Economic Freedom vs. Collectivism: Can Conservatives Save Liberty in Britain?

In this episode of the IEA podcast, we dive into Wes Streeting's proposed NHS reforms, exploring whether league tables and performance metrics can truly improve healthcare efficiency. Our guests Tom Clougherty and Kristian Niemietz discuss alternative healthcare systems from around the world, from the Netherlands' market-driven approach to Singapore's health savings accounts, examining how these models might inform NHS reform. We then turn to Elon Musk's appointment to head the new Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Our panel debates whether private sector efficiency methods can work in government, drawing parallels with Musk's Twitter reforms and exploring the fundamental challenges of applying business principles to public sector operations. The discussion concludes with reflections on two significant anniversaries: the 1917 October Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Our guests share personal memories of the latter and examine how these historical events continue to shape current debates about economic systems and political ideologies, particularly among younger generations who didn't experience the Cold War era firsthand. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this IEA Book Club event, Sir Vernon Bogdanor discusses his new book "Making The Weather: Six Politicians Who Changed Modern Britain" with IEA Executive Director Tom Clougherty. Bogdanor examines how certain politicians have shaped Britain's political landscape, focusing particularly on three figures: Aneurin Bevan, Enoch Powell, and Keith Joseph. The discussion explores how these individuals challenged the prevailing consensus of their times and influenced British politics far beyond their immediate careers. The conversation delves into Bevan's creation of the NHS and its lasting impact, Powell's complex political positions beyond his controversial immigration speech, and Keith Joseph's role in developing what would become known as Thatcherite economics. Bogdanor brings fresh insights to these familiar figures, drawing on personal interviews and historical research to paint a fuller picture of their motivations and achievements. Throughout the discussion, Bogdanor and Clougherty explore parallels between these historical figures and contemporary British politics, including Brexit, the future of the Conservative Party, and the challenges of political communication in modern Britain. The event concludes with Bogdanor's thoughts on whether the Thatcher era is coming to an end and what might replace it. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this episode of the IEA Podcast, we delve into Donald Trump's decisive victory in the 2024 US presidential election and what it means for economic policy. WSJ columnist Joseph Sternberg breaks down why the election was ultimately decided by economic fundamentals rather than cultural issues, exploring Trump's proposed policies on tariffs, taxation, and government spending. The discussion examines why American voters, despite strong GDP numbers, felt economically insecure under the Biden-Harris administration. The conversation then shifts to the UK, where we analyse Kemi Badenoch's selection as Conservative Party leader and her newly appointed shadow cabinet. Our guests discuss her commitment to "telling hard truths" and whether this signals a return to free-market principles. IEA's Director of Communications Callum Price provides insight into the potential direction of the party under her leadership. The episode concludes with a broader discussion about the future of right-wing politics in Western democracies. Our guests explore whether we're seeing a lasting shift toward national populism or if economic issues will remain the dominant factor in elections. They also tackle the challenging question of Trump's impact on democratic institutions and why voters made the choices they did. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this wall-to-wall budget special, Tom Clougherty, Daniel Freeman, and Dr. Kristian Niemietz break down Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first budget. They examine the major tax increases, including the significant rise in employer National Insurance contributions, changes to capital gains tax, and new measures affecting private schools. The team analyses how these changes impact Britain's economic competitiveness and discusses whether the budget's pro-growth rhetoric matches its actual contents. The discussion delves into the concerning trajectory of Britain's public finances, with both tax and spending set to be five percentage points of GDP higher than pre-pandemic levels by the end of the decade. The panel explores why this dramatic expansion of the state has occurred and whether it can be reversed, considering the limitations of previous attempts at spending restraint and the pressing need for meaningful public sector reform. Looking at the bigger picture, the team questions whether this budget represents a missed opportunity for comprehensive tax reform and meaningful economic change. They examine the similarities with previous Conservative budgets and discuss why the focus on public spending might not deliver the growth the government hopes for, particularly without substantial supply-side reforms in areas like planning and energy. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

Daniel Freeman of the Institute of Economic Affairs interviews Professor Daniel Waldenström about his new book, "Richer & More Equal: A New History of Wealth in the West." Waldenström's research suggests that wealth inequality has decreased over the past century, with the middle class experiencing significant growth in wealth accumulation. The discussion covers changes in wealth composition, shifting from agricultural land and industrial shares to widespread homeownership and pension savings. Waldenström examines the effects of world wars and economic policies on wealth distribution, and compares European and American experiences of wealth concentration in recent decades. This conversation explores how wealth is measured, the impact of technological advancements, and the potential benefits of promoting homeownership and funded pension systems. Waldenström's work offers a different perspective on wealth creation and distribution, encouraging viewers to reconsider common assumptions about economic progress in the West. The interview provides an accessible look at wealth inequality trends for those interested in economic history and current debates. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

