Search results for: snowdon

Biomass subsidies: how an environmental accounting trick benefits vested interests and the government

19 January 2024
Energy and Environment

Biomass subsidies: how an environmental accounting trick benefits vested interests and the government

Chris Snowdon
19 January 2024
The electricity generator Drax is not an easy company to love. It doesn’t help that it shares a name with a James Bond … Continue reading “Biomass subsidies: how an environmental accounting trick benefits vested interests and the government”

“Millennial Socialism” is not Bolshevism – it is a confused and shallow knee-jerk socialism

16 July 2021
Society and Culture

“Millennial Socialism” is not Bolshevism – it is a confused and shallow knee-jerk socialism

Chris Snowdon
16 July 2021
My colleague Kristian Niemietz recently commissioned an opinion poll to get the measure of Millennials and Zoomers. He concluded that … Continue reading ““Millennial Socialism” is not Bolshevism – it is a confused and shallow knee-jerk socialism”

The tragedy of suicide must be tackled with policies that work – a crackdown on technology is not one of them

19 March 2019
Markets and Morality

The tragedy of suicide must be tackled with policies that work – a crackdown on technology is not one of them

Andy Mayer
19 March 2019
After a series of suicide tragedies involving children who researched methods online, or sought peer group approval through groups and … Continue reading “The tragedy of suicide must be tackled with policies that work – a crackdown on technology is not one of them”

WHO proposals for new taxes on food and drinks would cost a typical UK household up to £458 per year

17 May 2018
Lifestyle Economics

WHO proposals for new taxes on food and drinks would cost a typical UK household up to £458 per year

Chris Snowdon
17 May 2018
After a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages was introduced in Britain last month, campaigners wasted no time in calling for it … Continue reading “WHO proposals for new taxes on food and drinks would cost a typical UK household up to £458 per year”

The war on drugs began 100 years ago today: Let’s hope it doesn’t last another century

17 December 2014
Lifestyle Economics

The war on drugs began 100 years ago today: Let’s hope it doesn’t last another century

Christopher Snowdon
17 December 2014
One hundred years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson approved the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, the US’s first national legislation designed … Continue reading “The war on drugs began 100 years ago today: Let’s hope it doesn’t last another century”

Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 2)

14 November 2014
Welfare

Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 2)

Ryan Bourne
14 November 2014
On Monday, I appeared on Channel 4’s ‘How Rich Are You’ programme to discuss solutions to the ‘problem’ of inequality. … Continue reading “Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 2)”

Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 1)

13 November 2014
Welfare

Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 1)

Ryan Bourne
13 November 2014
On Monday I appeared on a (recorded) Channel 4 ‘infotainment’ programme called ‘How Rich Are You?’ The appearance was sold … Continue reading “Ten mistakes that permeated the Channel 4 ‘How Rich Are You?’ programme on inequality (part 1)”

European Commission using taxpayers’ money to fund groups that lobby for larger EU budgets and more EU regulation

8 March 2013

European Commission using taxpayers’ money to fund groups that lobby for larger EU budgets and more EU regulation

Christopher Snowdon
8 March 2013
Last year, the IEA published Sock Puppets, a report that examined the British government’s extensive funding of charities and pressure … Continue reading “European Commission using taxpayers’ money to fund groups that lobby for larger EU budgets and more EU regulation”

Childhood malnourishment could rise sharply under government calorie-cutting plans, finds new IEA study

31 July 2024
Lifestyle Economics

Childhood malnourishment could rise sharply under government calorie-cutting plans, finds new IEA study

31 July 2024
If the government’s efforts to reduce calories in processed food through reformulation are successful, it could lead to more underweight … Continue reading “Childhood malnourishment could rise sharply under government calorie-cutting plans, finds new IEA study”

Institute of Economic Affairs publishes 75th anniversary edition of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four

8 June 2024
Society and Culture

Institute of Economic Affairs publishes 75th anniversary edition of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four

8 June 2024
Orwell’s iconic dystopia continues to resonate, but his prediction of the inevitable decline of liberal capitalism proved premature. Nineteen Eighty-Four was … Continue reading “Institute of Economic Affairs publishes 75th anniversary edition of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four”

Budget ‘hasn’t really moved us any closer to where we need to be’, says IEA Executive Director

6 March 2024
Tax and Fiscal Policy

Budget ‘hasn’t really moved us any closer to where we need to be’, says IEA Executive Director

6 March 2024
Commenting on the Budget, Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: … Continue reading “Budget ‘hasn’t really moved us any closer to where we need to be’, says IEA Executive Director”

Closure of the Wellcome ‘Medicine Man’ display “an act of cultural vandalism”

28 November 2022
Society and Culture

Closure of the Wellcome ‘Medicine Man’ display “an act of cultural vandalism”

