We have seen a long list of these bodies let people down, with hapless ministers then held to account for their failings.
Let’s move fast to outlaw irresponsible sales tactics, and increase punishments for those that do not abide by the law. But banning all vape flavours, or disposable vapes, would be immensely counterproductive.
Our deputy editor argues that there is a fundamental tension between the traditional conception of ministerial accountability and the modern tendency to govern through quangos and arms-length bodies.
Resigned and despondent, the Tories sit in a powerful legislature and does little with it. Instead, ministers act like chairmen, rubber stamping the decisions of their departments, instead of leading them.
Picture a triennial month-long regulation symposium, drawing on industry, consumer groups and political representation proportionate to seats in the Commons.
As “world-beating” Britain became the first G20 country to mandate new rules, our competitors, including the United States, are having second thoughts about all these extra layers of regulation.
Let’s not waste money on a duplicate of already existing regulatory infrastructure. Let’s either recognise international standards on these regulations, or replace them with better regulation.
While we want flavours clearly aimed at underaged such as sweets, desserts, and soft drinks prohibited, we do not want an outright ban on flavours such as fruit, which experts believe contribute to reductions in smoking rates.
The industry has committed to direct £100 billion into infrastructure such as energy generation, power networks, and housing. Politicians from all sides should want to see these measures become law.
Through their overreaction, they may have handed the UK something quite wondrous: a genuine economic benefit of Brexit.
These proposals would preserve the Government’s ability to defend against consumer harm and regulate the abuse of market power, whilst also allowing the UK to continue to nurture one of the world’s leading digital economies.
Does Taylor Swift have any rights over songs created in her style by Large Language Models? As we have such an extraordinary cultural heritage here and a dynamic creative sector, we are particularly vulnerable.
Whilst it’s whitepaper may be seen as loosey-goosey by some, it’s set out enough basic ground rules to allow these innovators to get on with it, within reasonable limits.
In a free market, consumers and businesses should be able to vote with their feet. Yet the current situation is more akin to Soviet-style central planning, with supply and demand in a digital market dictated by one or two companies.
No fewer than 10,000 women who undertook DIY abortions in 2020 required hospital treatment for complications. A morally serious Parliament, in step with public opinion, should not assent to an amendment that treats abortion pills like sweets.