Search results for: node/o'keeffe type:publication

Public choice economics: how the left is trying to have its cake and eat it

19 September 2017

Economic Theory

Public choice economics: how the left is trying to have its cake and eat it

Philip Booth

19 September 2017

The left has a problem with public choice economics. The basis of public choice economics is that we should not … Continue reading “Public choice economics: how the left is trying to have its cake and eat it”

The case against the BBC licence fee

26 May 2016

Society and Culture

The case against the BBC licence fee

Thomas Carter

26 May 2016

The BBC Charter is currently under consultation for renewal, so it’s an ideal time to consider if a license fee … Continue reading “The case against the BBC licence fee”

We should expunge the term “public service broadcasting”

16 November 2020

Economic Theory

We should expunge the term “public service broadcasting”

Philip Booth

16 November 2020

The Government has appointed a panel to review the future of public service broadcasting. We can be wholly confident that … Continue reading “We should expunge the term “public service broadcasting””

Will Hutton’s pay proposals may increase the scope for cronyism

2 December 2010

Will Hutton’s pay proposals may increase the scope for cronyism

Steve Davies

2 December 2010

Yesterday Will Hutton published the initial results of the enquiry he has been conducting on the government’s behalf into pay … Continue reading “Will Hutton’s pay proposals may increase the scope for cronyism”

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 3)

11 January 2018

Economic Theory

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 3)

Richard M. Ebeling

11 January 2018

Continued from Part 2   Regardless of which individual is “playing this role” in society, we anticipate each will act … Continue reading “Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 3)”

The pseudo-economics of preventive care

7 May 2020

Healthcare

The pseudo-economics of preventive care

Chris Snowdon

7 May 2020

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic reached our shores, there were calls for spending on public health to be increased. Health … Continue reading “The pseudo-economics of preventive care”

Sock puppets: a step in the right direction

24 February 2015

Regulation

Sock puppets: a step in the right direction

Christopher Snowdon

24 February 2015

As Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles has long taken a principled stand against what he … Continue reading “Sock puppets: a step in the right direction”

IEA Debate: Should we privatise the statues?

8 July 2020

Society and Culture

IEA Debate: Should we privatise the statues?

Steve Davies vs Kristian Niemietz

8 July 2020

YES – says Dr Stephen Davies There is a big debate right now about statues of famous people with much … Continue reading “IEA Debate: Should we privatise the statues?”

How many types of human being? – Mid Staffs and public choice

7 February 2013

How many types of human being? – Mid Staffs and public choice

Philip Booth

7 February 2013

James Buchanan pointed out that the problem with much policy-related economics is that it assumes one type of human person … Continue reading “How many types of human being? – Mid Staffs and public choice”

‘The Left’ and Public Choice Theory

1 February 2012

‘The Left’ and Public Choice Theory

Mark Pennington

1 February 2012

The mention of public choice theory to those on ‘the left’ of politics can prompt a variety of reactions. Some … Continue reading “‘The Left’ and Public Choice Theory”

The sleight-of-hand on public sector pensions

28 March 2011

The sleight-of-hand on public sector pensions

Neil Record

28 March 2011

Hidden in last Wednesday’s Budget speech were three short sentences on public sector pensions which will have meant little to … Continue reading “The sleight-of-hand on public sector pensions”

Viral Myths: my response to the British Medical Journal

27 March 2021

Healthcare

Viral Myths: my response to the British Medical Journal

Kristian Niemietz

27 March 2021

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has published a “rebuttal” of my IEA paper “Viral Myths: Why we risk learning the … Continue reading “Viral Myths: my response to the British Medical Journal”

Scrap the public benefit test and abolish all taxes on education

26 May 2011

Scrap the public benefit test and abolish all taxes on education

James Stanfield

26 May 2011

The current controversy surrounding independent schools and their charitable status is becoming increasingly absurd. First, the public benefit test is a … Continue reading “Scrap the public benefit test and abolish all taxes on education”

On public sector pensions, the Government is marking its own homework

27 October 2021

Economic Theory

On public sector pensions, the Government is marking its own homework

Neil Record

27 October 2021

The Government is so large and complicated that we generally have to trust that what they are telling us about … Continue reading “On public sector pensions, the Government is marking its own homework”

Does regulation serve the public interest?

21 January 2016

Regulation

Does regulation serve the public interest?

Christopher J. Coyne and Rachel L. Coyne

21 January 2016

As Uber, an app which connects riders with private drivers, has spread throughout Europe, it has been met with backlash … Continue reading “Does regulation serve the public interest?”

Cuts, Responsibility and the Public Sector

8 July 2011

Cuts, Responsibility and the Public Sector

Mark Pennington

8 July 2011

Last week saw large scale strike action from public sector workers here in the UK, campaigning against changes to pension … Continue reading “Cuts, Responsibility and the Public Sector”

Why we don’t need tax rises to pay for Covid

9 December 2020

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Why we don’t need tax rises to pay for Covid

Julian Jessop

9 December 2020

How deep a hole are we in? The Institute of Economic Affairs has just published a primer I’ve written on … Continue reading “Why we don’t need tax rises to pay for Covid”

Public choice theory – the economics of government failure

13 September 2018

Economic Theory

Public choice theory – the economics of government failure

EAMONN BUTLER

13 September 2018

Will the view from the next hill be worth the effort of climbing it? Should you spend time learning the … Continue reading “Public choice theory – the economics of government failure”

Government diet guidelines should strive for public education, not social engineering

12 September 2018

Lifestyle Economics

Government diet guidelines should strive for public education, not social engineering

Rowan Wright

12 September 2018

Nutrition is, at present, a provisional science. Studies are published every week which update the orthodox positions on everything from … Continue reading “Government diet guidelines should strive for public education, not social engineering”

The enduring fantasy of secret NHS privatisation

6 February 2018

Healthcare

The enduring fantasy of secret NHS privatisation

Kristian Niemietz

6 February 2018

At last Saturday’s “NHS in Crisis – Emergency Day of Protest” event in London, one of the speakers said: “The … Continue reading “The enduring fantasy of secret NHS privatisation”

How crowdfunding could make public finance more democratic

14 November 2016

Government and Institutions

How crowdfunding could make public finance more democratic

Syed Kamall

14 November 2016

In 1850, the merchants, bankers and traders of the City of London held a crisis meeting. The original private contract … Continue reading “How crowdfunding could make public finance more democratic”

Guardian Records presents: Best of Public Spending Fallacies (Greatest Hits Vol. 1)

31 March 2011

Guardian Records presents: Best of Public Spending Fallacies (Greatest Hits Vol. 1)

Kristian Niemietz

31 March 2011

In providing a pseudo-rationalisation for last Saturday’s march against mathematics, the Guardian has assembled a video documenting a variety of … Continue reading “Guardian Records presents: Best of Public Spending Fallacies (Greatest Hits Vol. 1)”

Who funds you? Series 72743657393, Episode 293474565839

24 May 2022

Society and Culture

Who funds you? Series 72743657393, Episode 293474565839

Andy Mayer

24 May 2022

One of the features of working for a free market think tank is that anything you say on social media … Continue reading “Who funds you? Series 72743657393, Episode 293474565839”

In defence of the Runnymede Trust and charitable think tanks

15 July 2021

Society and Culture

In defence of the Runnymede Trust and charitable think tanks

Andy Mayer

15 July 2021

The Runnymede Trust (RT), an education charity and think tank on race equality and race relations, has published a report … Continue reading “In defence of the Runnymede Trust and charitable think tanks”

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part three)

19 February 2015

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part three)

Christopher Snowdon

19 February 2015

This is the second in a series of blog posts analysing the results of a ComRes opinion poll, commissioned by … Continue reading “Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part three)”

Lifestyle Economics

19 March 2013

Lifestyle Economics

Lifestyle Economics

CHRISTOPHER SNOWDON

19 March 2013

The IEA’s Lifestyle Economics programme focuses on the regulation of controversial products and activities. In this short essay Christopher Snowdon … Continue reading “Lifestyle Economics”

Did industry unduly influence Ofcom’s decision on restricting TV advertising of unhealthy kids’ foods?

24 September 2019

Lifestyle Economics

Did industry unduly influence Ofcom’s decision on restricting TV advertising of unhealthy kids’ foods?

Stephen Gibson

24 September 2019

In December 2003 the Secretary of State for Health asked Ofcom to look into the regulation of television advertising of … Continue reading “Did industry unduly influence Ofcom’s decision on restricting TV advertising of unhealthy kids’ foods?”

How to reform public sector pensions

7 July 2010

How to reform public sector pensions

Richard Wellings

7 July 2010

Today, the Public Sector Pensions Commission – which was established in autumn 2009 by the IEA, the Institute of Directors and … Continue reading “How to reform public sector pensions”

An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 1)

15 December 2016

An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 1)

Kristian Niemietz

15 December 2016

In a universe not far from our own:   The announcement by the ‘Big Eight’, the UK’s major health insurance … Continue reading “An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 1)”

Let’s privatise the loos. Yes, seriously.

31 May 2016

Regulation

Let’s privatise the loos. Yes, seriously.

Len Shackleton

31 May 2016

A BBC investigation shows that the number of public toilets has continued to fall, with nearly 1,800 closing nationwide in … Continue reading “Let’s privatise the loos. Yes, seriously.”

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part two)

18 February 2015

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part two)

Christopher Snowdon

18 February 2015

This is the second in a series of blog posts analysing the results of a ComRes opinion poll, commissioned by … Continue reading “Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part two)”

No, “austerity” is not to blame for Britain’s poor Covid performance

15 February 2021

Tax and Fiscal Policy

No, “austerity” is not to blame for Britain’s poor Covid performance

Kristian Niemietz

15 February 2021

We are not having a very good pandemic so far. With over 1,500 deaths per million people, Britain has one … Continue reading “No, “austerity” is not to blame for Britain’s poor Covid performance”

Public health organisations fail, because they spread themselves too thinly over too many activities

5 September 2020

Public health organisations fail, because they spread themselves too thinly over too many activities

Christopher Snowdon

5 September 2020

If, like me, you celebrated the downfall of the useless, bossy quango Public Health England, you may be unable to … Continue reading “Public health organisations fail, because they spread themselves too thinly over too many activities”

The chancellor shouldn’t turn on the spending taps

6 March 2018

Tax and Fiscal Policy

The chancellor shouldn’t turn on the spending taps

Ryan Bourne

6 March 2018

Better late than never, as they say. New data shows that the Conservative government has finally hit its original target … Continue reading “The chancellor shouldn’t turn on the spending taps”

Free-marketeers have failed to convince the public

10 January 2017

Markets and Morality

Free-marketeers have failed to convince the public

Kate Andrews

10 January 2017

The Fabian Society’s latest report, which paints a doom-and-gloom picture of Labour’s chances at the next election, seems to have … Continue reading “Free-marketeers have failed to convince the public”

Holding elites to account

2 January 2014

Holding elites to account

Stephen Michael MacLean

2 January 2014

‘What are the foundations of a free society?’ asks a recent IEA publication. What key components are essential for realising … Continue reading “Holding elites to account”

Housing policy in the public choice trap

14 December 2011

Housing policy in the public choice trap

Kristian Niemietz

14 December 2011

Nearly ten years ago, IEA author Mark Pennington argued that British land use planning policies were characterised by public choice … Continue reading “Housing policy in the public choice trap”

Gender pay gap: a revealing statistical curiosity

11 December 2009

Gender pay gap: a revealing statistical curiosity

Len Shackleton

11 December 2009

Two or three weeks back I wrote briefly about the latest figures on the gender pay gap, basing my comments … Continue reading “Gender pay gap: a revealing statistical curiosity”

Nuclear energy plans contain a ticking time bomb for our bills

16 June 2022

Energy and Environment

Nuclear energy plans contain a ticking time bomb for our bills

Andy Mayer

16 June 2022

The Government’s nuclear plans create incentives for nuclear power companies to overcharge consumers, by linking prices to the firms’ own … Continue reading “Nuclear energy plans contain a ticking time bomb for our bills”

Elon Musk’s takeover and the economics of Twitter

5 May 2022

Economic Theory

Elon Musk’s takeover and the economics of Twitter

Kristian Niemietz

5 May 2022

Twitter and the Left: the story so far Until very recently, complaints about Twitter’s content moderation and user admission policies … Continue reading “Elon Musk’s takeover and the economics of Twitter”

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 1)

23 March 2022

Society and Culture

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 1)

Kristian Niemietz

23 March 2022

Political alignments Political opinions can be bundled in thousands of different ways. If there are three policy issues (say, criminal … Continue reading “Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 1)”

The public is dangerously misinformed on energy policy

1 February 2022

Energy and Environment

The public is dangerously misinformed on energy policy

Bruno Prior

1 February 2022

You would think that half the UK energy suppliers going bust would be quite a good indicator that they are … Continue reading “The public is dangerously misinformed on energy policy”

It is not obvious that the world needs an alcohol strategy

21 August 2021

Lifestyle Economics

It is not obvious that the world needs an alcohol strategy

Christopher Snowdon

21 August 2021

Last year the World Health Organization launched a public consultation on its draft “Global Alcohol Strategy to Reduce the Harmful … Continue reading “It is not obvious that the world needs an alcohol strategy”

Will Covid-induced inflation give cryptocurrencies a boost?

