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April 21, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Police disrupt NatCon conference

Police disrupt NatCon conference I was in Brussels this week to host an EPICENTER event for the launch I was in Brussels this week to host an EPICENTER event for the launch of Timbro’s Authoritarian Populism Index. EPICENTER is a network of ten European free market think tanks, including…

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April 14, 2024 at 9:59 AM

Abundant Housing Means a Bright Future

Abundant Housing Means a Bright Future New IEA research released this week shows us that a better future is at our fingertips if we embrace planning reform The IEA has been busy the past two weeks with sixth-formers attending our Future Thought Leaders programmes. The students had the op…

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April 7, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Blasphemy Laws Return to Scotland

Blasphemy Laws Return to Scotland The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act cam into force this week, with critics warning that the new law enables censorship of political dissent This week, Scotland’s new hate speech law came into effect with a tidal wave of criticism from the like…

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March 31, 2024 at 10:59 AM

True Generosity is at the Heart of a Free Society

True Generosity is at the Heart of a Free Society Free market Christians do not have to choose between their political philosophy and their faith. Today, around two billion Christians across the world are celebrating Easter Sunday, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ according to Ch…

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March 24, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Prohibition Has Become the New Normal

Prohibition Has Become the New Normal This week, the government outlined their plans to crackdown on tobacco and vapes in greater detail. During the campaign for plain packaging a decade ago, anti-smoking campaigners cited the statistic that 570 children start smoking every day. “With su…

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March 19, 2024 at 11:06 AM

You're invited — IEA Event on Self-Esteem: The Key to a Free Society

You're invited — IEA Event on Self-Esteem: The Key to a Free Society Self-Esteem: The Key to a Free SocietyDate: Thursday, 21st MarchTime: 18:00 - 20:30Location: 2 Lord North Street, SW1P 3LBRSVP: Click here or email [email protected] is a philosophy for freedom and flourishing…

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March 17, 2024 at 10:59 AM

The Risks of Redefining Extremism

The Risks of Redefining Extremism This week, the government started the process of expanding and enforcing the definition of extremism. “I know it when I see it…” U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously wrote in the obscenity case Jacobellis v. Ohio. We do need to employ that …

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March 10, 2024 at 10:59 AM

The Boring Budget

The Boring Budget This week's Budget didn't deliver much in the way of change. Set-piece Budgets are a bad way to make fiscal policy. Perhaps that has always been the case. But the problem is especially pronounced now that decisions over tax-and-spend seem to be determined by an effort t…

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March 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Economic Freedom is Key to Social Mobility

Economic Freedom is Key to Social Mobility New IEA research this week outlines how housing and labour market red tape has closed off opportunity to those on low incomes Over the past two centuries, humanity has experienced unprecedented progress. Between 1820 and 2020, extreme poverty (d…

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February 24, 2024 at 9:59 AM

Britain's cost-of-red tape crisis

Britain's cost-of-red tape crisis New IEA research this week highlights the staggering contribution of government regulation to the rising cost of energy, housing, and childcare I first heard about the IEA in the spring of 2006, at an economics conference in Berlin, where the then Direct…

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February 18, 2024 at 9:59 AM

The UK Enters Recession

The UK Enters Recession This week, it was confirmed that the UK economy entered recession in the fourth quarter of 2023 The Office for National Statistics announced last week that the economy contracted by 0.3 per cent in the final quarter of 2023 after a 0.1 per cent fall in the third q…

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February 16, 2024 at 1:41 PM

You're invited — IEA Book Club event with Dr Stephen Davies

You're invited — IEA Book Club event with Dr Stephen Davies Apocalypse Next: Why anther pandemic – or worse – is inevitable. And what we can do about it. IEA Book Club with Dr Stephen DaviesApocalypse Next: Why anther pandemic – or worse – is inevitable. And what we can do about it.Date:…

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February 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM

How do you solve a problem like a pay gap?

