Ministers can bury their heads in the sand, but the effect of the smoking ban has been devastatingTuesday March 2, 2010The government says there is no evidence that the smoking ban has caused the closure of pubs or bars. Patricia Gidlow begs to differ. |
Rules, regulations and old hatThursday February 25, 2010Rules may play a much smaller role than we suppose in health and safety, says Phil Whiteley. So do we really need so many regulations in all areas of our lives? |
In defence of the cigarette breakTuesday February 16, 2010Increasing proscription around smoking seems to reflect a materialistic attitude towards human life, as though physical health is the only dimension of health, says (non-smoker) Phil Whiteley |
The blurred distinction between public and privateTuesday February 9, 2010The distinction, if any, between a private and a public space is about to be tested in a Canadian court, reports Martin Cullip, and the outcome will be interesting |
Reflections on a free society - think about itWednesday February 3, 2010The exhortation “Think!” is not just patronising, says Simon Hills, it’s all to do with bossing us around |
Is banning the burqa compatible with freedom and democracy?Monday February 1, 2010We may not be comfortable with the choices people make, says Karen McTigue, but we must protect their right to make them |
The rotten state of BritainThursday March 5, 2009Politicians and officials don’t want to control our every move, says Eamonn Butler, but them unlimited powers and they will use them or abuse them |
Bonfire of inanitiesThursday February 12, 2009How much literature and art never sees the light of day because of the nervous consensus “Thou shalt not offend”?, asks Shirley Dent |
Drugs reclassification: smoke signalsTuesday June 24, 2008To needlessly re-criminalise thousands of citizens is not only wrong, argues James Douglass, it bears no relation to the research |
In defence of Asda's 2p sausageMonday June 9, 2008Cheap food gives us the choice to spend our money on something more interesting instead, says Justine Brian |