30 March 2021

Monetary Policy

Will Covid-induced inflation give cryptocurrencies a boost?

Jamie Legg

30 March 2021

A little over one month ago, Bitcoin reached a market capitalisation of one trillion dollars. The cryptocurrency, which just ten … Continue reading “Will Covid-induced inflation give cryptocurrencies a boost?”

Book review: “The Rich in Public Opinion” by Rainer Zitelmann

8 September 2020

Society and Culture

Book review: “The Rich in Public Opinion” by Rainer Zitelmann

Kristian Niemietz

8 September 2020

A common misunderstanding about “wokeness” is that it is not about censorship, or silencing unfashionable opinions, but merely about good … Continue reading “Book review: “The Rich in Public Opinion” by Rainer Zitelmann”

Protect rail workers, reward key workers, suspend fuel duty

12 May 2020

Transport

Protect rail workers, reward key workers, suspend fuel duty

Andy Mayer

12 May 2020

As part of the transition from VIRCON-4 (lock-down) to VIRCON-3 (loosening) the UK government has advised those that need to … Continue reading “Protect rail workers, reward key workers, suspend fuel duty”

Why we need to be more honest with ourselves on immigration

9 May 2019

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Why we need to be more honest with ourselves on immigration

Kristian Niemietz

9 May 2019

On 7 May 2019, the FREER group held a panel discussion entitled “Freer movement? Immigration post-Brexit”. One of the panellists … Continue reading “Why we need to be more honest with ourselves on immigration”

The gender pay gap is explained by free choices and compensating differentials

16 August 2017

The gender pay gap is explained by free choices and compensating differentials

Len Shackleton

16 August 2017

The Guardian has recently published data on the gender pay gap in different parts of the Civil Service. Despite the … Continue reading “The gender pay gap is explained by free choices and compensating differentials”

A thought experiment: what if everyone stopped drinking, smoking and overeating?

7 August 2017

Economic Theory

A thought experiment: what if everyone stopped drinking, smoking and overeating?

Christopher Snowdon

7 August 2017

In these uncertain economic times, there is no better way for a lobbyist to get politicians’ attention than by promising … Continue reading “A thought experiment: what if everyone stopped drinking, smoking and overeating?”

A pluralistic and competitive healthcare system wouldn’t require a revolution

13 August 2015

Healthcare

A pluralistic and competitive healthcare system wouldn’t require a revolution

Kristian Niemietz

13 August 2015

“The strategy of government ministers has been obvious. Starve the NHS of vital cash and resources then force patients to … Continue reading “A pluralistic and competitive healthcare system wouldn’t require a revolution”

Public attitudes to the NHS: Is market-oriented health reform a lost cause?

16 June 2015

Healthcare

Public attitudes to the NHS: Is market-oriented health reform a lost cause?

Kristian Niemietz

16 June 2015

In the UK, people who support a pluralistic, competitive and consumer-driven healthcare system often believe that theirs is a lost … Continue reading “Public attitudes to the NHS: Is market-oriented health reform a lost cause?”

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part one)

17 February 2015

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part one)

Christopher Snowdon

17 February 2015

ComRes recently conducted an opinion poll on behalf of the IEA to gauge British attitudes towards several ‘public health’ policies. … Continue reading “Sin taxes, public health and public opinion (part one)”

Cherry-picking in healthcare: Is it an issue?

30 July 2014

Healthcare

Cherry-picking in healthcare: Is it an issue?

Kristian Niemietz

30 July 2014

One of the standard arguments against allowing private providers into the health sector is that these would cherry-pick the healthiest, … Continue reading “Cherry-picking in healthcare: Is it an issue?”

The left is more deluded about welfare than the general public

26 February 2014

The left is more deluded about welfare than the general public

Kristian Niemietz

26 February 2014

41% – 3%. 27% – 0.7%. 48% – 27.8% Do these figures ring a bell? You have probably come across … Continue reading “The left is more deluded about welfare than the general public”

Privatisation and liberalisation are the key to recovery in Italy

4 November 2011

Privatisation and liberalisation are the key to recovery in Italy

Alberto Mingardi

4 November 2011

The European debt crisis is bringing Italy into uncharted waters. With an over-400 basis point spread between Italian bonds and … Continue reading “Privatisation and liberalisation are the key to recovery in Italy”

To be critical of wasteful public spending is not to be ideological

18 July 2011

To be critical of wasteful public spending is not to be ideological

Len Shackleton

18 July 2011

I was disappointed, but hardly surprised, to see a lot of abusive web posts following the publication of Sharper Axes, … Continue reading “To be critical of wasteful public spending is not to be ideological”

Equality Bill adds to regulatory burden but is unlikely to produce hoped-for outcomes

29 April 2009

Labour Market

Equality Bill adds to regulatory burden but is unlikely to produce hoped-for outcomes

J. R. Shackleton

29 April 2009

Harriet Harman’s long-promised Equality Bill looks set to land employers with further regulatory burdens, while doing little to meet its … Continue reading “Equality Bill adds to regulatory burden but is unlikely to produce hoped-for outcomes”

The Newman/Peterson interview was symptomatic of the biases of public service broadcasters

30 January 2018

Society and Culture

The Newman/Peterson interview was symptomatic of the biases of public service broadcasters

Ryan Bourne

30 January 2018

The psychologist professor Jordan Peterson is being heralded as one of the world’s most foremost public intellectuals. But his influence … Continue reading “The Newman/Peterson interview was symptomatic of the biases of public service broadcasters”

Why there really aren’t any magic money trees

6 June 2017

Economic Theory

Why there really aren’t any magic money trees

JULIAN JESSOP

6 June 2017

There is an old and often very useful adage that “if it sounds too good to be true, then it … Continue reading “Why there really aren’t any magic money trees”

Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 2)

23 January 2017

Government and Institutions

Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 2)

Nikos Miserlis

23 January 2017

…continued from Part 1.   The Institutional Problem Revealed through Global Indices One could arguably blame the aforementioned problems in … Continue reading “Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 2)”

Italy is the sick man of Europe, and also very contagious

10 March 2013

Italy is the sick man of Europe, and also very contagious

Carlo Stagnaro

10 March 2013

Italy had its general election on February 25-26. The centre-left coalition led by the Democratic Party’s Pier Luigi Bersani obtained a … Continue reading “Italy is the sick man of Europe, and also very contagious”

James M. Buchanan R.I.P.

9 January 2013

James M. Buchanan R.I.P.

Eamonn Butler

9 January 2013

Friends of the IEA will be sorry to hear of the death of James M. Buchanan, the US economist and … Continue reading “James M. Buchanan R.I.P.”

The railroad to serfdom

17 November 2021

The railroad to serfdom

Andy Mayer

17 November 2021

The Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, previously known as HS3, was first promised by the Coalition Government in 2014 as … Continue reading “The railroad to serfdom”

What type of socioeconomic system do Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Black Lives Matter (BLM) want?

29 June 2021

Society and Culture

What type of socioeconomic system do Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Black Lives Matter (BLM) want?

Marc Glendening

29 June 2021

During the 1970s, in the bourgeois suburbs of north-west London where I lived during a part of my childhood, youngsters … Continue reading “What type of socioeconomic system do Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Black Lives Matter (BLM) want?”

Scientism and the Coronavirus Pandemic:  A Hayekian View

1 September 2020

Economic Theory

Scientism and the Coronavirus Pandemic:  A Hayekian View

Mark Pennington

1 September 2020

The reactions of much of the commentariat in the UK and elsewhere to the policy challenge represented by the coronavirus … Continue reading “Scientism and the Coronavirus Pandemic:  A Hayekian View”

It is perfectly possible to liberalise our immigration system without antagonising the public

21 January 2019

Trade, Development, and Immigration

It is perfectly possible to liberalise our immigration system without antagonising the public

Kristian Niemietz

21 January 2019

Around the time the US Congress debated the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), opinion surveys on the subject … Continue reading “It is perfectly possible to liberalise our immigration system without antagonising the public”

The rise of e-cigarettes – a parable of the free market

12 October 2018

Lifestyle Economics

The rise of e-cigarettes – a parable of the free market

Madeline Grant

12 October 2018

Earlier this week, Hong Kong’s government decided to impose a full ban on the sale, manufacture and import of e-cigarettes. … Continue reading “The rise of e-cigarettes – a parable of the free market”

On populism and ‘People Power’

21 March 2017

Society and Culture

On populism and ‘People Power’

Kristian Niemietz

21 March 2017

These aren’t great times for the left. ‘Right-wing populism’ is said to be on the rise everywhere. First Brexit. Then … Continue reading “On populism and ‘People Power’”

Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 1)

19 January 2017

Government and Institutions

Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 1)

Nikos Miserlis

19 January 2017

It appears to many that Greece is a lost cause and a country that can maybe only survive outside the … Continue reading “Greece – the conundrum of currency and institutions (Part 1)”

More Denmark, less Venezuela. Could there be a pro-market left in the UK?

30 September 2016

Government and Institutions

More Denmark, less Venezuela. Could there be a pro-market left in the UK?

Kristian Niemietz

30 September 2016

Jeremy Corbyn’s resounding victory last Sunday has consolidated the dominance of paleo-socialism, not just over the Labour Party, but over … Continue reading “More Denmark, less Venezuela. Could there be a pro-market left in the UK?”

The public are wrong. A defence of ‘heartless’ surge-pricing

22 September 2016

Markets and Morality

The public are wrong. A defence of ‘heartless’ surge-pricing

Ryan Bourne

22 September 2016

“How could they be so heartless?” declared a newspaper on Facebook. “Shame on you” screamed the paper’s headline. No, this … Continue reading “The public are wrong. A defence of ‘heartless’ surge-pricing”

TTIP will have no impact on environmental protection

13 March 2015

Energy and Environment

TTIP will have no impact on environmental protection

Diego Zuluaga Laguna

13 March 2015

A report from the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee released today called for stricter environmental protections to be included … Continue reading “TTIP will have no impact on environmental protection”

High Speed 2 and dodgy numbers: why detailed costings must be subject to public scrutiny

30 July 2013

High Speed 2 and dodgy numbers: why detailed costings must be subject to public scrutiny

Peter Kain

30 July 2013

We are conditioned to accept that as projects such as High Speed 2 (HS2) are progressed, the cost estimates will … Continue reading “High Speed 2 and dodgy numbers: why detailed costings must be subject to public scrutiny”

Childcare conundrums

8 September 2011

Childcare conundrums

Len Shackleton

8 September 2011

The Daycare Trust and Save the Children have published the results of a survey suggesting that almost a quarter of … Continue reading “Childcare conundrums”

Can we cap the debt?