How do you solve a problem like a pay gap? Labour's proposals for new legislation to close the ethnic pay gap are well-intentioned but littered with flaws and possible unintended consequences As part of its proposed equal pay legislation, the Labour Party has announced that it will intro…

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February 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM

New vape crackdown is pro-smoking policy

New vape crackdown is pro-smoking policy The government has announced a new crackdown on vaping, pledging to ban disposable e-cigarettes and implement advertising restrictions on e-liquid. The government’s decision to ban disposable vapes last week was welcomed by many people who wish th…

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January 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM

The early heroes of capitalism

The early heroes of capitalism Long before the industrial revolution, Medieval peasants were actively establishing many of the institutions that would ultimately trigger it. Why are some countries richer than others? This is one of the oldest questions in economics and also one of the mo…

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January 21, 2024 at 10:03 AM

Inflation soars back onto the agenda

Inflation soars back onto the agenda The rate of inflation unexpectedly jumped back up to four per cent in December, fuelling fears that interest rates may remain higher for longer The unexpected rise in UK inflation in December has reopened the debate about the amount of credit – or bla…

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January 17, 2024 at 10:55 AM

INVITATIONS | IEA Book Club Event with Jennifer Burns & The Future of UK Trade Policy after Brexit

INVITATIONS | IEA Book Club Event with Jennifer Burns & The Future of UK Trade Policy after Brexit Join us later this month for the first IEA events of 2024 EventsBook Club with Jennifer BurnsDate: Monday, 29th JanuaryTime: 17.30pm — 19.30pm Location: 2 Lord North Street, SW1P 3LBRSV…

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January 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM

The Post Office scandal shows a lack of accountability

The Post Office scandal shows a lack of accountability The gut-wrenching consequences of the Post Office scandal show the real world outcomes of unaccountable state power If the Post Office were a private company, it would have long ago gone bankrupt. The organisation wrongly accused hun…

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January 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM

The dark reality of socialism

The dark reality of socialism The Realities of Socialism and Essential Scholars projects are key to learning from the past and building a better future As 2024 dawns, the outlook for both the United Kingdom and the world appears uncertain and gloomy. But where challenges arise so do oppo…

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December 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Merry Christmas, one and all

Merry Christmas, one and all I like Christmas, but the period leading up to it is always one of high anxiety for me. It’s about shopping for presents. I hate it but I’m boringly Old School and still try to get appropriate gifts for people. I never learn.In this, I take after my mother, wh…

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December 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM

The Bank of England is not necessary

The Bank of England is not necessary A major new IEA book explores the historical experience of free banking. We have been reminded again this week that the British economy is not in a great place. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealed that the economy contracted …

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December 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM

A new era begins

A new era begins This week, the IEA welcomed Tom Clougherty as our new Executive Director, succeeding Mark Littlewood at the helm after 14 years in post I am writing these words as my first week as the IEA’s executive director draws to a close.Being something of a think tank veteran, I h…

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December 3, 2023 at 10:01 AM

Reframing net immigration

Reframing net immigration High net migration may not be as historically abnormal as it's often made out to be. During a recent discussion on migration figures on GB News, a fellow panellist pointed out that more people had arrived in 2022 alone than during the entire period between the a…

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November 26, 2023 at 10:30 AM

A step in the right direction, not a leap

A step in the right direction, not a leap The Autumn Statement contained many welcome measures. The headlines were dominated by two significant tax cuts - the reduction in ... The Autumn Statement contained many welcome measures. The headlines were dominated by two significant tax cuts –…

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November 22, 2023 at 10:59 AM

You're invited — IEA events on digital competition and tobacco prohibition

You're invited — IEA events on digital competition and tobacco prohibition Does the Digital Markets Bill threaten Britian's economy? What is the future of UK tobacco policy? EventsTech Turmoil: Does the Digital Markets Bill threaten Britain’s economy?Date: Monday, 27th NovemberTime: 17.3…

