UK’s nanny state ‘set to get worse’

DESPITE the SNP’s climbdowns yesterday, Britain’s nanny state is expanding, with greater restrictions on junk food, tobacco and alcohol than many comparable countries, a study reveals.

The UK has the most restrictive tobacco regulation in Europe and the second harshest food and drink rules, according to the 2023 Nanny State Index. Overall, the UK is judged to be the 11th most meddlesome country in Europe for lifestyle restrictions, up one since the last ranking in 2021.

We have the most liberal vape rules, according to the research by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the European Policy Information Centre. Rishi Sunak yesterday announced a crackdown on vape marketing to prevent the ‘unacceptable’ targeting of children.

However, Britons face among the highest alcohol taxes in Europe, with the Scottish Government enforcing minimum alcohol pricing north of the Border.

Turkey was deemed to be the most restrictive place to eat, drink, smoke and vape in Europe, while Germany is the most liberal.

Report author Christopher Snowdon, of the IEA, predicts ‘things will only get worse’ for the UK. The Government and Labour are considering measures including expansion of the sugar tax.

The report says that despite rapid growth in regulations, there is little evidence that ‘paternalistic policies’ are effective.