UK Now Officially One of The Biggest Nanny States in Europe – Guido Fawkes

UK Now Officially One of The Biggest Nanny States in Europe

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The Institute of Economic Affairs has just published its biennial Nanny State Index, and it’s not good news for British lovers of freedom. The UK has soared up the ranks, now sitting as the 7th biggest nanny state out of 29 European countries. Up from 11th in 2023 and 12th in 2021…

The index, compiled by the IEA’s Christopher Snowdon, scores countries out of 100 based on how heavy-handed they are in regulating alcohol, nicotine, and food/soft drinks. Unsurprisingly, the UK has been ticking all the wrong boxes:

• Second highest taxes on cigarettes, adjusted for income.
• Fourth highest taxes on alcohol, also adjusted for income.
• Sugar tax still in place, hammering sugary drinks.
• HFSS ad bans (High in Fat, Sugar, or Salt foods) extended to digital media – if it appeals to under-16s, it’s banned.
• Shop layout law bans ‘less healthy’ food near entrances, checkouts or aisle ends.
• Calorie counts now mandatory on menus in large chain pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

Overall, Turkey, Lithuania and Finland top the list as the most meddling nations in Europe. Meanwhile, Germany is the most liberal, followed by Luxembourg and Italy. The IEA finds no evidence that harsher nannying leads to better health – no correlation in higher life expectancy, no drop in smoking, and no real dent in alcohol consumption. The latest Index doesn’t even include the looming Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The UK government meddling in people’s lives is only going to get worse…

Snowden said:

“The UK is sinking ever deeper into the quicksand of heavy-handed government paternalism. The idea that adults should be free to choose is fading away and there will be politicians who see the UK’s position on the Nanny State Index as a badge of pride rather than a mark of shame. As in other areas of the economy, high taxes and draconian regulation are impoverishing us all and benefiting nobody.”

Maybe just let adults make decisions for themselves…

Read the report in full below: