Columnists

Suzy Dean

Let's end this legislation by trial and error Thursday June 10, 2010 The prison population in England and Wales is 85,000 and growing, thanks partly to a raft of new offences that seriously infringe on our civil liberties. Suzy Dean has had enough.

Simon Hills

It's science, Jim, but not as we know it Wednesday May 26, 2010 Today, you’ve as much chance of finding a scientist like Michael Faraday as stumbling across Kristin Scott Thomas in a bingo hall, says Simon Hills

Dennis Hayes

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)

Chris Snowdon

A brief period of celebration Thursday May 13, 2010 A new dawn has broken, writes Chris Snowdon. Gordon Brown has left Downing Street as he entered it (unelected), the World Cup is just around the corner, and if rumours are to be believed, we may soon be able to turn off the central heating.

Dennis Hayes

The debate deficit: how the 2010 election has failed the electorate Wednesday May 5, 2010 Dennis Hayes wonders why, in an election without debate, none of the political contenders came out as the ‘therapy party’

Martin Cullip

To thine own self be true Friday April 30, 2010 Free Society columnist Martin Cullip is standing as a candidate for the Libertarian party in the general election. In a frank article, he explains why he has been driven to take a stand for civil liberties and personal freedoms.

Suzy Dean

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.

Karen McTigue

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?

Phil Whiteley

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

Karen McTigue

Mother’s ruin: what happens in the womb, stays in the womb Tuesday April 20, 2010 Pregnant women who smoke or are obese are being blamed for their future son’s low sperm count. Government, argues Karen McTigue, should leave us alone and let us worry about our own bodies