the information requested was not provided because we determined that the cost to do so would exceed the appropriate limit.
Case reference FOI2026/00101
Received 31 January 2026
Published 4 March 2026
Request
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Executor Office acting for the Estate of THOMAS BARRY WILLIAMS™ makes the following request for information. 🔹 1. Use of Behavioural Frameworks in Public Health Policy Please provide all documents, communications, guidance notes, training materials, and internal references from 2015 to present that: a) Reference Kurt Lewin’s “Unfreezing–Changing–Refreezing” behavioural model b) Refer to the Stanford Research Institute’s 1974 publication “Changing Images of Man” c) Discuss or implement behavioural change strategies involving crisis induction, cognitive dissonance, or public compliance conditioning d) Have been shared with, or received from, the Behavioural Insights Team (aka “Nudge Unit”), GCS Behavioural Science Team, or any external psychological consultancy involved in influencing medical uptake or public health decisions. Handling of Contradictory and Destabilising Messaging Please provide internal policy documents, reviews, and staff instructions addressing: a) Public communication involving contradictory health advice or rapid reversals of medical policy b) Risk assessments conducted prior to issuing shifting or inconsistent guidance (e.g. masks, injection safety, post-vaccination transmission risks) c) Psychological evaluations (if any) on the impact of contradiction and confusion on public trust and mental health d) Any ethical reviews or harm assessments relating to the promotion of fear, coercion, or emergency urgency tactics used to influence medical decisions. Definition and Avoidance of Gaslighting Please disclose: a) The MHRA’s working definition of gaslighting as it relates to institutional conduct b) Any staff training or internal policies in place to prevent gaslighting-type behaviour when engaging with the public or press c) Documentation of any complaints or concerns received from the public or whistleblowers regarding emotional or psychological harm caused by MHRA communications or endorsements d) Review outcomes or remedial actions taken following such reports (if any). Vaccine Approval, Emergency Use, and Behavioural Framing. a) Please provide internal correspondence relating to the decision to grant temporary/emergency authorisation for mRNA or novel platform-based products (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) b) Please include any references to behavioural impact, anticipated public resistance, or plans to “nudge” public trust toward rapid uptake c) Disclosure of discussions surrounding risk/benefit communication strategy and how potential adverse events were planned to be framed or handled publicly d) Any references to shifting the public’s “image of science,” “trust in institutions,” or “perceived risk of not complying”. Internal Review and Harm Response Please confirm: a) Whether any internal reviews have been conducted into psychological harm, confusion, or medical coercion caused by MHRA-endorsed policies b) Whether any MHRA official or staff member has raised concern internally about public trauma, loss of trust, or cognitive destabilisation resulting from these campaigns c) Whether your organisation has collaborated with behavioural psychologists or perception management experts to shape vaccine communication or compliance strategy d) Whether any individuals within MHRA have declared conflicts of interest relating to psychological operations, defence, or behavioural research. This request is made in the public interest to assess whether the MHRA’s health guidance, policy enforcement, and medical licensing strategy reflect principles of scientific integrity, or whether it has engaged in behavioural conditioning indistinguishable from psychological manipulation or trauma induction.
Response
See attached
Documents
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