Swedes ponder EU exit as snus ban plan continues
The EU's impending ban on snus may lead to a popular movement in Sweden demanding that the country leaves the European Union
- 26 March 2013
A week in junk science
Science has become a political football to be controlled to stage-manage advocacy for a pre-set agenda. We can't afford it to be
- 25 March 2013
The Laffer Curve bites Ireland in the butt
All over the world, governments impose draconian taxes on tobacco, and then they wind up surprised that projected revenues don’t materialize. Ireland being the latest case in point
- 20 March 2013
Sir Humphrey is now in drag
The civil service's actions on the plain cigarette packs consultation have been nothing short of a disgrace
- 25 February 2013
E-cigarettes: No match for the EU?
Smokers must have the freedom to purchase less harmful products to help them off their addiction. This isn’t just a matter of choice. For many, it’s a matter of life and death
- 25 February 2013.jpg?1355824524)
A busy year for the 'do something' brigade
If, after Christmas, I glance in the mirror and the overhang of my stomach is a little larger, I will perhaps eat a little less. But I don’t need government to make that decision for me
- 17 December 2012
Smoking is healthy for Africa
Policies that emanate from Geneva are often based scarcely on statistics, and stifle economic growth in the developing world
- 8 November 2012
Anti-smoking lobby embroiled in dirty tricks campaign scandal
Corruption behind the government’s public consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products
- 19 October 2012
EU Health Commissioner John Dalli resigns in disgrace
Are EU officials stopping the gravy train just long enough to get on themselves?
- 18 October 2012
Black market blues: why the UK must close the tax gap on tobacco, fuel and alcohol
As long as taxes on tobacco, fuel and alcohol are high, the Government will fail to tackle the serious and growing problem that is the illicit market
- 10 April 2012
More government interference: why plain tobacco packets are plain nonsense
Plain packaging will not lead to less youth smoking, but more smuggling and more wasting of tax payers’ money. It is illegal under world trade laws and sets an appalling precedent for further state interference
- 8 March 2012
Pounds to the pump: the taxes on motorists are excessive
It simply isn’t fair that UK drivers pay some of the highest fuel taxes in the world, and the highest in the EU
- 11 November 2011
Tobacco wars: University of Stirling vs. Phillip Morris Interntional
That some people do not agree with smokers' choices is no reason to start treating the law as a pick'n'mix counter, applying it only to groups we as a society are deemed to 'like'.
- 13 September 2011
Urgently needed: innovation in British politics
In striving to remedy social ills, politicians are guilty of compounding our problems by taxing and prohibiting. Enough is enough; it is time for innovation in political thinking.
- 30 August 2011
Latest on the blog
- Major incident in South London with reports of shootings and a beheading
- Saudi Arabia beheads Yemenis, displays corpses in public
- VIDEO: BBC presenter slapped down over question of Farage's drinking and smoking habits
- Swastika flag flies over Palestinian village
- Social network faces backlash over callous Woolwich tweet
- Major incident in South London with reports of shootings and a beheading
- Saudi Arabia beheads Yemenis, displays corpses in public
- Swastika flag flies over Palestinian village
- VIDEO: BBC presenter slapped down over question of Farage's drinking and smoking habits
- Labour sinks to 3 point lead in latest poll
- NY Democrat pleads with Republican not to share document proposing confiscation of guns
- Sunday Times blood libel cartoon, on Holocaust Memorial Day no less
- Palestinian jailed for Facebook like
- 'Muslim Patrol' vigilantes attempt to control London streets
- Saudi cleric who raped and killed daughter receives small fine
We are wholly dependent on the kindness of our readers for our continued work. We thank you in advance for any support you can offer.