Join Reem Ibrahim, Acting Director of Communications, as she discusses the latest economic and policy developments with IEA's Executive Director Tom Clougherty and Managing Editor Daniel Freeman. The team dives into pre-budget speculation, particularly focusing on the government's plans to add National Insurance contributions to employer pension contributions - and why the public sector might be exempt from these changes. They explore how this could impact wages, benefits, and the broader economic landscape. The conversation then turns to the controversial ban on disposable vapes. The panel examines why this policy could be counterproductive, discussing how it might affect public health, youth access to vapes, and the potential rise of black market alternatives. They challenge the environmental arguments being used to justify the ban and explore why this could undermine the UK's position as a leader in tobacco harm reduction. The episode concludes with a critical look at the NHS's new public consultation on healthcare reform. The team discusses the role of consultations in policymaking, whether they truly lead to meaningful change, and what real NHS reform might look like. They explore the challenges of implementing effective healthcare management and why some popular reform ideas might be counterproductive. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. Timestamps: 01:11 - Pre budget tax speculation and public sector NI 15:25 - Vaping ban 24:57 - NHS consultation This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this episode of the IEA Podcast, Tom Clougherty, Harrison Griffiths, and Dr. Kristian Niemietz dive into the upcoming Autumn budget and the potential £40 billion tax increases. They discuss the implications of employer National Insurance contributions and the broader impact on workers, while also touching on capital gains tax and the challenges of taxing different forms of income. The conversation then shifts to a concerning case in Bournemouth, where a man was convicted for silently praying near an abortion clinic, sparking a debate about freedom of thought and expression in the UK. The panel examines the implications of this case and its potential impact on civil liberties. Finally, the discussion turns to the state of the classical liberal movement across Europe and the world. Dr. Niemietz shares his insights from a recent European Students for Liberty conference in Iceland, highlighting the growth and diversity of libertarian groups in various countries. The panel also explores the challenges faced by classical liberal movements in different regions and the potential for future growth. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this new episode in the 'In Conversation' series, Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham and Member of the House of Lords, sits down with Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), to discuss the current state of British politics and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Moore, the acclaimed biographer of Thatcher and former editor of The Spectator and The Telegraph, offers unique insights into the challenges facing modern conservatism and draws intriguing parallels between today's political landscape and the era of Thatcher's rise to power. Throughout the discussion, Moore delves into a range of pressing issues, including the impact of globalisation, the changing nature of political institutions, and the cultural shifts affecting contemporary society. He reflects on the lessons that can be learned from Thatcher's leadership style and governance approach, while also addressing the new challenges that have emerged in the decades since her tenure. Moore's nuanced perspective on topics such as immigration, the role of international institutions, and the evolving dynamics within the Conservative Party provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current political climate. This conversation offers viewers a rare opportunity to hear from one of Britain's most respected political commentators as he shares his insights on the past, present, and future of conservative thought. Whether you're a student of politics, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping modern Britain, this discussion between Charles Moore and Tom Clougherty promises to be both enlightening and timely. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

In this episode of the IEA Podcast, we dive into the Adam Smith Institute's new "millionaire tracker" report, which suggests Britain is losing millionaires at an alarming rate. Maxwell Marlow, director of Research and Education at ASI, discusses the potential economic impact and reasons behind this trend, including productivity stagnation, high tax burdens, and an anti-prosperity culture. The conversation explores the broader implications for job creation, investment, and tax revenue. The podcast then turns to the government's newly announced Employment Rights legislation. The panel, including Dr. Kristian Niemietz and host Tom Clougherty, examines the potential consequences of these reforms on productivity, hiring practices, and overall economic dynamism. They express concern that these measures, while politically popular, may inadvertently hinder job creation and economic growth. Lastly, the discussion commemorates the 50th anniversary of F.A.Hayek being awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. The panel reflects on Hayek's enduring influence on classical liberal thought, his key works such as "The Use of Knowledge in Society," and the importance of his ideas in shaping economic and political discourse. They emphasise the continued relevance of Hayek's insights in today's policy debates. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe

Join the Institute of Economic Affairs for a panel discussion on "The Torch of Liberty: Can the Conservative Party win back the young?" at the 2024 Conservative Party Conference. Hosted by Reem Ibrahim, Acting Director of Communications at the IEA, this engaging session features Lord David Frost, Conservative Member of the House of Lords, Tom Clougherty, IEA Executive Director, and Dr. Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics. The panel explores the crucial question of whether the Conservative Party can rediscover its love for liberty and appeal to younger voters. Our speakers delve into topics such as economic freedom, personal liberties, and the challenges facing conservative principles in modern British politics. They discuss the impact of recent policies, the role of ideology in shaping political discourse, and strategies for promoting free-market ideas in an increasingly collectivist environment. Don't miss this conversation as our experts analyse the Conservative Party's recent track record, debate the future of freedom-oriented policies, and offer their perspectives on how to make liberty appealing again. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a young conservative, or simply interested in the future of British politics, this panel provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle between individual freedom and state intervention. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe