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
Markets and Morality

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

After a series of suicide tragedies involving children who researched methods online, or sought peer group approval through groups and sites, some commentators have linked social media use to suicides. Demands for action currently range from a safeguarding duty of care for social media providers through to prohibition in schools, and an out-right bans on phone use ... Continue reading
Andy Mayer
19 March 2019
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Socialism or communism? A note on the terminology

Dr Kristian Niemietz
13 March 2019
Economic Theory

Socialism or communism? A note on the terminology

Rolling Stones lead guitarist Keith Richards was once asked by an interviewer whether he ever got bored with some of the old Rolling Stones songs. (I can’t get no) Satisfaction, for example, was first released in 1965, but the Stones are still playing it today. Far from it, Richards replied. A song isn’t finished just ... Continue reading
Dr Kristian Niemietz
13 March 2019
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Economic Affairs journal – blending the three Rs (rigour, readability, relevance) since 1980

Len Shackleton
6 March 2019
Economic Theory

Economic Affairs journal – blending the three Rs (rigour, readability, relevance) since 1980

The Institute of Economic Affairs does many things, but is primarily an educational charity focusing on explaining to the public how markets can work to benefit society. Part of this mission is met by our outreach work with students. Part is by our organisation of public events, private events with key decision-makers, evidence to government ... Continue reading
Len Shackleton
6 March 2019
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Observations from Singapore

Keith Boyfield
5 March 2019
Government and Institutions

Observations from Singapore

James Dyson, the British billionaire entrepreneur, has announced that his company will relocate its HQ to Singapore. Having just returned from the financial services hub of South East Asia, it’s not hard for me to understand the appeal. Within one generation, this city state has transformed itself from a third world country to one of ... Continue reading
Keith Boyfield
5 March 2019
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How government regulation exacerbates ethnic pay gaps

Len Shackleton
4 March 2019
Economic Theory

How government regulation exacerbates ethnic pay gaps

Last week I blogged about the way in which regulation may exacerbate pay gaps between different ethnic groups, using the example of taxi regulation in London. Another example is regulation of restaurants and (especially) takeaway outlets. A glance at any high street will suggest that some minority ethnic groups (especially those of Bangladeshi and Chinese ... Continue reading
Len Shackleton
4 March 2019
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Taxis and ethnic pay gaps

Prof Len Shackleton
1 March 2019
Labour Market

Taxis and ethnic pay gaps

Twice in recent weeks Parliament Square has been blockaded by taxi drivers. The visible contrast between these demonstrations tells us something about ethnic pay differences. The first blockade was by black cab drivers, those allowed to pick up fares in the street. Their particular argument this time was with London mayor Sadiq Kahn, who wants ... Continue reading
Prof Len Shackleton
1 March 2019
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Still Hand in Glove? A reexamination of taxpayer-funded activism

Christopher Snowdon
28 February 2019

Still Hand in Glove? A reexamination of taxpayer-funded activism

It's been seven years since I first published research with the IEA about state-funded activism, and five years since I last tackled the subject in The Sock Doctrine.   I showed in these reports that large sums of taxpayers' money were being given to non-governmental organisations by central government, local authorities and the European Commission. It is undeniable that ... Continue reading
Christopher Snowdon
28 February 2019
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If Scandinavia is a socialist paradise, so is Britain

Dr Kristian Niemietz
27 February 2019
Economic Theory

If Scandinavia is a socialist paradise, so is Britain

It is still early days, but so far, I’m quite pleased with the feedback I’m getting for my book “Socialism: The Failed Idea That Never Dies”. If I had to categorise the responses, the breakdown would – very roughly – look about as follows: ≈50%     “Who funds you?” or some variation thereof (which is an ... Continue reading
Dr Kristian Niemietz
27 February 2019
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On regulation and centralisation, the UK’s record is no better than the EU’s

Prof Philip Booth
26 February 2019
Government and Institutions

On regulation and centralisation, the UK’s record is no better than the EU’s

Those who voted for Brexit in the 2016 referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU rightly complained about the centralised political structures in Brussels. The slogan was “take back control”. Even for Remain supporters, like me, that was an understandable slogan given the avalanche of regulation that comes from Brussels that affects our daily lives. ... Continue reading
Prof Philip Booth
26 February 2019
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A Socialist Carol (Part 3)

Dr Kristian Niemietz
25 February 2019
Economic Theory

A Socialist Carol (Part 3)

…continued from Part 2. Stave 4: The Ghost of Socialism Yet to Come Owen woke up again, to the sound of classical music coming from the kitchen. He got up, and went to see what was going on there. It was the old man, who had announced the ghosts a few hours earlier. “You again”, ... Continue reading
Dr Kristian Niemietz
25 February 2019
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