6 July 2011

Can we cap the debt?

Mark Littlewood

6 July 2011

Next week, Conservative MP Sajid Javid will put forward a ‘ten minute rule bill’ to attempt to introduce a legal … Continue reading “Can we cap the debt?”

Helen Johns – Happiness, Economics and Public Policy

1 August 2007

Helen Johns – Happiness, Economics and Public Policy

1 August 2007

Helen Johns explains the key arguments her and Paul Ormerod make in their book Happiness, Economics and Public Policy. The … Continue reading “Helen Johns – Happiness, Economics and Public Policy”

Dear John: all universities are private not public!

19 April 2011

Dear John: all universities are private not public!

James Stanfield

19 April 2011

Last week the universities minister David Willetts announced that from 2012 students attending private universities will be eligible for a … Continue reading “Dear John: all universities are private not public!”

Coalition should stop funding anti-smoking groups

28 October 2010

Coalition should stop funding anti-smoking groups

Mark Littlewood

28 October 2010

Much of the analysis of the Comprehensive Spending Review focused on the big picture and the multi-billion pound savings the … Continue reading “Coalition should stop funding anti-smoking groups”

Will Brown implement Peacock?

17 June 2009

Society and Culture

Will Brown implement Peacock?

Philip Booth

17 June 2009

No doubt IEA blog readers will have different views on the news that the BBC is likely to have to … Continue reading “Will Brown implement Peacock?”

Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare

28 July 2009

Healthcare

Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare

Helen Evans

28 July 2009

Not a day goes by now without the UK press having story after story about necessary and impending public spending … Continue reading “Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare”

The case for Zero-Based Budgeting in the public sector

9 June 2022

Tax and Fiscal Policy

The case for Zero-Based Budgeting in the public sector

Andrew Hunt

9 June 2022

The public sector is in a mess. The latest round of tax hikes have taken levels to their highest in … Continue reading “The case for Zero-Based Budgeting in the public sector”

The creeping “woke” censorship in advertising should be resisted

4 June 2021

Regulation

The creeping “woke” censorship in advertising should be resisted

Len Shackleton

4 June 2021

Advertising has never been the most popular of activities with those who dislike capitalism and its cultural manifestations. But its … Continue reading “The creeping “woke” censorship in advertising should be resisted”

The pros and (mostly) cons of an online sales tax

10 February 2021

Tax and Fiscal Policy

The pros and (mostly) cons of an online sales tax

Julian Jessop

10 February 2021

The Sunday Times has reported that UK officials are mulling two new taxes on digital businesses – an online sales … Continue reading “The pros and (mostly) cons of an online sales tax”

Relax occupational licensing laws to speed up the post-Covid recovery

6 January 2021

Regulation

Relax occupational licensing laws to speed up the post-Covid recovery

Len Shackleton

6 January 2021

Faced with the twin problems of NHS staff shortages and slow vaccine rollout, the fact that 50,000 retired medics have … Continue reading “Relax occupational licensing laws to speed up the post-Covid recovery”

Californian think tank publishes “Best Books on the Folly of Socialism”

18 March 2020

Society and Culture

Californian think tank publishes “Best Books on the Folly of Socialism”

Kristian Niemietz

18 March 2020

The Humboldt University, located in East Berlin, was once the largest university of the German Democratic Republic, and one of … Continue reading “Californian think tank publishes “Best Books on the Folly of Socialism””

The case for the BBC licence fee is based on bad arguments

19 February 2020

Society and Culture

The case for the BBC licence fee is based on bad arguments

Chris Snowdon

19 February 2020

At the weekend, I put up a tweet suggesting that supporters of the BBC make mutually exclusive claims when they … Continue reading “The case for the BBC licence fee is based on bad arguments”

Why “overthrowing capitalism” would not avert climate change

30 April 2019

Economic Theory

Why “overthrowing capitalism” would not avert climate change

Kristian Niemietz

30 April 2019

It didn’t take long until the first hammer-and-sickle flags were spotted at the climate change strikes. Given the woeful environmental … Continue reading “Why “overthrowing capitalism” would not avert climate change”

The EU Copyright Directive is likely to stifle competition and innovation

27 March 2019

Regulation

The EU Copyright Directive is likely to stifle competition and innovation

Victoria Hewson

27 March 2019

Yesterday, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, in one of … Continue reading “The EU Copyright Directive is likely to stifle competition and innovation”

The ‘Quality Work’ agenda: beware unintended consequences

12 February 2018

Economic Theory

The ‘Quality Work’ agenda: beware unintended consequences

Len Shackleton

12 February 2018

The government’s response to the Taylor Review seems, thankfully, to have avoided serious changes to the status of gig economy … Continue reading “The ‘Quality Work’ agenda: beware unintended consequences”

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 1)

8 January 2018

Economic Theory

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 1)

Richard M. Ebeling

8 January 2018

Open, competitive markets have a resilient capacity to successfully coordinate the actions of billions of people around the world. With … Continue reading “Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 1)”

Our university system is becoming more competitive. Don’t write it off just yet

15 September 2017

Education

Our university system is becoming more competitive. Don’t write it off just yet

Philip Booth

15 September 2017

As we approach the beginning of university terms, it appears that nobody is happy with the current system of financing … Continue reading “Our university system is becoming more competitive. Don’t write it off just yet”

Why it matters if the public has lost faith in government economic forecasts post-Brexit

6 March 2017

Why it matters if the public has lost faith in government economic forecasts post-Brexit

Ryan Bourne

6 March 2017

As Chancellor Philip Hammond and US President Donald Trump begin work on their respective budgets, speculation is rife about changes … Continue reading “Why it matters if the public has lost faith in government economic forecasts post-Brexit”

The case against ‘taking back control’ – why the UK should retain free movement of people

5 October 2016

Society and Culture

The case against ‘taking back control’ – why the UK should retain free movement of people

Kristian Niemietz

5 October 2016

I think it was Montesquieu who once said that ‘when it is not necessary to make a law, it is … Continue reading “The case against ‘taking back control’ – why the UK should retain free movement of people”

We need a new kind of trade unionism

29 April 2016

Labour Market

We need a new kind of trade unionism

Len Shackleton

29 April 2016

On 27 April 2016, the JustShare group held a debate on the Trade Union Bill at St James’s church in … Continue reading “We need a new kind of trade unionism”

What the Paris Agreement on climate change really means

4 March 2016

Energy and Environment

What the Paris Agreement on climate change really means

David Campbell

4 March 2016

The Government has drawn an extremely positive picture of a “historic global climate deal [by which] the whole world has … Continue reading “What the Paris Agreement on climate change really means”

Farewell minimum pricing, we barely knew ye

23 December 2015

Lifestyle Economics

Farewell minimum pricing, we barely knew ye

Christopher Snowdon

23 December 2015

The European Court of Justice has today ruled that minimum pricing for alcohol is illegal if less restrictive measures, such … Continue reading “Farewell minimum pricing, we barely knew ye”

Why the government should abolish the Research Excellence Framework

27 July 2015

Education

Why the government should abolish the Research Excellence Framework

Patrick Minford

27 July 2015

Work is proceeding within universities on the assumption that in 2019 they will have to submit another Research Excellence Framework … Continue reading “Why the government should abolish the Research Excellence Framework”

The problems of Greece – Deeper than you think

13 July 2015

Government and Institutions

The problems of Greece – Deeper than you think

Steve Davies

13 July 2015

As things stand it seems the saga of negotiations between the Greek government and its creditors has arrived at a … Continue reading “The problems of Greece – Deeper than you think”

What the euro zone could learn from Switzerland

18 May 2015

Economic Theory

What the euro zone could learn from Switzerland

Charles B. Blankart

18 May 2015

Tax competition among Swiss cantons and municipalities puts downward pressure on taxation, but it does not lead towards a policy … Continue reading “What the euro zone could learn from Switzerland”

Proposed ISDS changes risk stacking the cards against investors

7 May 2015

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Proposed ISDS changes risk stacking the cards against investors

Diego Zuluaga Laguna

7 May 2015

In the ongoing negotiations for a free trade pact between the EU and the US, the question of investment protection, … Continue reading “Proposed ISDS changes risk stacking the cards against investors”

Free speech vs. paid speech

11 March 2015

Government and Institutions

Free speech vs. paid speech

Christopher Snowdon

11 March 2015

There has been opposition from some charity representatives and MPs to the new clause in Department for Communities and Local … Continue reading “Free speech vs. paid speech”

The Fat Lie – the real cause of the rise in obesity

18 August 2014

Healthcare

The Fat Lie – the real cause of the rise in obesity

Christopher Snowdon

18 August 2014

Obesity prevalence has increased sharply in Britain since the 1970s. Many public health campaigners portray Britain’s obesity ‘epidemic’ as being … Continue reading “The Fat Lie – the real cause of the rise in obesity”

What Britain can learn from Canada and Australia

16 April 2014

Tax and Fiscal Policy

What Britain can learn from Canada and Australia

Nima Sanandaji and Stefan Fölster

16 April 2014

As Britain’s short term growth prospects improve, pressure for further economic reforms recedes. Over the past two years Parliament has … Continue reading “What Britain can learn from Canada and Australia”

To properly tackle poverty, we must look at the cost of living

26 November 2013

To properly tackle poverty, we must look at the cost of living

Christopher Snowdon

26 November 2013

First, the good news. Poverty has been on the decline for several years. Since 2007, the proportion of the British … Continue reading “To properly tackle poverty, we must look at the cost of living”

The folly of the lobbying register

22 August 2013

The folly of the lobbying register

Christopher Snowdon

22 August 2013

A register of lobbyists would be an expensive bureaucratic folly that would serve no useful purpose. There may be a … Continue reading “The folly of the lobbying register”

The case for bona fide profit-making schools

24 February 2012

The case for bona fide profit-making schools

Gabriel H. Sahlgren

24 February 2012

Yesterday, in a panel discussion at Policy Exchange – coinciding with their release of a report advocating ‘social enterprise’ schools, … Continue reading “The case for bona fide profit-making schools”

If we want to improve the supply-side we need greater efforts to deregulate the labour market

18 February 2011

If we want to improve the supply-side we need greater efforts to deregulate the labour market

Len Shackleton

18 February 2011

A key part of promoting supply-side improvements in the UK economy has to be the loosening-up of employment regulation. Although … Continue reading “If we want to improve the supply-side we need greater efforts to deregulate the labour market”

Portugal to be first to default

1 June 2010

Portugal to be first to default

Carlos Santos

1 June 2010

The so-called Keynesian consensus that seemed to emerge following Obama’s stimulus package, was a short-lived one. Governments, mainly in the … Continue reading “Portugal to be first to default”

Today’s big problems can only be solved with free-market economics

14 November 2008

Economic Theory

Today’s big problems can only be solved with free-market economics

Philip Booth

14 November 2008

In each of the last two weeks the IEA has hosted panel discussions in front of packed houses. Last week the … Continue reading “Today’s big problems can only be solved with free-market economics”