28 November 2022

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Times

IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon has been quoted in The Times responding to news that the Wellcome Collection’s … Continue reading “Closure of the Wellcome ‘Medicine Man’ display “an act of cultural vandalism””

The SNP has fallen down the temperance rabbit hole with its extreme clamp-down on alcohol marketing

17 November 2022
Lifestyle Economics

The SNP has fallen down the temperance rabbit hole with its extreme clamp-down on alcohol marketing

17 November 2022
Commenting on the Scottish government’s consultation on restricting alcohol advertising and promotion, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at free … Continue reading “The SNP has fallen down the temperance rabbit hole with its extreme clamp-down on alcohol marketing”

Claims that junk food ad bans reduce obesity are based on “shameless junk science”

4 August 2022
Lifestyle Economics

Claims that junk food ad bans reduce obesity are based on “shameless junk science”

4 August 2022

Christopher Snowdon writes for CapX

Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics, has written for CapX on the Mayor’s recent claims regarding obesity and junk … Continue reading “Claims that junk food ad bans reduce obesity are based on “shameless junk science””

“Junk science”: IEA expert rubbishes claim TfL ‘junk food’ ad ban prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases

2 August 2022
Lifestyle Economics

“Junk science”: IEA expert rubbishes claim TfL ‘junk food’ ad ban prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases

2 August 2022
Responding to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity claiming that Transport for London’s … Continue reading ““Junk science”: IEA expert rubbishes claim TfL ‘junk food’ ad ban prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases”

Increased NHS salaries exhibits “entitlement and extravagance”, says IEA researcher

28 February 2022
Healthcare

Increased NHS salaries exhibits “entitlement and extravagance”, says IEA researcher

28 February 2022

Christopher Snowdon comments for The Telegraph

Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics, has commented for The Telegraph on reports that NHS Senior Managers’ pay has … Continue reading “Increased NHS salaries exhibits “entitlement and extravagance”, says IEA researcher”

Despite Omicron, the UK’s decision to open up in the Summer has proved successful

20 January 2022
Society and Culture

Despite Omicron, the UK’s decision to open up in the Summer has proved successful

20 January 2022

Christopher Snowdon comments for City AM

Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics, has commented on the government’s decision to re-open in the Summer of last … Continue reading “Despite Omicron, the UK’s decision to open up in the Summer has proved successful”

The banning of plastic sauce sachets is emblematic of our over-regulated economy

12 January 2022
Lifestyle Economics

The banning of plastic sauce sachets is emblematic of our over-regulated economy

12 January 2022

Christopher Snowdon and Emily Carver referenced in the Daily Mail

Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics, has commented in the Daily Mail on the government’s aim to ban single-use … Continue reading “The banning of plastic sauce sachets is emblematic of our over-regulated economy”

NHS Chief’s false claims over Covid admissions show “proposterous” disorganisation, says IEA researcher

9 November 2021
Healthcare

NHS Chief’s false claims over Covid admissions show “proposterous” disorganisation, says IEA researcher

9 November 2021

Christopher Snowdon quoted in the Daily Mail

Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the IEA, has been quoted in the Daily Mail over Amanda Pritchard’s disproven … Continue reading “NHS Chief’s false claims over Covid admissions show “proposterous” disorganisation, says IEA researcher”

Amanda Pritchard’s claim that Covid admissions are higher than this time last year is misleading

9 November 2021
Healthcare

Amanda Pritchard’s claim that Covid admissions are higher than this time last year is misleading

9 November 2021

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Telegraph

Amanda Pritchard, the Head of NHS England, has been widely disparaged for her incorrect claim that “We have had 14 … Continue reading “Amanda Pritchard’s claim that Covid admissions are higher than this time last year is misleading”

Alcohol ad ban: “Nanny statists need to stop trying to ban the marketing of anything they don’t like”

24 August 2021
Lifestyle Economics

Alcohol ad ban: “Nanny statists need to stop trying to ban the marketing of anything they don’t like”

24 August 2021

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Spirits Business Magazine

The Alcohol Health Alliance has called on the government to include alcoholic drinks in its plan to ban junk food … Continue reading “Alcohol ad ban: “Nanny statists need to stop trying to ban the marketing of anything they don’t like””

WHO call for women of childbearing age not to drink alcohol is “unscientific and absurd”

17 June 2021
Healthcare

WHO call for women of childbearing age not to drink alcohol is “unscientific and absurd”

17 June 2021

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Telegraph

In response the the World Health Organisation’s call for women of childbearing age not to drink alcohol, IEA Head of … Continue reading “WHO call for women of childbearing age not to drink alcohol is “unscientific and absurd””

“Social distancing rules must go on 21st June”: IEA expert responds to ONS data on UK pubs and bars sector

8 June 2021

“Social distancing rules must go on 21st June”: IEA expert responds to ONS data on UK pubs and bars sector

