In rejecting mutual recognition, the inflexible EU would violate the spirit of WTO rules

22 January 2020
Regulation

In rejecting mutual recognition, the inflexible EU would violate the spirit of WTO rules

Victoria Hewson writes for The Telegraph

The latest reports from the pre-negotiations for our future relationship with the EU suggest that the Commission is preparing to offer the UK a trade deal on even harsher terms than its agreements with Canada, Japan and other trading partners. But while mutual recognition would be a "desirable outcome", our negotiators should remember that British businesses ... Continue reading
22 January 2020
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Rent controls would be dangerous and irresponsible – Sweden tells us as much

22 January 2020
Housing and Planning

Rent controls would be dangerous and irresponsible – Sweden tells us as much

Emily Carver writes for Free Market Conservatives

Sweden’s intention was to create a fairer society; that people would be able to live side by side in villages and cities alike, irrespective of their income. "But as economist Milton Friedman said, it’s a mistake to judge policies by their intentions rather than their results", argues the IEA's Media Manager, Emily Carver. "As with ... Continue reading
22 January 2020
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The demise of the Bristol Pound shows the folly of local currencies

22 January 2020
Economic Theory

The demise of the Bristol Pound shows the folly of local currencies

Christopher Snowdon writes for CapX

Far from being a boost to the local economy, the Bristol Pound has more likely been a drain on it, says the IEA's Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon. Writing for CapX, Chris argues that the logic of local currencies rests on the economic fallacy of mercantilism and the assumption that the route to prosperity ... Continue reading
22 January 2020
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Sadiq Khan’s housing plan holds renters to ransom

22 January 2020
Housing and Planning

Sadiq Khan’s housing plan holds renters to ransom

Adam Bartha writes for CapX

While rent controls might seem like an intuitively good idea, the experience of other cities, such as Stockholm, shows the disastrous unintended consequences of such measures, says the IEA's Director of Epicenter, Adam Bartha. Writing for CapX, Adam argues that we should look to Sweden as a cautionary tale, where rent controls have imposed deep ... Continue reading
22 January 2020
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Rent controls in London could bring “immense economic costs” and increase “social segregation”, finds new report  

21 January 2020
Housing and Planning

Rent controls in London could bring “immense economic costs” and increase “social segregation”, finds new report  

Calls from politicians, including the Mayor of London, to introduce rent caps are misguided and would impose immense economic and social costs on the capital, according to a new report from Swedish think tank Timbro, part of the IEA’s EPICENTER network. ‘Rent Controls: How they damage the housing market, the economy and society', by EPICENTER and ... Continue reading
21 January 2020
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Davos has become a cosy love-in for activists and corporate elites. Boycott it

21 January 2020
Markets and Morality

Davos has become a cosy love-in for activists and corporate elites. Boycott it

Mark Littlewood writes for The Telegraph

While those attending Davos may be genuinely well-intentioned, but "those committed to free markets, enterprise and giving a fair crack of the whip to the little guy should treat the forum with extreme scepticism", says the IEA's Director General Mark Littlewood. Writing for The Telegraph, Mark argues that the summit is the standout example of ... Continue reading
21 January 2020
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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”

Responding to calls from Action on Sugar to extend the sugar tax to pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon said: "The tax on pre-mixed alcoholic drinks is at least four times higher than the tax on sugary drinks. Action on Sugar and the Alcohol Health Alliance are kidding themselves if they think ... Continue reading
21 January 2020
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IEA: Oxfam’s obsession with the rich distracts from tackling poverty

20 January 2020
Markets and Morality

IEA: Oxfam’s obsession with the rich distracts from tackling poverty

Commenting on Oxfam’s latest report 'Time to Care', Mark Littlewood, Director General at the Institute of Economic Affairs said: “Oxfam’s obsession with the top one percent once again distracts from the real issue of poverty. “If the charity’s goal is to end world poverty, Oxfam should be making the case for ensuring the right institutional ... Continue reading
20 January 2020
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If you are a corporate leader or politician on your way to Davos: stop

20 January 2020
Markets and Morality

If you are a corporate leader or politician on your way to Davos: stop

Prof Philip Booth writes for City AM

Adam Smith famously wrote that people of the same trade seldom meet together without the conversation ending in a conspiracy against the public — and Davos is no different. Taking part in a debate column for City AM, Prof Philip Booth, IEA senior academic fellow argues that the global elites participating in the "annual meeting ... Continue reading
20 January 2020
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Unlearning the lessons of Prohibition

17 January 2020
Lifestyle Economics

Unlearning the lessons of Prohibition

Christopher Snowdon writes for Spiked!

Writing for Spiked!, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics, Christopher Snowdon, reflects on the legacy of prohibition. Christopher warns that as the memory of the era fades history may well be rewritten by those who claim that prohibition was a groundbreaking public-health initiative which worked better than you think. Read the full article here.... Continue reading
17 January 2020
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