A reply to the British Medical Journal

20 June 2019

Regulation

A reply to the British Medical Journal

Christopher Snowdon

20 June 2019

When the BBC reported last month that Arron Banks had given £450,000 to Nigel Farage, I tweeted ironically: “So now … Continue reading “A reply to the British Medical Journal”

Freeze UK public spending for five years to achieve growth

12 March 2013

Freeze UK public spending for five years to achieve growth

Mark Littlewood

12 March 2013

British Chancellor George Osborne and United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron received a timely reminder today that their tough-sounding rhetoric … Continue reading “Freeze UK public spending for five years to achieve growth”

Mayoral elections show the shortcomings of political decision-making

3 May 2012

Mayoral elections show the shortcomings of political decision-making

Eamonn Butler

3 May 2012

It’s election time again in the UK, where the local elections – in particular the high-profile contest for Mayor of … Continue reading “Mayoral elections show the shortcomings of political decision-making”

Scotland’s constitution is not the problem

16 February 2012

Scotland’s constitution is not the problem

Ruth Porter

16 February 2012

To hear First Minister Alex Salmond tell it, gaining independence from the U.K. is the most pressing issue facing Scots. … Continue reading “Scotland’s constitution is not the problem”

How to reform public sector pensions

7 July 2010

How to reform public sector pensions

Richard Wellings

7 July 2010

Today, the Public Sector Pensions Commission – which was established in autumn 2009 by the IEA, the Institute of Directors … Continue reading “How to reform public sector pensions”

Public spending cuts will be very painful

29 September 2009

Public spending cuts will be very painful

Ruth Lea

29 September 2009

The Prime Minister is, apparently, intending to introduce a “Fiscal Responsibility Act” to tackle Britain’s scandalously bad public sector finances. … Continue reading “Public spending cuts will be very painful”

Budget needs to set out urgent plan to reduce deficit by £100bn

24 March 2010

Budget needs to set out urgent plan to reduce deficit by £100bn

the IEA

24 March 2010

“Politicians are not talking seriously about the need for dramatic and speedy cuts in public expenditure. A few billion here … Continue reading “Budget needs to set out urgent plan to reduce deficit by £100bn”

Conservative economic policy is timid and unimaginative

15 October 2009

Government and Institutions

Conservative economic policy is timid and unimaginative

Oliver Marc Hartwich

15 October 2009

The International Monetary Fund has just presented perhaps the gloomiest forecast for Britain’s public finances so far. It predicts that by … Continue reading “Conservative economic policy is timid and unimaginative”

Après nous le déluge

7 April 2009

Après nous le déluge

D. R. Myddelton

7 April 2009

Anatole Kaletsky [The Times, April 6] says the G20 countries are right to borrow and spend even more than they … Continue reading “Après nous le déluge”

Of socialist hedgehogs and liberal foxes

24 June 2022

Society and Culture

Of socialist hedgehogs and liberal foxes

Kristian Niemietz

24 June 2022

In his 1953 essay The Hedgehog and the Fox, the philosopher and political theorist Isaiah Berlin talked about what he saw … Continue reading “Of socialist hedgehogs and liberal foxes”

Are we in for a “summer of discontent”?

26 May 2022

Labour Market

Are we in for a “summer of discontent”?

Len Shackleton

26 May 2022

The media are talking up the possibility of a disruptive summer of discontent’ sparked by trade union militancy. In addition … Continue reading “Are we in for a “summer of discontent”?”

What I learned from debating the NHS

13 April 2022

Healthcare

What I learned from debating the NHS

Kristian Niemietz

13 April 2022

A few weeks ago, I took part in a debate at King’s College London, on the crowd-pleasing question “Should the … Continue reading “What I learned from debating the NHS”

This House prefers Gladstone to Disraeli

28 March 2022

Markets and Morality

This House prefers Gladstone to Disraeli

David Alton

28 March 2022

On 10 March 2022, the Cambridge Union organised a debate on the motion This House prefers Gladstone to Disraeli. Professor … Continue reading “This House prefers Gladstone to Disraeli”

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 3)

25 March 2022

Society and Culture

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 3)

25 March 2022

…continued from Part 2   The realignment and the 2017 and 2019 General Elections Davies believes that his realignment hypothesis … Continue reading “Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 3)”

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 2)

24 March 2022

Society and Culture

Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 2)

Kristian Niemietz

24 March 2022

…continued from Part 1   Political realignments Aligning issues can create stable political coalitions for a long time. But those … Continue reading “Book review: “The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life” by Stephen Davies (Part 2)”

The ‘tyranny of the majority’ has given way to the tyranny of the hyperactive minority

14 July 2021

Society and Culture

The ‘tyranny of the majority’ has given way to the tyranny of the hyperactive minority

Len Shackleton

14 July 2021

The 21st century offers people more opportunities than ever before to communicate ideas and opinions. Technology enables us all to … Continue reading “The ‘tyranny of the majority’ has given way to the tyranny of the hyperactive minority”

There’s a simple solution to the food parcel furore

15 January 2021

Welfare

There’s a simple solution to the food parcel furore

Annabel Denham

15 January 2021

Not since Fyre Festival have images of pitiful meals whipped up such a furore. But the pictures of food parcels … Continue reading “There’s a simple solution to the food parcel furore”

Why a tax on homeworking is a really bad idea

13 November 2020

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Why a tax on homeworking is a really bad idea

Julian Jessop

13 November 2020

Researchers at Deutsche Bank (DB) have proposed an additional tax on people working from home “to help those who cannot”. … Continue reading “Why a tax on homeworking is a really bad idea”

Ten steps which should change the British economy

24 July 2020

Government and Institutions

Ten steps which should change the British economy

Alexander Temerko

24 July 2020

We are undoubtedly living in a time of great crisis. You have to be of an exceptionally optimistic disposition to … Continue reading “Ten steps which should change the British economy”

The UK economy should be able to reboot itself, if markets are allowed to work properly again

11 June 2020

Tax and Fiscal Policy

The UK economy should be able to reboot itself, if markets are allowed to work properly again

Julian Jessop

11 June 2020

This week the IEA and Civitas published a joint paper, Rebooting Britain, on the economics of the Covid-19 crisis, written … Continue reading “The UK economy should be able to reboot itself, if markets are allowed to work properly again”

Should classical liberals give up on health system reform?

25 May 2020

Healthcare

Should classical liberals give up on health system reform?

Kristian Niemietz

25 May 2020

Earlier this month, the Institute of Economic Affairs livestreamed the first episode of its new discussion programme Live With Littlewood. … Continue reading “Should classical liberals give up on health system reform?”

Will COVID-19 prepare us for permanent eco-austerity?

14 April 2020

Society and Culture

Will COVID-19 prepare us for permanent eco-austerity?

Andy Mayer

14 April 2020

The green Left are very excited by the pandemic. As well as limiting population growth, a long-held ambition of their … Continue reading “Will COVID-19 prepare us for permanent eco-austerity?”

Nationalisation: the popular idea that never wins?

17 February 2020

Economic Theory

Nationalisation: the popular idea that never wins?

Dr Kristian Niemietz

17 February 2020

The British left continues to be torn between continuity socialism and a return to a broad church approach, under which … Continue reading “Nationalisation: the popular idea that never wins?”

What policy questions will be created by driverless cars?

16 January 2020

Economic Theory

What policy questions will be created by driverless cars?

Dr Andrew Lilico

16 January 2020

The 2020s will see the introduction of one of the most profoundly transformative technologies for decades: the driverless car. In … Continue reading “What policy questions will be created by driverless cars?”

Labour’s ‘free broadband’ would come at a heavy price

15 November 2019

Economic Theory

Labour’s ‘free broadband’ would come at a heavy price

Julian Jessop

15 November 2019

The Labour Party has set out plans “to deliver fast and free full-fibre broadband for all by bringing parts of … Continue reading “Labour’s ‘free broadband’ would come at a heavy price”

Immigration: the case against “legitimate concerns”

13 June 2019

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Immigration: the case against “legitimate concerns”

Kristian Niemietz

13 June 2019

Last Monday, Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced that if it were up to him, he would scrap the government’s net … Continue reading “Immigration: the case against “legitimate concerns””

The pitfalls of ethnic pay gaps

3 April 2019

The pitfalls of ethnic pay gaps

Philip Booth

3 April 2019

British Prime Minister Theresa May is obsessed with measuring pay gaps between social groups. She championed the requirement for companies … Continue reading “The pitfalls of ethnic pay gaps”

Don’t trifle with our freedom – the case against the “Pudding Tax”

23 January 2019

Lifestyle Economics

Don’t trifle with our freedom – the case against the “Pudding Tax”

Charlie Amos

23 January 2019

Dr Allison Tedstone, Public Health England’s “Head of Diet and Obesity”, has recently proposed a new ‘Pudding Tax’ which would … Continue reading “Don’t trifle with our freedom – the case against the “Pudding Tax””

Estimating the fiscal benefits of a UK export boost

6 September 2018

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Estimating the fiscal benefits of a UK export boost

Julian Jessop

6 September 2018

Last month the Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, launched an ambitious new Export Strategy, with the aim … Continue reading “Estimating the fiscal benefits of a UK export boost”

Are there really no alternatives to tax increases (as the IFS claims)?

31 May 2018

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Are there really no alternatives to tax increases (as the IFS claims)?

Ryan Bourne

31 May 2018

The staff at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) are the best public finance number-crunchers in the UK. But last … Continue reading “Are there really no alternatives to tax increases (as the IFS claims)?”

Scrap the cap on visa numbers

21 May 2018

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Scrap the cap on visa numbers

Kristian Niemietz

21 May 2018

There are various ways in which governments can limit and control immigration. They can, for example, specify strict, detailed criteria … Continue reading “Scrap the cap on visa numbers”

Occupational licensing – again

18 May 2018

Labour Market

Occupational licensing – again

Len Shackleton

18 May 2018

The latest push to license an occupation concerns the building trade. In line with Milton Friedman’s observation, the initiative comes … Continue reading “Occupational licensing – again”

Lord Adonis is wrong about the direction of BBC bias. But he is right to raise the issue

1 May 2018

Society and Culture

Lord Adonis is wrong about the direction of BBC bias. But he is right to raise the issue

Ryan Bourne

1 May 2018

Lord Adonis doesn’t like the BBC very much these days. Peruse the arch-Remainer’s Twitter account, and you will regularly see … Continue reading “Lord Adonis is wrong about the direction of BBC bias. But he is right to raise the issue”

Economic interventionism creates a demand for more interventionism. Just look at France

25 April 2018

Society and Culture

Economic interventionism creates a demand for more interventionism. Just look at France

Bill Wirtz

25 April 2018

Strikes and blockades have spread across France as President Emmanuel Macron spends his time touring Europe with a new EU … Continue reading “Economic interventionism creates a demand for more interventionism. Just look at France”

Government spending is around 40% of GDP. If that is not enough to eradicate child poverty – how much is?

6 April 2018

Government and Institutions

Government spending is around 40% of GDP. If that is not enough to eradicate child poverty – how much is?

Kate Andrews

6 April 2018

Will there ever be a sum of money that satisfies the demands of the UK’s public services? It’s hard to … Continue reading “Government spending is around 40% of GDP. If that is not enough to eradicate child poverty – how much is?”

