It is heartening to know that the huge outcry concerning George Osborne’s proposal to reduce tax-relief on charitable giving has … Continue reading “Saving, not charity, is the real answer to long-term poverty”

In August 2010, the IEA published Does Britain Need a Financial Regulator? Written by Professor Philip Booth and myself, with … Continue reading “State regulation: a scourge on the financial landscape”

‘Britain is today experiencing the longest period of sustained economic growth since records began in 1701.’ Gordon Brown, Budget Speech, … Continue reading “GDP: nonsense on stilts”

‘The fundamental principles of mercantilism and neo-mercantilism are: direction of economic life by the authorities; the belief that money is … Continue reading “Mercantilism is back with a vengeance”

Bribery and corruption are back in the news, with a new Bribery Act coming into force next month. But what … Continue reading “Official views of corruption make the innocent guilty”

In 1997 Gordon Brown removed the so-called “self-regulatory” system for financial services under the Securities and Investment Board and created … Continue reading “Does Britain need a financial regulator?”

The election campaign should be bringing on another Great Depression in the minds of all taxpayers. This morning Gordon Brown continued his … Continue reading “National Insurance: taking it out or putting it in?”

Many years ago I was in hospital for a minor operation. The tiny ward had room for four but there … Continue reading “The NHS should be financing a campaign for private hospitals”