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November 19, 2023 at 10:03 AM

Empire State of mind

Empire State of mind This week, IEA staff attended the Atlas Network's annual Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner in New York City Classical liberals in Britain today often feel lonely – and even more so in many other parts of the world. This is why the annual get-together of over 800 free …

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November 12, 2023 at 10:16 AM

A speech not fit for a King

A speech not fit for a King This week's King's Speech was an opportunity to reset the government's direction. But no such reset was forthcoming. The King’s Speech was, for the most part, yet another opportunity lost. The government chose to stay the course rather than putting Britain bac…

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November 5, 2023 at 10:03 AM

Interest rate cuts will be back on the agenda soon

Interest rate cuts will be back on the agenda soon This week, the Bank of England voted to hold Bank Rate at 5.25 per cent. But with the money supply contracting, could the Bank be risking recession? Last week the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by 6 to 3 to keep …

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October 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM

The End of the Age of Entitlement: A Decade On

The End of the Age of Entitlement: A Decade On Former Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey returned to the IEA this week to reflect on his famous speech, 'The End of the Age of Entitlement' This week, the IEA hosted not one but two major public events. These touch on the IEA’s essential role …

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October 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Unemployment data goes astray

Unemployment data goes astray This week, the ONS's monthly labour market update was not published. Has the methodology for this vital estimate become untenable? Each month, I comment on the Office for National Statistics’ labour market overview for the IEA. The data provide insights into…

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October 19, 2023 at 4:07 PM

INVITATIONS | The End of the Age of Entitlement: A Decade Later, Transgender Ideology & Book Club with Marian L Tupy

INVITATIONS | The End of the Age of Entitlement: A Decade Later, Transgender Ideology & Book Club with Marian L Tupy You are invited to these upcoming IEA events. EventsThe End of the Age of Entitlement: A Decade Later with The Hon. Joe HockeyDate: Monday, 23 OctoberTime: 6.00pm — 8.…

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October 15, 2023 at 8:59 AM

Tom Clougherty appointed new head of the IEA

Tom Clougherty appointed new head of the IEA This week, the IEA was delighted to appoint Tom Clougherty as our new Executive Director and Ralph Harris Fellow I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be appointed the IEA’s new Executive Director and Ralph Harris Fellow (a position I will t…

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October 9, 2023 at 7:30 AM

Nanny state extends to the unborn

Nanny state extends to the unborn This week, Rishi Sunak took the next step on the road to prohibition. The big idea in the Prime Minister’s party conference speech this year was to extend the ban on selling cigarettes to children by one year every year. Over time, fewer and fewer people…

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October 1, 2023 at 9:30 AM

See you at ThinkTent later today?

See you at ThinkTent later today? ThinkTent kicks off this afternoon at 3.15pm, with our first panel on how to drive economic growth charred by Mark Littlewood ThinkTent, the joint venture between the IEA and the TaxPayers’ Alliance, has become a staple on the fringe at the Conservative …

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September 24, 2023 at 9:00 AM

Monetarists have been vindicated

Monetarists have been vindicated After underestimating the risk of inflation and later running the risk of monetary policy overkill, is the Bank now on the right track? This was a good week for those of us who believe that inflation has something to do with too much money chasing too few…

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September 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Your invitation to ThinkTent at Conservative Party Conference 2023

Your invitation to ThinkTent at Conservative Party Conference 2023 Join us in ThinkTent for a series of important panel discussions on topics ranging from economic growth to journalism. ThinkTent at Conservative Party Conference 2023ThinkTent – a joint venture between the Institute of Ec…

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September 17, 2023 at 8:59 AM

Thought crimes at ThinkTent

Thought crimes at ThinkTent Are there no safe spaces for free speech left in Britain? Graham Linehan — the Irish comedy writer and producer of Father Ted, The IT Crowd, Black Books among other classics of the genre — has become used to being cancelled. Graham was most recently blackballe…

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September 10, 2023 at 8:59 AM