8 June 2021
Responding to figures from the Office for National Statistics showing that 55 per cent of pub staff are still furloughed … Continue reading ““Social distancing rules must go on 21st June”: IEA expert responds to ONS data on UK pubs and bars sector”

Ministers consider forcing tobacco industry to pay for cost of clearing up cigarette butts

31 March 2021
Lifestyle Economics

Ministers consider forcing tobacco industry to pay for cost of clearing up cigarette butts

31 March 2021

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Times

Ministers are considering forcing the tobacco industry to pay for the full cost disposing of tobacco waste products like cigarette … Continue reading “Ministers consider forcing tobacco industry to pay for cost of clearing up cigarette butts”

“Boris Johnson’s sluggish timetable will do unnecessary damage to businesses and livelihoods”, says IEA expert

22 February 2021
Regulation

“Boris Johnson’s sluggish timetable will do unnecessary damage to businesses and livelihoods”, says IEA expert

22 February 2021
Responding to Boris Johnson’s roadmap to lift lockdown measures in England, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at free market think … Continue reading ““Boris Johnson’s sluggish timetable will do unnecessary damage to businesses and livelihoods”, says IEA expert”

Red tape needs to be slashed further or the UK risks slipping down the international vaccination rankings

10 January 2021
Healthcare

Red tape needs to be slashed further or the UK risks slipping down the international vaccination rankings

10 January 2021

Christopher Snowdon writes for The Sunday Telegraph

The vaccine roll-out is accelerating but it needs to go much faster, writes the IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher … Continue reading “Red tape needs to be slashed further or the UK risks slipping down the international vaccination rankings”

Imposing a lockdown at Christmas will be the greatest test yet of the Government’s authority — and of the public’s patience.

20 December 2020
Regulation

Imposing a lockdown at Christmas will be the greatest test yet of the Government’s authority — and of the public’s patience.

20 December 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for The Sun

The Government has made the wrong decision in bringing in Tier 4 restrictions over Christmas, argues the IEA’s Head of … Continue reading “Imposing a lockdown at Christmas will be the greatest test yet of the Government’s authority — and of the public’s patience.”

There is “an almost pathological desire” by government scientists to promote lockdowns

30 November 2020
Regulation

There is “an almost pathological desire” by government scientists to promote lockdowns

30 November 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for The Telegraph

The Government has finally published its cost-benefit analysis to justify its new tier system but “there is no serious attempt … Continue reading “There is “an almost pathological desire” by government scientists to promote lockdowns”

Government has failed to balance restrictions against costs to health, wealth and wellbeing

27 November 2020
Tax and Fiscal Policy

Government has failed to balance restrictions against costs to health, wealth and wellbeing

27 November 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for the Daily Mail

The additional £339 billion debt incurred to deal with Covid is “the equivalent of £6 million for every person who … Continue reading “Government has failed to balance restrictions against costs to health, wealth and wellbeing”

If you’re looking for blame, try the public health establishment that was so unprepared for the pandemic

16 November 2020
Lifestyle Economics

If you’re looking for blame, try the public health establishment that was so unprepared for the pandemic

16 November 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for CapX

Former Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies, dubbed the ‘nanny-in-chief’ by the press, is back in the media, blaming … Continue reading “If you’re looking for blame, try the public health establishment that was so unprepared for the pandemic”

Proposed ‘junk food’ online ad ban is “an ill-considered policy designed by fanatics”

11 November 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Proposed ‘junk food’ online ad ban is “an ill-considered policy designed by fanatics”

11 November 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted in the Daily Mail

Responding to government proposals to ban online ads for ‘junk food’ , the IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon … Continue reading “Proposed ‘junk food’ online ad ban is “an ill-considered policy designed by fanatics””

‘Economically impossible’ to give all NHS staff a pay rise before Christmas

10 November 2020

‘Economically impossible’ to give all NHS staff a pay rise before Christmas

10 November 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted by the Mail Online

Union demands for a pre-Christmas pay-rise for all NHS workers, including non-frontline staff, are “cynical”, as well as “economically impossible” … Continue reading “‘Economically impossible’ to give all NHS staff a pay rise before Christmas”

Ad hominem attacks on supporters of The Great Barrington Declaration do not help debates around Covid

20 October 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Ad hominem attacks on supporters of The Great Barrington Declaration do not help debates around Covid

20 October 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for The Critic

The Observer ran an op-ed questioning the interests behind the libertarian think tank American Institute for Economic Research’s support for … Continue reading “Ad hominem attacks on supporters of The Great Barrington Declaration do not help debates around Covid”

It is not difficult to see an element of Presbyterian zeal in Sturgeon’s latest crackdown

8 October 2020
Regulation

It is not difficult to see an element of Presbyterian zeal in Sturgeon’s latest crackdown