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 2)

10 January 2018

Economic Theory

Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 2)

Richard M. Ebeling

10 January 2018

Continued from Part 1.   But if not under the commanding instructions of a central planner or government regulator, how … Continue reading “Price is the only language that everyone speaks (Part 2)”

What finance can teach us about Catalan independence

31 October 2017

Economic Theory

What finance can teach us about Catalan independence

Diego Zuluaga

31 October 2017

The turmoil in Catalonia appears finally to be subsiding thanks to the central government’s intervention this weekend to restore constitutional … Continue reading “What finance can teach us about Catalan independence”

In defence of ‘overpaid’ university vice chancellors

8 August 2017

Education

In defence of ‘overpaid’ university vice chancellors

Len Shackleton

8 August 2017

I am sure that many UK university staff share politicians’ anger over vice-chancellors’ pay levels. The average university leader’s salary … Continue reading “In defence of ‘overpaid’ university vice chancellors”

Greece needs institutional reform, starting with the public sector

16 February 2017

Government and Institutions

Greece needs institutional reform, starting with the public sector

Nikos Miserlis

16 February 2017

The challenge for Greece is how to reduce taxes without lowering government revenue in a stagnant economy that is under … Continue reading “Greece needs institutional reform, starting with the public sector”

After Brexit, we should keep freedom of movement with the EEA, and extend it to other countries

23 November 2016

Government and Institutions

After Brexit, we should keep freedom of movement with the EEA, and extend it to other countries

Philippe Legrain

23 November 2016

Britain has a huge problem with immigration – or so many people think. The reality of immigration is generally positive, … Continue reading “After Brexit, we should keep freedom of movement with the EEA, and extend it to other countries”

It’s my party and I’ll vape if I want to

31 August 2016

Lifestyle Economics

It’s my party and I’ll vape if I want to

Madeline Grant

31 August 2016

‘Excuse me, Miss, but you can’t smoke that in here’, is a phrase I’ve grown accustomed to hearing. I’ve been … Continue reading “It’s my party and I’ll vape if I want to”

Public opinion is turning against free trade and globalisation

27 June 2016

Society and Culture

Public opinion is turning against free trade and globalisation

Diego Zuluaga

27 June 2016

This article is based on a presentation delivered at the Restructuring of the Global Economy (ROGE) conference, Oxford University. It is … Continue reading “Public opinion is turning against free trade and globalisation”

On phony ‘voluntarism’ and soft compulsion

25 February 2016

Society and Culture

On phony ‘voluntarism’ and soft compulsion

Len Shackleton

25 February 2016

David Cameron has apparently rejected the proposal for a sugar tax, and is instead to use the threat of intervention … Continue reading “On phony ‘voluntarism’ and soft compulsion”

Why the UK pensions triple-lock is a costly economic – and political – mistake

20 October 2015

Welfare

Why the UK pensions triple-lock is a costly economic – and political – mistake

Ryan Bourne

20 October 2015

Politicians spend much of their time worrying about repeating the political mistakes of their predecessors. In recent weeks, Conservative MPs … Continue reading “Why the UK pensions triple-lock is a costly economic – and political – mistake”

Why greenbelt reform is not a lost cause

25 September 2015

Housing and Planning

Why greenbelt reform is not a lost cause

Kristian Niemietz

25 September 2015

The greenbelt is a sacred cow, right? Everybody loves the greenbelt, everybody wants to see it protected, and everybody knows … Continue reading “Why greenbelt reform is not a lost cause”

What the market can provide

9 February 2015

Economic Theory

What the market can provide

Philip Booth and Ryan Bourne

9 February 2015

In a recent CapX article, Tim Montgomerie sought to outline ‘10 things that capitalism needs but cannot provide’. There was … Continue reading “What the market can provide”

How much has government spending been cut?

24 November 2014

Tax and Fiscal Policy

How much has government spending been cut?

Ryan Bourne

24 November 2014

Recent public finance statistics have suggested that the UK deficit has risen in the first seven months of the financial … Continue reading “How much has government spending been cut?”

This anti-immigration arms race exemplifies everything that’s wrong with politicians

14 October 2014

Labour Market

This anti-immigration arms race exemplifies everything that’s wrong with politicians

Ryan Bourne

14 October 2014

‘Race relations/immigration’ is now ranked by voters as the most important issue facing Britain, according to Ipsos MORI. On 39 … Continue reading “This anti-immigration arms race exemplifies everything that’s wrong with politicians”

Was Cardinal Nichols right to speak out on welfare? (Part 2)

23 April 2014

Welfare

Was Cardinal Nichols right to speak out on welfare? (Part 2)

Anna Rowlands and Philip Booth

23 April 2014

Anna Rowlands: Philip Booth raises the question of a Catholic reflection on the role of the state, and whether the … Continue reading “Was Cardinal Nichols right to speak out on welfare? (Part 2)”

High Speed 2: Tarzanomics vs. Economics

18 November 2013

High Speed 2: Tarzanomics vs. Economics

John Burton

18 November 2013

One of the so-called ‘Big Beasts’ of UK politics and government, Lord Heseltine – formerly cast as ‘Tarzan’ by much … Continue reading “High Speed 2: Tarzanomics vs. Economics”

High Speed 2 benefits special interests at the expense of the wider economy

11 September 2013

High Speed 2 benefits special interests at the expense of the wider economy

David S. D’Amato

11 September 2013

In the face of mounting doubts as to the merits of High Speed 2 (HS2), Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin continues … Continue reading “High Speed 2 benefits special interests at the expense of the wider economy”

Free market solutions in health should be allowed to flourish

11 July 2013

Free market solutions in health should be allowed to flourish

Christopher Snowdon

11 July 2013

Are free markets incompatible with good health? To hear some of the rhetoric that comes from the medical establishment, you … Continue reading “Free market solutions in health should be allowed to flourish”

The failing policies of Francois Hollande

5 March 2013

The failing policies of Francois Hollande

Emmanuel Martin

5 March 2013

French president Francois Hollande is walking on a tightrope. Many of the promises he has made seem to be untenable. … Continue reading “The failing policies of Francois Hollande”

Abolish the CAP, let food prices tumble

18 January 2013

Abolish the CAP, let food prices tumble

Kristian Niemietz

18 January 2013

Imagine there was a Food Tax which had the effect of raising food prices by, say, 17% on average. The … Continue reading “Abolish the CAP, let food prices tumble”

Elinor Ostrom on privatisation

10 December 2012

Elinor Ostrom on privatisation

Mark Pennington

10 December 2012

Throughout her career the late Elinor Ostrom was keen to avoid crude ideological labelling, and the title of her 2012 Hayek … Continue reading “Elinor Ostrom on privatisation”

Elinor Ostrom on privatisation

7 August 2012

Elinor Ostrom on privatisation

Mark Pennington

7 August 2012

Throughout her career the late Elinor Ostrom was keen to avoid crude ideological labelling, and the title of her 2012 Hayek … Continue reading “Elinor Ostrom on privatisation”

The public wants more eco-bullying, shows Fabian Society ‘research’

4 May 2012

The public wants more eco-bullying, shows Fabian Society ‘research’

Kristian Niemietz

4 May 2012

The ‘prevailing orthodoxy’ (or ‘the zeitgeist’) is much like a rainbow: wherever you happen to stand, it always seems to … Continue reading “The public wants more eco-bullying, shows Fabian Society ‘research’”

Does competition in the NHS work?

29 March 2012

Does competition in the NHS work?

Gabriel H. Sahlgren

29 March 2012

In the debate over proposed market reforms in the NHS, opinions are plentiful but few commentators back up their opinions … Continue reading “Does competition in the NHS work?”

Understanding the euro crisis: lessons for future policy-makers

6 January 2012

Understanding the euro crisis: lessons for future policy-makers

Adam Tebble

6 January 2012

BBC Online recently produced an informative presentation entitled ‘What really caused the eurozone crisis?’ Taking the reader through a number of … Continue reading “Understanding the euro crisis: lessons for future policy-makers”

The irrelevance of educational externalities

19 January 2011

The irrelevance of educational externalities

Mark Pennington

19 January 2011

Last month a gathering of British students, organised by the far left (did anybody count the number of Socialist Worker … Continue reading “The irrelevance of educational externalities”

An unhealthy nudge

9 December 2010

An unhealthy nudge

Patrick Basham

9 December 2010

Notwithstanding David Cameron’s infatuation with nudging, the in-vogue tool would appear to have little merit as a guiding principle of … Continue reading “An unhealthy nudge”

The new egalitarianism: Hagen von Tronje replaces Robin Hood

21 May 2010

The new egalitarianism: Hagen von Tronje replaces Robin Hood

Kristian Niemietz

21 May 2010

Once upon a time, an old Nordic legend tells, there lived a princess in Burgundy who owned a huge treasure … Continue reading “The new egalitarianism: Hagen von Tronje replaces Robin Hood”

Cameron needs to reform every department of government in search for cuts

15 April 2010

Cameron needs to reform every department of government in search for cuts

Philip Booth

15 April 2010

Now all three major parties have launched their manifestos it’s clear that no one is being honest about the true … Continue reading “Cameron needs to reform every department of government in search for cuts”

Privatise Channel 4

12 April 2022

Government and Institutions

Privatise Channel 4

Matthew Lesh

12 April 2022

Channel 4 has been an immensely successful enterprise. It regularly commissions popular programmes that attract substantial audiences funded by advertising … Continue reading “Privatise Channel 4”

No, Observer: free-market think-tanks have not changed their tune

18 May 2020

Economic Theory

No, Observer: free-market think-tanks have not changed their tune

Julian Jessop

18 May 2020

This Sunday the Observer ran a frontpage story headlined ‘rightwing thinktanks call time on austerity era’. I was quoted in … Continue reading “No, Observer: free-market think-tanks have not changed their tune”

Brexit: For free-market liberals, the hard work only begins now

24 June 2016

Government and Institutions

Brexit: For free-market liberals, the hard work only begins now

Kristian Niemietz

24 June 2016

Suppose there are two countries, 1 and 2, and two (mutually exclusive) policies, X and Y. In Country 1, the majority … Continue reading “Brexit: For free-market liberals, the hard work only begins now”

Don’t turn e-cigarettes into another tool of the state health nannies

21 August 2015

Regulation

Don’t turn e-cigarettes into another tool of the state health nannies

Mark Littlewood

21 August 2015

The technological breakthrough of e-cigarettes has placed the medical establishment and taxpayer-funded public health advocates in a bit of a … Continue reading “Don’t turn e-cigarettes into another tool of the state health nannies”

The politics of greed

5 January 2015

Economic Theory

The politics of greed

Christopher J. Coyne and Rachel L. Coyne

5 January 2015

Many associate markets with self-interest and greed whilst associating politics with other-regarding, publicly-interested behaviour. Perhaps nowhere is this view more … Continue reading “The politics of greed”

Dennis O’Keeffe, R.I.P.

18 December 2014

Markets and Morality

Dennis O’Keeffe, R.I.P.

Steve Davies

18 December 2014

All of us at the IEA were deeply saddened this week to hear of the death of Professor Dennis O’Keeffe, … Continue reading “Dennis O’Keeffe, R.I.P.”

