Issues

Free Speech

Abroad thoughts from home Tuesday May 18, 2010 Dennis Hayes argues that we need to invoke the spirit of John Stuart Mill at home as well as abroad on International Academic Freedom Day (20 May)

Free Speech

Why 'no platform' is incompatible with freedom of speech Wednesday April 28, 2010 The refusal by mainstream parties to debate with the BNP is illiberal and reactionary, argues Suzy Dean. It demeans us, the public, and the democratic election process.

Food and Drink

If people want to eat cake, let them Monday April 26, 2010 Our ability to decide what and how much we want to eat is slowly being eroded, says Karen McTigue, and we are barely aware of it. What’s to be done?

Smoking

Why are smokers treated worse than terrorists? Friday April 23, 2010 Smokers are either wrong or stupid; zero tolerance is the only permitted attitude, says Phil Whiteley, and no health official or politician feels even remotely shamefaced about interfering in other people’s lives

Surveillance

The National Curriculum: reading, writing and … biometrics Thursday April 8, 2010 Schools are not under a legal duty to consult parents before collecting biometric data, writes Karen McTigue, which means your child could be fingerprinted or iris-scanned without your knowledge

Smoking

Cigarettes and censorship Tuesday March 30, 2010 A report by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine claims that young adult smokers will light up immediately after watching smoking in movies. Yes, really. Karen McTigue reports.

Smoking

Filth column: how government brands smokers and their "disgusting" habit Tuesday March 16, 2010 Living in the UK today feels a bit like being back at school, says Joe Jackson. Rules and regulations, bullying and humiliation, especially if you’re a smoker.

Smoking

Ministers can bury their heads in the sand, but the effect of the smoking ban has been devastating Tuesday March 2, 2010 The government says there is no evidence that the smoking ban has caused the closure of pubs or bars. Patricia Gidlow begs to differ.

Free Speech

Internet censorship is the ultimate curtain call for freedom Tuesday February 23, 2010 The current drive towards internet censorship, emanating from governments across the world, must be resisted if we are truly to be classed as ‘free’, argues Martin Cullip

Smoking

Thirdhand smoke fever - another example of prejudice and propaganda Friday February 12, 2010 Chris Snowdon, author of Velvet Glove Iron Fist: A History of Anti-Smoking, explains the “science” behind the latest anti-smoking scaremongering