8 October 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for The Spectator

“Scotland has recorded one solitary death from Covid-19 today, just as it did the day before”, writes the IEA’s Head … Continue reading “It is not difficult to see an element of Presbyterian zeal in Sturgeon’s latest crackdown”

Government should publish evidence to justify 10pm closing time for licensed premises

22 September 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Government should publish evidence to justify 10pm closing time for licensed premises

22 September 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted by the Mail Online

Responding to the news that the Government will enforce a 10pm closing time for pubs, bars and other hospitality, the … Continue reading “Government should publish evidence to justify 10pm closing time for licensed premises”

10pm closing time ‘will be devastating’ to an already suffering hospitality sector

22 September 2020
Lifestyle Economics

10pm closing time ‘will be devastating’ to an already suffering hospitality sector

22 September 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted in the Metro

The 10pm closing time for licensed premises announced by the Government “will be devastating to a hospitality sector that was … Continue reading “10pm closing time ‘will be devastating’ to an already suffering hospitality sector”

New covid restrictions appear “to have emerged from a random policy generator”

22 September 2020
Lifestyle Economics

New covid restrictions appear “to have emerged from a random policy generator”

22 September 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted by the BBC

The latest government coronavirus restrictions, including a 10pm mandatory closing time for licensed premises, appear “to have emerged from a … Continue reading “New covid restrictions appear “to have emerged from a random policy generator””

PHE’s plans to shrink your chips are the “death rattle of a profoundly useless organisation”

8 September 2020
Lifestyle Economics

PHE’s plans to shrink your chips are the “death rattle of a profoundly useless organisation”

8 September 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted by The Telegraph

Public Health England’s plans to introduce new guidelines to shrink the calorie content of most food, “is the death rattle … Continue reading “PHE’s plans to shrink your chips are the “death rattle of a profoundly useless organisation””

WHO and PHE were “distracted by their pet projects” and “dropped the ball” on Covid-19

4 September 2020
Healthcare

WHO and PHE were “distracted by their pet projects” and “dropped the ball” on Covid-19

4 September 2020

IEA research quoted in the Daily Express

The Daily Express has run a news piece on the IEA’s recent briefing paper, You Had One Job. It described the report, … Continue reading “WHO and PHE were “distracted by their pet projects” and “dropped the ball” on Covid-19″

If the PM thinks restricting advertising is going to reduce obesity, “he is mistaken.”

26 July 2020
Lifestyle Economics

If the PM thinks restricting advertising is going to reduce obesity, “he is mistaken.”

26 July 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted in the Mail on Sunday

Boris Johnson is “mistaken” if he thinks introducing measures to combat obesity to pacify nanny statists will succeed, says Christopher … Continue reading “If the PM thinks restricting advertising is going to reduce obesity, “he is mistaken.””

The proposed ‘junk food’ advertising ban will set in motion a runaway train

24 July 2020
Lifestyle Economics

The proposed ‘junk food’ advertising ban will set in motion a runaway train

24 July 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for the Daily Telegraph

“Brexit and Covid-19 pushed [the government’s obesity strategy] onto the back burner until the Prime Minister had a sick-bed conversion” … Continue reading “The proposed ‘junk food’ advertising ban will set in motion a runaway train”

This war on obesity is “an attempt to divert attention” from the handling of coronavirus

3 July 2020
Lifestyle Economics

This war on obesity is “an attempt to divert attention” from the handling of coronavirus

3 July 2020

Christopher Snowdon writes for Spiked

Throughout the visitation of Covid-19, there has been a palpable desire from certain quarters to find a lifestyle factor to … Continue reading “This war on obesity is “an attempt to divert attention” from the handling of coronavirus”

Government and Coronavirus, face masks and Kate and William’s parenting technique

19 April 2020
Society and Culture

Government and Coronavirus, face masks and Kate and William’s parenting technique

19 April 2020

Christopher Snowdon appears on BBC Good Week Bad Week

The IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics, Christopher Snowdon, took part in the BBC Good Week Bad Week radio panel alongside … Continue reading “Government and Coronavirus, face masks and Kate and William’s parenting technique”

Minimum alcohol pricing in Wales will simply push shoppers across the English border, says IEA expert

1 March 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Minimum alcohol pricing in Wales will simply push shoppers across the English border, says IEA expert

1 March 2020
Responding to the introduction of minimum pricing in Wales (Monday 2nd March), the IEA’s head of lifestyle economics, Christopher Snowdon, … Continue reading “Minimum alcohol pricing in Wales will simply push shoppers across the English border, says IEA expert”

Study suggests wine in restaurants has “significant impact” on alcohol-related deaths

28 February 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Study suggests wine in restaurants has “significant impact” on alcohol-related deaths