Big steps to a smaller state

13 July 2011

Big steps to a smaller state

Philip Booth

13 July 2011

If you google the phrase ‘vicious public spending cuts’ you get 64,000 results from UK websites. Even if 32,000 of those are … Continue reading “Big steps to a smaller state”

Cutting public spending by £167bn: a modest but necessary aim

12 April 2010

Cutting public spending by £167bn: a modest but necessary aim

Philip Booth

12 April 2010

All three major parties are entering the election campaign with similar plans for cutting the deficit. The timing and magnitude … Continue reading “Cutting public spending by £167bn: a modest but necessary aim”

Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare

28 July 2009

Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare

Helen Evans

28 July 2009

Not a day goes by now without the UK press having story after story about necessary and impending public spending … Continue reading “Why public spending cuts are an historic opportunity for UK healthcare”

Defund the NUS

20 May 2022

Society and Culture

Defund the NUS

Marc Glendening

20 May 2022

Just rejoice at that news! The Government has announced it is cutting ties with the truly hideous National Union of Students (NUS). Now let’s … Continue reading “Defund the NUS”

On the socialist origins of the concept of “relative poverty”

4 March 2022

Economic Theory

On the socialist origins of the concept of “relative poverty”

Andrew Dunn

4 March 2022

The ‘purely relative’ definition of poverty is one that is based entirely on the usual or average living standards in … Continue reading “On the socialist origins of the concept of “relative poverty””

The case for abolishing the tax privileges of international organisations

16 September 2021

Society and Culture

The case for abolishing the tax privileges of international organisations

Andy Mayer

16 September 2021

The IEA held an event recently on the OECD proposal to establish a global minimum rate for Corporation Tax at … Continue reading “The case for abolishing the tax privileges of international organisations”

Free speech and the moral panic about “extremism”

21 July 2021

Society and Culture

Free speech and the moral panic about “extremism”

Nick Cowen

21 July 2021

Facebook users are currently being deluged with warnings on their timelines about exposure to extremist content. They are invited to … Continue reading “Free speech and the moral panic about “extremism””

The financial sector: unpopular but useful

17 February 2021

Economic Theory

The financial sector: unpopular but useful

Philip Booth

17 February 2021

In many ways we take the financial sector for granted. We tend to assume that we would be more prosperous … Continue reading “The financial sector: unpopular but useful”

Enough of the “coronfirmation bias” – the pandemic has not vindicated anyone

9 February 2021

Government and Institutions

Enough of the “coronfirmation bias” – the pandemic has not vindicated anyone

Kristian Niemietz

9 February 2021

Last spring, my colleague Chris Snowdon compiled an amusing Twitter thread highlighting examples of commentators and activists who were using … Continue reading “Enough of the “coronfirmation bias” – the pandemic has not vindicated anyone”

WHO is your nanny?

12 January 2021

Lifestyle Economics

WHO is your nanny?

Chris Snowdon

12 January 2021

Some countries allow you to buy a beer at any time day or night. Others have total prohibition. The enormous … Continue reading “WHO is your nanny?”

How to cure doctor shortages without breaking the bank

28 October 2020

Healthcare

How to cure doctor shortages without breaking the bank

Mark Tovey

28 October 2020

Earlier this month, the government announced its intention to expand the number of healthcare professionals who could legally administer vaccines … Continue reading “How to cure doctor shortages without breaking the bank”

The public love it, so what’s wrong with the idea of a maximum wage?

14 October 2020

Labour Market

The public love it, so what’s wrong with the idea of a maximum wage?

Kristian Niemietz

14 October 2020

Last week, the High Pay Centre and Autonomy released a report calling for the introduction of a national maximum wage. It received favourable coverage in … Continue reading “The public love it, so what’s wrong with the idea of a maximum wage?”

The relatively large fall in UK GDP partly reflects better data

27 August 2020

Economic Theory

The relatively large fall in UK GDP partly reflects better data

Julian Jessop

27 August 2020

There is a lively debate among economists about the ways in which UK statisticians have estimated the impact of Covid-19 … Continue reading “The relatively large fall in UK GDP partly reflects better data”

The NHSX contact tracing app: unresolved civil liberties and privacy issues

8 May 2020

Government and Institutions

The NHSX contact tracing app: unresolved civil liberties and privacy issues

Victoria Hewson

8 May 2020

The contact tracing app being developed by NHSX (the technology wing of Our NHS) has been subject to scrutiny in … Continue reading “The NHSX contact tracing app: unresolved civil liberties and privacy issues”

Bullying in the workplace, and the weird world of Whitehall. 

21 February 2020

Labour Market

Bullying in the workplace, and the weird world of Whitehall. 

Len Shackleton

21 February 2020

Almost exactly a decade ago, I wrote about bullying at work, in light of accusations laid against the then Prime … Continue reading “Bullying in the workplace, and the weird world of Whitehall. “

How government subsidies to the media undermine editorial independence

13 August 2019

Society and Culture

How government subsidies to the media undermine editorial independence

Matteo Baccaglini

13 August 2019

Media pluralism in Europe is under threat. Far from exhibiting a rich diversity of opinions, content, ownership and structures, Europe’s … Continue reading “How government subsidies to the media undermine editorial independence”

Why we should be ‘intensely relaxed’ about high pay again

10 May 2019

Economic Theory

Why we should be ‘intensely relaxed’ about high pay again

Len Shackleton

10 May 2019

High pay has been a political concern for more than a quarter of a century, but this concern is growing … Continue reading “Why we should be ‘intensely relaxed’ about high pay again”

Can game theory help to explain the UK’s current Brexit difficulties?

29 March 2019

Economic Theory

Can game theory help to explain the UK’s current Brexit difficulties?

Andy Mayer

29 March 2019

Game theory, or the economics of bargaining under conditions of rational decision-making, has been a popular branch of the dismal … Continue reading “Can game theory help to explain the UK’s current Brexit difficulties?”

Debate: Is self-regulation failing in the UK newspaper industry?

18 December 2018

Regulation

Debate: Is self-regulation failing in the UK newspaper industry?

Simon Carne and Julian Jessop

18 December 2018

The issue of how to regulate the press has been fiercely debated since the establishment of the Leveson Inquiry in … Continue reading “Debate: Is self-regulation failing in the UK newspaper industry?”

The case against “lived experience”

4 December 2018

Society and Culture

The case against “lived experience”

Kristian Niemietz

4 December 2018

A couple of months ago, two demonstrations were held outside of the Venezuelan embassy in London. One was a demonstration … Continue reading “The case against “lived experience””

Politicians wouldn’t ban motorcycle helmets, so why do they ban safer tobacco products?

5 November 2018

Lifestyle Economics

Politicians wouldn’t ban motorcycle helmets, so why do they ban safer tobacco products?

Mark Oates

5 November 2018

You would hope that politicians – current or prospective – would rank improving the lives of their fellow citizens as … Continue reading “Politicians wouldn’t ban motorcycle helmets, so why do they ban safer tobacco products?”

Review: ‘Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World’, by Adam Tooze

16 October 2018

Government and Institutions

Review: ‘Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World’, by Adam Tooze

Zachary Spiro

16 October 2018

2016 was the year traditional allegiances scrambled, on both sides of the Pond. The year Brexit and the election of … Continue reading “Review: ‘Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World’, by Adam Tooze”

Low-cost private schools are transforming education around the world. We should let them do the same in Britain

11 October 2018

Education

Low-cost private schools are transforming education around the world. We should let them do the same in Britain

Sophie Sandor

11 October 2018

Since the UK’s first low-cost private primary school of its kind was opened this term by James Tooley, it seems … Continue reading “Low-cost private schools are transforming education around the world. We should let them do the same in Britain”

Will women be disproportionately affected by Brexit?

9 October 2018

Government and Institutions

Will women be disproportionately affected by Brexit?

Julian Jessop

9 October 2018

I’m still sceptical that the UK’s departure from the EU is a gender issue, despite what high-profile critics like Baroness … Continue reading “Will women be disproportionately affected by Brexit?”

The “Green Jobs” fallacy

28 September 2018

Energy and Environment

The “Green Jobs” fallacy

ANDY MAYER

28 September 2018

In his Party Conference speech on Wednesday, Jeremy Corbyn unveiled plans to kick-start a “green jobs” revolution, pledging to create … Continue reading “The “Green Jobs” fallacy”

State paternalism rests on shaky philosophical foundations

28 August 2018

Lifestyle Economics

State paternalism rests on shaky philosophical foundations

Rowan Wright

28 August 2018

Our country is plagued with state paternalism, and it’s only getting worse. From the sugar tax and its potential expansion … Continue reading “State paternalism rests on shaky philosophical foundations”

HS2 is a classic case of the “sunk costs” fallacy

9 August 2018

Government and Institutions

HS2 is a classic case of the “sunk costs” fallacy

Madeline Grant

9 August 2018

It’s no secret that ambitious public infrastructure projects often end up running monumentally over budget. Recent transport history is littered with … Continue reading “HS2 is a classic case of the “sunk costs” fallacy”

Anti-competitive regulations and the harm they cause (Part 4)

27 July 2018

Regulation

Anti-competitive regulations and the harm they cause (Part 4)

Catherine McBride

27 July 2018

“Name one EU regulation or law you would change?” This question is often posed to Brexiteers, usually by those who … Continue reading “Anti-competitive regulations and the harm they cause (Part 4)”

Socialism: will next time be different? (Part 2)

26 June 2018

Economic Theory

Socialism: will next time be different? (Part 2)

Kristian Niemietz

26 June 2018

…continued from Part 1   On 21-24 June, the Alliance for Workers’ Liberty organised the conference ‘Socialism Makes Sense: Ideas … Continue reading “Socialism: will next time be different? (Part 2)”

When did Venezuela take a “wrong turn”?

23 May 2018

Economic Theory

When did Venezuela take a “wrong turn”?

Kristian Niemietz

23 May 2018

Venezuela is “experiencing problems”, because the country has taken a “wrong turn”, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said on the Sunday … Continue reading “When did Venezuela take a “wrong turn”?”

After Brexit: the case for economic cooperation without political integration

27 March 2018

Government and Institutions

After Brexit: the case for economic cooperation without political integration

Mark Brolin

27 March 2018

The UK’s pending departure from the EU raises the question of who might be next. There are four Northern European … Continue reading “After Brexit: the case for economic cooperation without political integration”

No, socialists are not Nordic-style social democrats. They are socialists

16 September 2017

Economic Theory

No, socialists are not Nordic-style social democrats. They are socialists

Kristian Niemietz

16 September 2017

The IEA’s video clip ‘Has ‘real socialism’ ever been tried?’, released three months ago, seems to have struck a chord. … Continue reading “No, socialists are not Nordic-style social democrats. They are socialists”

Adventures in Guardianland, Part 1: How British central planning defeated the Nazis’ free-market war machine

10 August 2017

Economic Theory

Adventures in Guardianland, Part 1: How British central planning defeated the Nazis’ free-market war machine

Jim Cheoros

10 August 2017

Given Progressives’ oft-stated love of humankind, you’d think they would avoid hankering for the good old days of WWII, when … Continue reading “Adventures in Guardianland, Part 1: How British central planning defeated the Nazis’ free-market war machine”

Book review: ‘The euro: how a common currency threatens the future of Europe’ by Joseph E. Stiglitz

24 May 2017

Economic Theory

Book review: ‘The euro: how a common currency threatens the future of Europe’ by Joseph E. Stiglitz

Diego Zuluaga

24 May 2017

Since the onset of the euro zone crisis, two schools of thought have emerged, offering different diagnoses of the single-currency … Continue reading “Book review: ‘The euro: how a common currency threatens the future of Europe’ by Joseph E. Stiglitz”

Why the left needs to stop banging on about ‘austerity’

17 May 2017

Economic Theory

Why the left needs to stop banging on about ‘austerity’

Kristian Niemietz

17 May 2017

I’m not a fan of Keynesian economics. (Yes, I know: shock, massive surprise.) But for the purposes of this article, … Continue reading “Why the left needs to stop banging on about ‘austerity’”

The Nanny State Index – whatever happened to ‘liberal Britain’

10 May 2017

Lifestyle Economics

The Nanny State Index – whatever happened to ‘liberal Britain’

Chris Snowdon

10 May 2017

‘Until 1914’, wrote the historian A.J.P. Taylor, ‘a sensible, law-abiding Englishmen could pass through life and hardly notice the existence … Continue reading “The Nanny State Index – whatever happened to ‘liberal Britain’”

How NHS worshippers copy the worst habits of economists

12 April 2017

Economic Theory

How NHS worshippers copy the worst habits of economists

Kristian Niemietz

12 April 2017

The economist Ely Devons once said that “If economists wished to study the horse, they wouldn’t go and look at … Continue reading “How NHS worshippers copy the worst habits of economists”