A wealth of bad ideas

A wealth of bad ideas Are wealth taxes becoming the new 'failed idea that never dies'? Scotland’s ever-inventive First Minister Humza Yousaf has raised the prospect of introducing a wealth tax. And Paul Nowak, the Trades Union Congress’ General Secretary, is also urging Keir Starmer to b…

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September 3, 2023 at 8:59 AM

A health service with a country attached

A health service with a country attached Yet more resources are no substitute for healthcare reform The Kingdom of Prussia was once described as “not a country with an army, but an army with a country.” If the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is to be implemented in full, then by the middle …

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August 27, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Free speech is under threat

Free speech is under threat This week, the IEA published ‘Transgender ideology: A new threat to liberal values’, authored by IEA Head of Cultural Affairs Marc Glendening. Childcare is back in the news. This week, Children and Families Minister Claire Coutinho wrote to landlords, develope…

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August 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM

Skills won’t save us

Skills won’t save us Politicians claim skills training can solve Britain's economic woes, but is this an excuse to not deal with the real causes of our stagnation? Last week I gave a talk on the fall of the Soviet Union to twenty undergraduates at the IEA’s Future Thought Leaders Confere…

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August 13, 2023 at 9:00 AM

The Bank of England must pause

The Bank of England must pause Latest interest rate hike risks overkill The size of the recent drop in UK inflation, from 8.7 per cent in May to 7.9 per cent in June, surprised many. However, this decline was far from unexpected for keen observers tracking broad money fluctuations. Indee…

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August 6, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Mark Littlewood to step down as Director General

Mark Littlewood to step down as Director General The IEA announced this week that Mark Littlewood would be stepping down as Director General and the successor search has begun. The “new normal” appears to be chaotic, tumultuous times. I became the IEA’s fourth permanent Director General …

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July 30, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Alcohol advertising bans are not evidence-based policy

Alcohol advertising bans are not evidence-based policy A study from the IEA out this week finds that there is a lack of empirical evidence that banning advertising reduces drinking. Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced a “long term plan for housing” this week, while Prime Minister Ri…

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July 23, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Linda Edwards elected new IEA Chairman

Linda Edwards elected new IEA Chairman Stepping into the role of Chairman at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), I am keenly aware of the significance of this institution. Since its inception in 1955, the IEA has profoundly influenced the United Kingdom's economic trajectory by promo…

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July 16, 2023 at 9:59 AM

A watershed week

A watershed week In the 2020 campaign for Labour leadership, Keir Starmer promised to put rail, mail, energy, and water into "common ownership"... In the 2020 campaign for the Labour Party leadership, Keir Starmer promised to put rail, mail, energy and water into “common ownership”. Star…

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July 9, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Can liberalism be saved?

Can liberalism be saved? Political parties of the left and right first reaction to almost any problem is that ‘something must be done’ by the state. The ‘socialists of all... It seems political parties of the left and right first reaction to almost any problem is that ‘something must be …

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July 2, 2023 at 11:42 AM

Are free markets compatible with religion?

Are free markets compatible with religion? Since inflation started, the Bank of England has downplayed it. Not only did the Bank deflect blame, but it was a consequence of assorted special... With food inflation at 18 percent, Rishi Sunak last month postponed the ban on BOGOFs on ‘unheal…

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June 25, 2023 at 8:00 AM

The Bank of England's mortgage crisis

The Bank of England's mortgage crisis Since inflation started, the Bank of England has downplayed it. Not only did the Bank deflect blame, but it was a consequence of assorted special... So now we are told we have a ‘mortgage crisis’ to go with the ‘cost of living crisis’. And indeed we …

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June 18, 2023 at 8:00 AM

A classical liberal international relations theory?

A classical liberal international relations theory? In a new book for the IEA, Dr Edwin van de Haar outlines a classical liberal approach to international relations. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is being discussed again because Autonomy, an ‘independent, progressive research organisation…

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