28 February 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Sun

“The idea that wine consumed in restaurants has any significant impact on the number of alcohol-related deaths is just daft”, … Continue reading “Study suggests wine in restaurants has “significant impact” on alcohol-related deaths”

Public health campaigners “out of touch” as they bid to limit wine glass size

28 February 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Public health campaigners “out of touch” as they bid to limit wine glass size

28 February 2020

Christopher Snowdon quoted in the Daily Telegraph

Public health campaigners have proposed limiting the size of wine glasses in restaurants in a bid to limit binge drinking, … Continue reading “Public health campaigners “out of touch” as they bid to limit wine glass size”

IEA: Taxing sugar in alcopops would have “no effect on sugar consumption” and “hit the poor hardest”

21 January 2020
Lifestyle Economics

IEA: Taxing sugar in alcopops would have “no effect on sugar consumption” and “hit the poor hardest”

21 January 2020
Responding to calls from Action on Sugar to extend the sugar tax to pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, IEA Head of Lifestyle … Continue reading “IEA: Taxing sugar in alcopops would have “no effect on sugar consumption” and “hit the poor hardest””

Government wrong to propose “unscientific” and “discriminatory” ban on energy drinks, says report

31 December 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Government wrong to propose “unscientific” and “discriminatory” ban on energy drinks, says report

31 December 2019
Plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to teenagers are “unscientific” and “discriminatory” according to a new report from … Continue reading “Government wrong to propose “unscientific” and “discriminatory” ban on energy drinks, says report”

£44.6 million of UK foreign aid budget used to export the nanny state overseas, finds new IEA report

14 November 2019
Lifestyle Economics

£44.6 million of UK foreign aid budget used to export the nanny state overseas, finds new IEA report

14 November 2019

IEA publishes "Nanny State on Tour"

The amount of UK foreign aid spent on nanny state interventions has skyrocketed, according to a new report from the … Continue reading “£44.6 million of UK foreign aid budget used to export the nanny state overseas, finds new IEA report”

IEA: Early signs suggest minimum unit pricing is not having a positive effect on health

19 September 2019
Lifestyle Economics

IEA: Early signs suggest minimum unit pricing is not having a positive effect on health

19 September 2019

Christopher Snowdon responds to new research

Commenting on figures presented to the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) conference in Glasgow on the … Continue reading “IEA: Early signs suggest minimum unit pricing is not having a positive effect on health”

Food reformulation by stealth designed to please Public Health England, not consumers, says new IEA report

16 August 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Food reformulation by stealth designed to please Public Health England, not consumers, says new IEA report

16 August 2019

New report on food reformulation plans which seek to reduce the per capita consumption of sugar, salt, and calories

The government’s food reformulation agenda encourages companies to design recipes that please Public Health England (PHE) and ignore the tastes … Continue reading “Food reformulation by stealth designed to please Public Health England, not consumers, says new IEA report”

It’s encouraging to see Mr Johnson take a stand against sin taxes

3 July 2019
Tax and Fiscal Policy

It’s encouraging to see Mr Johnson take a stand against sin taxes

3 July 2019

IEA responds to leadership candidate's pledge to review effectiveness of 'sin taxes'

Commenting on Boris Johnson’s pledge, if elected Leader of the Conservative Party, to launch a comprehensive review into the effectiveness … Continue reading “It’s encouraging to see Mr Johnson take a stand against sin taxes”

The Lancet’s support for repressive regimes’ alcohol control policies is worrying

7 May 2019
Lifestyle Economics

The Lancet’s support for repressive regimes’ alcohol control policies is worrying

7 May 2019

Christopher Snowdon comments on new study in The Lancet

Responding to a study in The Lancet which claims that harmful drinking is rising, and which endorses alcohol control policies … Continue reading “The Lancet’s support for repressive regimes’ alcohol control policies is worrying”

UK is the best country in the EU for vaping but one of the worst for interference in everything else

30 April 2019
Lifestyle Economics

UK is the best country in the EU for vaping but one of the worst for interference in everything else

30 April 2019

Findings from the Nanny State Index 2019

Only three EU countries are worse than Britain when it comes to nanny state interference, according to the latest research. … Continue reading “UK is the best country in the EU for vaping but one of the worst for interference in everything else”

Junk food ad ban: Strawberries and cream Wimbledon advert removed from TfL network

24 April 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Junk food ad ban: Strawberries and cream Wimbledon advert removed from TfL network

24 April 2019

Christopher Snowdon quoted in The Telegraph

Christopher Snowdon, head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, is quoted in The Telegraph, following news Wimbledon’s … Continue reading “Junk food ad ban: Strawberries and cream Wimbledon advert removed from TfL network”

Banning discounts on food will hit the pockets of the poorest the hardest

27 March 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Banning discounts on food will hit the pockets of the poorest the hardest