US: liberal economics hits populist buffers

28 March 2017

Healthcare

US: liberal economics hits populist buffers

Ryan Bourne

28 March 2017

The Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, described last week’s decision to pull a bill replacing Barack … Continue reading “US: liberal economics hits populist buffers”

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Self-employment ain’t broke

22 March 2017

Economic Theory

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Self-employment ain’t broke

Len Shackleton

22 March 2017

Matthew Taylor was doing the rounds at the weekend, talking about the Review of Modern Employment Practices which he is … Continue reading “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Self-employment ain’t broke”

The case for an Office for Intergenerational Responsibility

24 February 2017

Economic Theory

The case for an Office for Intergenerational Responsibility

Diego Zuluaga

24 February 2017

Most Western countries today offer extensive pension and healthcare entitlements which are predicated on inter-generational transfers: those of working age … Continue reading “The case for an Office for Intergenerational Responsibility”

An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 3)

21 December 2016

Healthcare

An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 3)

Kristian Niemietz

21 December 2016

Continued from Part 2   After an attempt to nationalise the health sector failed miserably in 1946-48, Britain seemingly returned … Continue reading “An alternative history: Britain without the NHS (Part 3)”

Motion: “This House would privatise the NHS”

2 November 2016

Healthcare

Motion: “This House would privatise the NHS”

Kristian Niemietz

2 November 2016

On 31 October, the Bath University Debating Society organised a motion entitled ‘This House would privatise the NHS, and replace … Continue reading “Motion: “This House would privatise the NHS””

The false economy of the UK sugar levy

22 August 2016

Lifestyle Economics

The false economy of the UK sugar levy

Christopher Snowdon

22 August 2016

When George Osborne found himself having to present a list of missed economic targets in the last budget, he pulled … Continue reading “The false economy of the UK sugar levy”

Post-Brexit – a tax policy for a globalised economy

3 August 2016

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Post-Brexit – a tax policy for a globalised economy

Richard Teather

3 August 2016

In an earlier blog post I looked at some of the tax reforms that could help reposition the UK as … Continue reading “Post-Brexit – a tax policy for a globalised economy”

Airport expansion: We need Coasean bargaining, not political horse-trading

16 May 2016

Transport

Airport expansion: We need Coasean bargaining, not political horse-trading

Kristian Niemietz

16 May 2016

I did not pay much attention to London’s mayoral election campaign. I lost interest early on, as soon as I … Continue reading “Airport expansion: We need Coasean bargaining, not political horse-trading”

Almost everything the Left tells you about inequality is wrong

12 April 2016

Welfare

Almost everything the Left tells you about inequality is wrong

Ryan Bourne

12 April 2016

“A lie repeated often enough becomes the truth.” This quotation has been attributed to a whole range of undesirable people, … Continue reading “Almost everything the Left tells you about inequality is wrong”

The anti-sockpuppet clause

19 February 2016

Tax and Fiscal Policy

The anti-sockpuppet clause

Christopher Snowdon

19 February 2016

Having written several reports about state-funded activism for the Institute of Economic Affairs, it’s pleasing to see the government acting … Continue reading “The anti-sockpuppet clause”

There’s nothing fair about burdening future generations with unfunded spending on pensioners

18 January 2016

Welfare

There’s nothing fair about burdening future generations with unfunded spending on pensioners

Ryan Bourne

18 January 2016

Words like “fairness” and “justice” are regularly thrown around with little thought to what they mean. Strangely, though, the politicians … Continue reading “There’s nothing fair about burdening future generations with unfunded spending on pensioners”

Why the advent of an “expert committee” doesn’t make Corbynomics any less scary

1 October 2015

Economic Theory

Why the advent of an “expert committee” doesn’t make Corbynomics any less scary

Ryan Bourne

1 October 2015

Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow chancellor John McDonnell are desperate to be seen as economically credible. As part of this, … Continue reading “Why the advent of an “expert committee” doesn’t make Corbynomics any less scary”

Greece needs a Hellenic version of Thatcherism

4 September 2015

Government and Institutions

Greece needs a Hellenic version of Thatcherism

Felix Nozon

4 September 2015

In June 2015, Greece became the first developed country to fail to make an IMF loan repayment. Starting in late … Continue reading “Greece needs a Hellenic version of Thatcherism”

Does the campaign group ‘NHS Survival’ have patients in mind?

18 August 2015

Healthcare

Does the campaign group ‘NHS Survival’ have patients in mind?

Ryan Bourne

18 August 2015

The summer is ebbing, football is back, and this weekend saw the launch of yet another campaign to “save the … Continue reading “Does the campaign group ‘NHS Survival’ have patients in mind?”

Scrap the REF

24 July 2015

Education

Scrap the REF

Len Shackleton

24 July 2015

British universities are tightly regulated. But, as often happens with regulation, bureaucratic procedures do not guarantee that things work well. … Continue reading “Scrap the REF”

The simplicity of economic theory

24 March 2015

Economic Theory

The simplicity of economic theory

Fernando Herrera-González

24 March 2015

Economic theory is the science which tries to explain economic phenomena. Just as Newton observed an apple falling from a … Continue reading “The simplicity of economic theory”

Forget trickle-down: In a free market, the rich don’t gain at the poor’s expense

13 January 2015

Economic Theory

Forget trickle-down: In a free market, the rich don’t gain at the poor’s expense

Ryan Bourne

13 January 2015

A lie, repeated often, becomes the truth in the public mind. That’s why, when a Fox News commentator suggests that … Continue reading “Forget trickle-down: In a free market, the rich don’t gain at the poor’s expense”

Misleading claims on government spending

6 January 2015

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Misleading claims on government spending

Ryan Bourne

6 January 2015

Friday 19 December 2014 was a happy day for many Londoners, marking their last in the office before Christmas. Yet … Continue reading “Misleading claims on government spending”

Keynes’s disastrous contribution to economic theory

17 November 2014

Economic Theory

Keynes’s disastrous contribution to economic theory

Steven Kates

17 November 2014

In my view, Say’s Law may be the single most important principle in economics. But it is a principle that … Continue reading “Keynes’s disastrous contribution to economic theory”

Food and soft drink taxes: the whole story

9 October 2014

Lifestyle Economics

Food and soft drink taxes: the whole story

Christopher Snowdon

9 October 2014

A study was published in PLoS One last year titled ‘Economic Instruments for Population Diet and Physical Activity Behaviour Change: … Continue reading “Food and soft drink taxes: the whole story”

‘Affordable’ – a case study in the use and misuse of language

9 July 2014

Housing and Planning

‘Affordable’ – a case study in the use and misuse of language

Ryan Bourne

9 July 2014

You can often tell where someone is coming from in public policy debates by their use of language. In Capital … Continue reading “‘Affordable’ – a case study in the use and misuse of language”

Punishing the drinking majority

15 June 2014

Lifestyle Economics

Punishing the drinking majority

Christopher Snowdon

15 June 2014

Alcohol policy in Britain and many other countries aims to reduce per capita alcohol consumption in the belief that this … Continue reading “Punishing the drinking majority”

Plain packaging review must look at all the evidence

24 March 2014

Plain packaging review must look at all the evidence

Christopher Snowdon

24 March 2014

The latest installment of the plain packaging saga is expected to arrive before the end of the month. After the … Continue reading “Plain packaging review must look at all the evidence”

What can be done about state-funded activism?

5 February 2014

What can be done about state-funded activism?

Christopher Snowdon

5 February 2014

In June 2012, the IEA published Sock Puppets, a report which looked at the evidence, and implications, of taxpayer funding … Continue reading “What can be done about state-funded activism?”

Employment regulation – more to come

14 January 2014

Employment regulation – more to come

Len Shackleton

14 January 2014

The UK’s labour market has performed much better since 2008 than many expected. It is clear that, compared with the … Continue reading “Employment regulation – more to come”

BBC payoffs are part of a wider problem

17 September 2013

BBC payoffs are part of a wider problem

Len Shackleton

17 September 2013

Last week Margaret Hodges’ Public Accounts Committee, increasingly resembling some sort of neo-Jacobin Committee of Public Humiliation, gave BBC managers … Continue reading “BBC payoffs are part of a wider problem”

The euro: breaking the spiral of silence

28 August 2013

The euro: breaking the spiral of silence

Charles B. Blankart

28 August 2013

Germany’s elections are just around the corner. But if Chancellor Merkel gets her way, there will not be much to … Continue reading “The euro: breaking the spiral of silence”

The Bluff of Evidence-Based Policy

24 August 2013

The Bluff of Evidence-Based Policy

Christopher Snowdon

24 August 2013

Jamie Whyte’s superb new book Quack Policy, published by the IEA last week, has provoked some controversy on Twitter. The publication … Continue reading “The Bluff of Evidence-Based Policy”

Goodbye plain packaging, or is it au revoir?

12 July 2013

Goodbye plain packaging, or is it au revoir?

Christopher Snowdon

12 July 2013

So it’s official. Neither the UK government nor the European Parliament will be legislating to put tobacco in plain packaging. … Continue reading “Goodbye plain packaging, or is it au revoir?”

The Big Three

24 June 2013

The Big Three

Razeen Sally

24 June 2013

The US, EU and China are the Big Three in the world. Since the global financial crisis, the conventional wisdom … Continue reading “The Big Three”

Why zero-hours contracts should not be banned

18 June 2013

Why zero-hours contracts should not be banned

Len Shackleton

18 June 2013

Zero-hours contracts are in the news again, with Vince Cable last week announcing an enquiry into this type of arrangement. … Continue reading “Why zero-hours contracts should not be banned”

Childcare reform could raise costs further after Clegg’s attack on ratios

7 June 2013

Childcare reform could raise costs further after Clegg’s attack on ratios

Len Shackleton

7 June 2013

It is depressing to see education minister Liz Truss’s proposals to relax childcare ratios – which would have allowed nursery … Continue reading “Childcare reform could raise costs further after Clegg’s attack on ratios”

Fears about welfare overuse are not unfounded

3 April 2013

Fears about welfare overuse are not unfounded

Kristian Niemietz

3 April 2013

These are frustrating times to be a Guardian journalist. The welfare cuts, which the paper has been fighting so hard, … Continue reading “Fears about welfare overuse are not unfounded”

William Letwin R.I.P.

13 March 2013

William Letwin R.I.P.

Alberto Mingardi

13 March 2013

Economic historian William Letwin passed away, aged 90, a few days ago. Professor Letwin belonged to a prominent family: his … Continue reading “William Letwin R.I.P.”