27 March 2019

IEA responds to Cancer Research UK calls to ban food promotions

Responding to Cancer Research’s call for restrictions on price promotions on food, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the … Continue reading “Banning discounts on food will hit the pockets of the poorest the hardest”

Taxpayer-funded activism declines in England, but soars regionally & in the EU says new IEA report

28 February 2019
Government and Institutions

Taxpayer-funded activism declines in England, but soars regionally & in the EU says new IEA report

28 February 2019

IEA releases the next in a series of research on use of public money to lobby government

Following on from research published between 2012 and 2014, a new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs finds that … Continue reading “Taxpayer-funded activism declines in England, but soars regionally & in the EU says new IEA report”

It’s difficult to imagine a more blatantly elitist project than the Lancet Commission on Obesity

28 January 2019
Lifestyle Economics

It’s difficult to imagine a more blatantly elitist project than the Lancet Commission on Obesity

28 January 2019

Christopher Snowdon writes for Spectator Health

The IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon has written for Spectator Health, in light of the Lancet Commission on … Continue reading “It’s difficult to imagine a more blatantly elitist project than the Lancet Commission on Obesity”

Bureaucrats and activist shouldn’t be allowed to decide what the public is allowed to eat

27 January 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Bureaucrats and activist shouldn’t be allowed to decide what the public is allowed to eat

27 January 2019

Christopher Snowdon comments in the Sunday Mirror

The IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon has been quoted by the Sunday Mirror, in light of the Lancet … Continue reading “Bureaucrats and activist shouldn’t be allowed to decide what the public is allowed to eat”

Nanny statists Lancet want to limit people to eating one tenth of a sausage per day

17 January 2019
Lifestyle Economics

Nanny statists Lancet want to limit people to eating one tenth of a sausage per day

17 January 2019

Chris Snowdon comments on the ITV News website

Chris Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs has commented on the ITV news website following … Continue reading “Nanny statists Lancet want to limit people to eating one tenth of a sausage per day”

Move for more ‘alcohol control’ is paternalistic & ignores scientific evidence

24 August 2018
Lifestyle Economics

Move for more ‘alcohol control’ is paternalistic & ignores scientific evidence

24 August 2018

IEA responds to Lancet report on alcohol control

Responding to an article in The Lancet* calling for a global movement of ‘alcohol control’, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle … Continue reading “Move for more ‘alcohol control’ is paternalistic & ignores scientific evidence”

IEA welcomes WHO decision to exclude taxes on food & drink from recommendations

1 June 2018
Lifestyle Economics

IEA welcomes WHO decision to exclude taxes on food & drink from recommendations

1 June 2018

IEA responds to World Health Organisation report on non-communicable diseases

Commenting on the World Health Organisation’s report ‘Time To Deliver’ on non-communicable diseases, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at … Continue reading “IEA welcomes WHO decision to exclude taxes on food & drink from recommendations”

Public Health England sugar reduction scheme has led to ‘shrinkflation’ rip off

22 May 2018
Lifestyle Economics

Public Health England sugar reduction scheme has led to ‘shrinkflation’ rip off

22 May 2018

IEA reacts to Public Health England's sugar reduction progress report

Commenting on Public Health England’s progress report on the sugar reduction scheme, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute … Continue reading “Public Health England sugar reduction scheme has led to ‘shrinkflation’ rip off”

WHO proposals on sin taxes could increase a British family’s food bills by nearly £500 each year

17 May 2018
Lifestyle Economics

WHO proposals on sin taxes could increase a British family’s food bills by nearly £500 each year

17 May 2018

IEA releases report on how much increased sin taxes could inflate the cost of food

A behind-closed-doors summit this weekend will agree a manifesto that will dramatically increase the price of food and groceries for … Continue reading “WHO proposals on sin taxes could increase a British family’s food bills by nearly £500 each year”

Public Health England is taking one-size-fits-all health policy to new depths

6 March 2018
Lifestyle Economics

Public Health England is taking one-size-fits-all health policy to new depths

6 March 2018

IEA reacts to Public Health England’s plans to cut calorie consumption

Commenting on Public Health England’s plans to cut calorie consumption, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of … Continue reading “Public Health England is taking one-size-fits-all health policy to new depths”

Don’t force alcohol companies to put false information on their products

26 January 2018
Lifestyle Economics

Don’t force alcohol companies to put false information on their products

26 January 2018

IEA reacts to call for mandatory health warnings on alcohol

Commenting on the Royal Society for Public Health’s call for mandatory health warnings on alcohol, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle … Continue reading “Don’t force alcohol companies to put false information on their products”

Decision on minimum alcohol pricing disappointing & will hit poorest the hardest

15 November 2017
Lifestyle Economics

Decision on minimum alcohol pricing disappointing & will hit poorest the hardest

15 November 2017

IEA reacts to Supreme Court ruling on minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland

Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision to back Scottish minimum alcohol pricing, Chris Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the … Continue reading “Decision on minimum alcohol pricing disappointing & will hit poorest the hardest”

Labour’s advertising restrictions will do nothing to tackle childhood obesity

8 May 2017
Regulation

Labour’s advertising restrictions will do nothing to tackle childhood obesity

8 May 2017

Reaction to Labour's plans to restrict advertising further

Commenting on the Labour Party’s plan to introduce stricter regulations on advertising of junk food, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle … Continue reading “Labour’s advertising restrictions will do nothing to tackle childhood obesity”

IEA Response to the Alcohol Health Alliance: Tax all alcohol at the same rate

3 February 2017
Lifestyle Economics

IEA Response to the Alcohol Health Alliance: Tax all alcohol at the same rate

3 February 2017

Reaction to calls for the government to increase duty on 'cheap' alcohol

Commenting on the Alcohol Health Alliance’s call on government to increase duty on cheap, high strength alcohol, Christopher Snowdon, Head … Continue reading “IEA Response to the Alcohol Health Alliance: Tax all alcohol at the same rate”

Testing drinkers on the basis of arbitrary targets would be a gross waste of NHS resources

19 December 2016
Lifestyle Economics

Testing drinkers on the basis of arbitrary targets would be a gross waste of NHS resources

19 December 2016

Reaction to NICE recommendation to scan those who drink above a certain amount of alcohol

Commenting on NICE’s recommendation that those drinking above a certain number of units per week should be sent for scans … Continue reading “Testing drinkers on the basis of arbitrary targets would be a gross waste of NHS resources”

Moral panic surrounding fixed-odds betting terminals baseless and unwarranted

8 September 2016
Regulation

Moral panic surrounding fixed-odds betting terminals baseless and unwarranted

Christopher Snowdon
8 September 2016

IEA releases new report on fixed-odds betting terminals

The claim that fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) are ‘the crack cocaine’ of gambling is both exaggerated and unfounded. In a … Continue reading “Moral panic surrounding fixed-odds betting terminals baseless and unwarranted”

Plain packaging will boost the black market and is a disaster for the free market

11 March 2015
Lifestyle Economics

Plain packaging will boost the black market and is a disaster for the free market

11 March 2015

Politicians are misguided to approve the implementation of standardised packaging in the UK

Commenting on the decision to implement plain packaging in the UK, Christopher Snowdon, Director of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute … Continue reading “Plain packaging will boost the black market and is a disaster for the free market”

Tax on sugary drinks would cost Londoners £2.6 billion

16 December 2014
Lifestyle Economics

Tax on sugary drinks would cost Londoners £2.6 billion

16 December 2014

The Children’s Food Campaign’s own figures suggest that the cost of a sugary drinks tax to London taxpayers will be £2.6 billion over twenty years.

The Children’s Food Campaign claims that a 20% tax on sugary drinks will save London taxpayers £39 million over twenty … Continue reading “Tax on sugary drinks would cost Londoners £2.6 billion”

Taxation and red tape have killed more than 6,000 pubs since 2006

10 December 2014
Lifestyle Economics

Taxation and red tape have killed more than 6,000 pubs since 2006

10 December 2014

Policies such as the smoking ban and alcohol duty escalator have contributed to the decline in pubs

Taxation, regulation and declining real wages as a result of the recession have been responsible for the closure of more … Continue reading “Taxation and red tape have killed more than 6,000 pubs since 2006”

Two years on, all evidence shows that plain packaging has failed in Australia

1 December 2014
Lifestyle Economics

Two years on, all evidence shows that plain packaging has failed in Australia

1 December 2014

Plain packaging has failed to have any effect on smoking rates

Commenting on the two two year anniversary of plain packaging in Australia, Christopher Snowdon, Director of Lifestyle Economics at the … Continue reading “Two years on, all evidence shows that plain packaging has failed in Australia”

European Commission refuses to pay for ‘ad hominem attack’

25 November 2014
Lifestyle Economics

European Commission refuses to pay for ‘ad hominem attack’

25 November 2014

Christopher Snowdon and John Duffy react to the actions of The European Commission in relation to minimum alcohol pricing

The European Commission has refused to fund a series of articles published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) which attacked … Continue reading “European Commission refuses to pay for ‘ad hominem attack’”

Drop the opposition: Advertising benefits us all

16 September 2014
Society and Culture

Drop the opposition: Advertising benefits us all

Ralph Harris and Arthur Seldon. With an introduction by Christopher Snowdon. Foreword by Jane S. Shaw 16 Sep 2014
16 September 2014

Don't overregulate the advertising industry, as it brings great benefits to the consumer

Banning and restricting advertising has little to no effect on overall consumption, but it does create negative consequences for consumers. … Continue reading “Drop the opposition: Advertising benefits us all”