A new approach to state-funded pressure groups

3 October 2012

A new approach to state-funded pressure groups

Christopher Snowdon

3 October 2012

The question of whether the government should be funding pressure groups is one that faces politicians across the developed world. … Continue reading “A new approach to state-funded pressure groups”

Anna Jacobson Schwartz (1915-2012)

16 July 2012

Anna Jacobson Schwartz (1915-2012)

Forrest Caple

16 July 2012

Anna Schwartz, who was made an Honorary Fellow of the IEA in 1997, was born in New York City on … Continue reading “Anna Jacobson Schwartz (1915-2012)”

Britain’s long-term outlook is suffering as the coalition pursues medium-term gain

8 March 2012

Britain’s long-term outlook is suffering as the coalition pursues medium-term gain

Philip Booth

8 March 2012

The government is to be applauded for its attempts to get the medium-term public finances under control. However, its enthusiasm … Continue reading “Britain’s long-term outlook is suffering as the coalition pursues medium-term gain”

Regulation is deterring employers from taking on new workers

16 November 2011

Regulation is deterring employers from taking on new workers

Len Shackleton

16 November 2011

The labour market statistics released today do not make the greatest reading. UK unemployment rose by 129,000 in the three … Continue reading “Regulation is deterring employers from taking on new workers”

Expansionary fiscal contraction

9 November 2011

Expansionary fiscal contraction

Paul Ormerod

9 November 2011

To many people, this phrase is an oxymoron. How can fiscal contraction be expansionary? But the evidence suggests that this … Continue reading “Expansionary fiscal contraction”

Economic reflections and the riots

15 August 2011

Economic Theory

Economic reflections and the riots

Len Shackleton

15 August 2011

In many ways it is too early to draw conclusions for public policy from the riots which the country has … Continue reading “Economic reflections and the riots”

Osborne doesn’t need Plan B, but he does need Plan A+

7 June 2011

Osborne doesn’t need Plan B, but he does need Plan A+

Mark Littlewood

7 June 2011

The Chancellor is right to stick to his guns on deficit reduction. The dividing line in the debate is between … Continue reading “Osborne doesn’t need Plan B, but he does need Plan A+”

Ronald Coase: On the Market for Goods and the Market for Ideas

7 March 2011

Ronald Coase: On the Market for Goods and the Market for Ideas

Mark Pennington

7 March 2011

Ronald Coase is one of my favourite living economists (he is now 100 years old). His work on the significance … Continue reading “Ronald Coase: On the Market for Goods and the Market for Ideas”

Why candidates should not sign the NUS petition opposing any increase in tuition fees

27 April 2010

Why candidates should not sign the NUS petition opposing any increase in tuition fees

James Stanfield

27 April 2010

According to the Sunday Times, the Labour Party is facing a mass revolt from its own parliamentary candidates, as 200 … Continue reading “Why candidates should not sign the NUS petition opposing any increase in tuition fees”

Why PPPs may offer poor value for money

8 June 2009

Society and Culture

Why PPPs may offer poor value for money

Richard Wellings

8 June 2009

For several decades the British economy has been hampered by the poor quality of its infrastructure. Whether in transport, education … Continue reading “Why PPPs may offer poor value for money”

Public health and the strange double life of advertising

6 April 2009

Healthcare

Public health and the strange double life of advertising

Kristian Niemietz

6 April 2009

It is not always necessary to contradict politicians; it is often better to wait until they contradict themselves. A case in … Continue reading “Public health and the strange double life of advertising”

Mandelson should refer NHS monopolies to the Office of Fair Trading

15 October 2008

Healthcare

Mandelson should refer NHS monopolies to the Office of Fair Trading

John Spiers

15 October 2008

How radical will the new Lord Mandelson be in seeking to reinvigorate the ‘New Labour’ brand? With the regulatory levers … Continue reading “Mandelson should refer NHS monopolies to the Office of Fair Trading”

Lessons from lockdown for (anti-)alcohol policy

22 June 2022

Lifestyle Economics

Lessons from lockdown for (anti-)alcohol policy

Chris Snowdon

22 June 2022

This week the IEA published a new study I wrote, looking at the extraordinary social experiment of lockdown and what … Continue reading “Lessons from lockdown for (anti-)alcohol policy”

Forget horse-trading over cuts: The Spending Review is an opportunity to rethink the state

11 November 2015

Government and Institutions

Forget horse-trading over cuts: The Spending Review is an opportunity to rethink the state

Ryan Bourne

11 November 2015

How large were cuts to government spending during the last parliament? The answer may surprise you. Overall real expenditure fell … Continue reading “Forget horse-trading over cuts: The Spending Review is an opportunity to rethink the state”

Did the Millennium Development Goals change trends in child mortality?

12 November 2015

Trade, Development, and Immigration

Did the Millennium Development Goals change trends in child mortality?

Declan French

12 November 2015

In the Millennium Declaration in 2000, the UN General Assembly resolved to reduce under-five child mortality by two thirds of … Continue reading “Did the Millennium Development Goals change trends in child mortality?”

The NHS is not worth defending

19 October 2015

Healthcare

The NHS is not worth defending

Kristian Niemietz

19 October 2015

At the 2015 Battle of Ideas festival, held at the Barbican Centre, the IEA’s Kristian Niemietz represented the ‘No’ side … Continue reading “The NHS is not worth defending”

Government spending: ‘Back to the 30s’ claims are nonsense on stilts

21 January 2015

Government and Institutions

Government spending: ‘Back to the 30s’ claims are nonsense on stilts

David B. Smith

21 January 2015

This article is based on David B. Smith’s Politeia paper ‘The UK Government Spending Ratio: Back to the 1930s?’. Some … Continue reading “Government spending: ‘Back to the 30s’ claims are nonsense on stilts”

Generation Rent: rational ignorance or rational irrationality

1 June 2011

Generation Rent: rational ignorance or rational irrationality

Kristian Niemietz

1 June 2011

‘Generation Rent’ seems to be the media catchphrase of the day, and this should come as no surprise. Over the … Continue reading “Generation Rent: rational ignorance or rational irrationality”

Public sector pensions: how they could be reformed

13 July 2010

Public sector pensions: how they could be reformed

Philip Booth

13 July 2010

Lower public spending leads to more jobs

23 June 2010

Lower public spending leads to more jobs

Richard Teather

23 June 2010

OBR shouldn’t take a Bernie Madoff approach to public sector pensions

15 June 2010

OBR shouldn’t take a Bernie Madoff approach to public sector pensions

Philip Booth

15 June 2010

Two things struck me about the OBR report published yesterday. I shall blog about the other later…

Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending

29 March 2010

Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending

Mark Littlewood

29 March 2010

The current flirtation of the main political parties with cuts cannot hope to solve Britain’s financial problems. We need to … Continue reading “Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending”

Are women being disproportionately hit by job losses?

19 November 2010

Are women being disproportionately hit by job losses?

Len Shackleton

19 November 2010

A big fanfare this week for the employment and unemployment data from the Office of National Statistics. Overall unemployment fell slightly – … Continue reading “Are women being disproportionately hit by job losses?”

Public sector pensions: how they could be reformed

13 July 2010

Public sector pensions: how they could be reformed

Philip Booth

13 July 2010

Audio podcast for The Economist:  

Lower public spending leads to more jobs

23 June 2010

Lower public spending leads to more jobs

Richard Teather

23 June 2010

Over the next year or so the question of which countries best survived the bust is likely to be a major … Continue reading “Lower public spending leads to more jobs”

The real level of UK government debt is around £4.8 trillion

14 June 2010

The real level of UK government debt is around £4.8 trillion

Nick Silver

14 June 2010

As we have a new government and we also have a better idea about the effects of the financial crisis on the public … Continue reading “The real level of UK government debt is around £4.8 trillion”

Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending

29 March 2010

Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending

Mark Littlewood

29 March 2010

The current flirtation of the main political parties with cuts cannot hope to solve Britain’s financial problems. We need to … Continue reading “Selling off state-owned assets should be part of a package to drastically cut public spending”

The EU 2020 strategy – the bitter taste of central planning

23 March 2010

The EU 2020 strategy – the bitter taste of central planning

Holger Zemanek

23 March 2010

Just recently, the European Commission set out its proposal for a new economic strategy for Europe, a successor to the failed … Continue reading “The EU 2020 strategy – the bitter taste of central planning”

From an inflation-fuelled state-run economy to an overregulated high-tax economy

17 September 2009

Monetary Policy

From an inflation-fuelled state-run economy to an overregulated high-tax economy

Kristian Niemietz

17 September 2009

What’s the easiest way for a government to push their country into the top ten in a worldwide ranking of … Continue reading “From an inflation-fuelled state-run economy to an overregulated high-tax economy”

In Memoriam: Linda Whetstone (1942-2021)

4 January 2022

Markets and Morality

In Memoriam: Linda Whetstone (1942-2021)

Robert Boyd

4 January 2022

“I applaud your aim to build on the success of the IEA in Europe, America and further afield.”  So wrote … Continue reading “In Memoriam: Linda Whetstone (1942-2021)”

Rent controls and minimum wage laws: what is seen and what is not seen

8 November 2021

Economic Theory

Rent controls and minimum wage laws: what is seen and what is not seen

Gary M. Galles

8 November 2021

In The Common Sense of Science, the Polish-British mathematician Jacob Bronowski wrote that, “at the basis of human thought lies … Continue reading “Rent controls and minimum wage laws: what is seen and what is not seen”

What to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era?

18 October 2021

Transport

What to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era?

Len Shackleton

18 October 2021

Troubles for governments rarely come alone. Another is hurtling along the track towards us like a high-speed train – what … Continue reading “What to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era?”

The unseen costs of flexible working rights

5 August 2021

Labour Market

The unseen costs of flexible working rights

Len Shackleton

5 August 2021

Last week, the Labour Party proposed making flexible working the ‘new normal’ by forcing employers to offer it to all … Continue reading “The unseen costs of flexible working rights”

An economic approach to social care cost contributions

3 August 2021

Welfare

An economic approach to social care cost contributions

David Starkie

3 August 2021

Reform of social care has been in the news a lot in recent times, and not just because of Covid … Continue reading “An economic approach to social care cost contributions”

Institute of Economic Affairs appoints Academic and Research Director

2 July 2021

Institute of Economic Affairs appoints Academic and Research Director

2 July 2021

The Institute of Economic Affairs, the UK’s leading free-market think tank, has announced the appointment of Dr James Forder as … Continue reading “Institute of Economic Affairs appoints Academic and Research Director”

Can Behavioural Economics improve economic policymaking?

18 June 2021

Economic Theory

Can Behavioural Economics improve economic policymaking?

Nicolás Maloberti

18 June 2021

Strategies based on Behavioural Economics — ‘nudges’— now inform policy thinking in areas as diverse as obesity, tax compliance, smoking, … Continue reading “Can Behavioural Economics improve economic policymaking?”

Fear of “cancellation” can be as insidious as state censorship

28 April 2021

Society and Culture

Fear of “cancellation” can be as insidious as state censorship

Jon Miltimore

28 April 2021

William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet is considered by some to be the single greatest story ever written. Hamlet has it all: … Continue reading “Fear of “cancellation” can be as insidious as state censorship”

Paul Withrington, R.I.P.

19 January 2021

Transport

Paul Withrington, R.I.P.

Richard Wellings

19 January 2021

Paul Withrington was one of transport’s visionaries. His ideas promised a transformation in connectivity, with rapid, low-cost journeys right into … Continue reading “Paul Withrington, R.I.P.”

The case for a secondary market in Covid-19 vaccine slots

18 January 2021

Healthcare

The case for a secondary market in Covid-19 vaccine slots

Guy Tchuente

18 January 2021

With the approval of several Covid-19 vaccines, the year 2021 has started under the sign of hope. Covid-19 has claimed … Continue reading “The case for a secondary market in Covid-19 vaccine slots”

Access to cash is a far bigger problem than the “missing” £50 billion

8 December 2020

Monetary Policy

Access to cash is a far bigger problem than the “missing” £50 billion

Julian Jessop

8 December 2020

On 4 December, the UK parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published a report on the production and distribution of cash. … Continue reading “Access to cash is a far bigger problem than the “missing” £50 billion”

Book Review: “The Marginal Revolutionaries. How Austrian Economists fought the War of Ideas” by Janek Wasserman

24 September 2020

Book Review: “The Marginal Revolutionaries. How Austrian Economists fought the War of Ideas” by Janek Wasserman

Benedikt Koehler

24 September 2020

The publication of Carl Menger’s book Principles of Economics in Vienna in 1871 is usually seen as the birth of … Continue reading “Book Review: “The Marginal Revolutionaries. How Austrian Economists fought the War of Ideas” by Janek Wasserman”