IEA criticises MHRA decision to regulate e-cigarettes as medical products

12 June 2013
Lifestyle Economics

IEA criticises MHRA decision to regulate e-cigarettes as medical products

12 June 2013

E-cigarettes should be allowed to flourish in a free market

Commenting on the announcement of new regulations for e-cigarettes, Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic … Continue reading “IEA criticises MHRA decision to regulate e-cigarettes as medical products”

UK should wait before leaping in on the plain packaging of cigarettes

19 February 2013
Regulation

UK should wait before leaping in on the plain packaging of cigarettes

19 February 2013

IEA reacts to New Zealand's government decision bring forward plain packaging

Commenting on the New Zealand government’s decision to put forward legislation on the plain packaging of tobacco, Christopher Snowdon, research … Continue reading “UK should wait before leaping in on the plain packaging of cigarettes”

Rise of the machines: Are fixed odds betting terminals the new crack cocaine?

5 April 2013
Uncategorized

Rise of the machines: Are fixed odds betting terminals the new crack cocaine?

5 April 2013

A panel discussion about the rise of the gambling industry and fixed odds betting terminals

An evening panel discussion – Rise of the machines: Are fixed odds betting terminals the new crack cocaine? Speakers: Neil … Continue reading “Rise of the machines: Are fixed odds betting terminals the new crack cocaine?”

The Spirit Level Delusion: Fact-Checking the Left’s New Theory of Everything

11 November 2010
Uncategorized

The Spirit Level Delusion: Fact-Checking the Left’s New Theory of Everything

11 November 2010

The IEA invites you to a Democracy Institute book launch

Chair – Dr Patrick Basham, director, Democracy Institute Author – Christopher Snowdon, adjunct scholar, Democracy Institute Christopher Snowdon’s new book … Continue reading “The Spirit Level Delusion: Fact-Checking the Left’s New Theory of Everything”

You had one job: The shortcomings of Public Health England and the World Health Organization during the Covid-19 pandemic

4 September 2020
Research

You had one job: The shortcomings of Public Health England and the World Health Organization during the Covid-19 pandemic

Christopher Snowdon
4 September 2020
Summary The World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE) have been widely criticised for their response to the … Continue reading “You had one job: The shortcomings of Public Health England and the World Health Organization during the Covid-19 pandemic”

Vox Pop

31 December 2019
Research

Vox Pop

Christopher Snowdon
31 December 2019

Why banning energy drinks doesn't make sense

The government has proposed a ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors on the basis that these products … Continue reading “Vox Pop”

The impact of WHO food and drink taxes on a typical household

17 May 2018
Research

The impact of WHO food and drink taxes on a typical household

Christopher Snowdon
17 May 2018

WHO proposals on sin taxes could increase a British family’s food bills by nearly £500 each year

Summary:  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments to raise the price of sugar-sweetened beverages by twenty per … Continue reading “The impact of WHO food and drink taxes on a typical household”

Flaws and Ceilings: Price controls and the damage they cause

21 April 2015
Research

Flaws and Ceilings: Price controls and the damage they cause

Christopher J. Coyne, Rachel L. Coyne, Philip Booth, Ryan Bourne, Stephen Davies, Robert C. B. Miller, Colin Robinson, Steven Schwartz, W.Stanley Siebert, Christopher Snowdon and Richard Wellings.
21 April 2015

UK economy riddled with damaging price controls

To download a copy to your e-reader, click here. To purchase a copy of Flaws and Ceilings: Price controls and the … Continue reading “Flaws and Ceilings: Price controls and the damage they cause”

The Fat Lie

18 August 2014
Research

The Fat Lie

Christopher Snowdon
18 August 2014

Inactivity, not calorie consumption, behind rising obesity in the UK

Summary: The rise in obesity in recent decades is popularly believed to be the result of increased consumption of calories … Continue reading “The Fat Lie”

The Sock Doctrine – What can be done about state-funded political activism?

5 February 2014
Research

The Sock Doctrine – What can be done about state-funded political activism?

Christopher Snowdon
5 February 2014

New IEA research calls on government to do more to end state-funded political activism

Summary: The IEA has previously published two reports about state-funded political activism (Sock Puppets and Euro Puppets). This discussion paper … Continue reading “The Sock Doctrine – What can be done about state-funded political activism?”

Seven Years Later – Casinos in the aftermath of the 2005 Gambling Act

11 September 2012
Research

Seven Years Later – Casinos in the aftermath of the 2005 Gambling Act

Christopher Snowdon
11 September 2012

A new IEA publication explores the case for deregulating the gambling market

Executive summary: The 2005 Gambling Act was intended to modernise gambling in the United Kingdom by replacing the anachronistic 1968 … Continue reading “Seven Years Later – Casinos in the aftermath of the 2005 Gambling Act”