Tax reform offers the Government a rare opportunity to make real policy changes

Our mini-series this week revealed points of broad consensus and points of approaching conflict on the centre right in terms of how the tax burden is distributed.

Daniel Hannan: Prejudice against fat people is a snobbery of the Left

The underlying motive for this tradition, though now often dressed up in quasi-medical language, is as much aesthetic as sanitary.

James Frayne: May should make more of her family-friendly policies

And there are other policies she could pursue. More nurseries in primary schools. Tougher school discipline. Longer sentences for child abuse.

Sponsored Post: Gavin Partington: Over 2,000 small business owners call on the Chancellor to think again about the soft drinks tax

The policy risks more than 4,000 jobs but will only reduce calorie intake by five calories per person, per day.

Sponsored Post: Pev Manners: The only impact a soft drinks tax will have is on small British businesses like Belvoir Fruit Farms

Demonising one product surely cannot be the answer.

Sponsored Post: Linda Sood – If the Conservatives really are the party of business, they should scrap the soft drinks tax

Small retailers will be hit hard.

Nicola Blackwood: Our new obesity strategy isn’t nanny state, it’s a sensible plan to make children healthier

This is about encouraging industry to reduce sugar content, improve school sport and empower parents, not abolish individual responsibility.

Harry Fairhead: Introducing our new Nanny State Rich List

The TPA identifies 325 taxpayer-funded public health employees. Combined with Public Health England’s budget of around £3.6 billion, this is an expensive and powerful lobby.

Luke Stubbs: The soft drinks tax is all fizz and no substance

Now that Osborne has gone, so too should this un-conservative levy.

Christopher Snowdon: Britain is amongst the EU’s most meddlesome nanny states

Only ten years ago we’d have been mid-table, but since 2007 single-issue campaigners have struck a string of blows against lifestyle freedom.

Iain Dale: Why Ken Clarke’s memoirs aren’t worth what Macmillan will pay for them

Plus: Contrite Soubry. Ashcroft’s Party. The Chancellor’s forecasts and the OBR’s admission. P.S: Re those Clarke memoirs, I admit that I can’t wait to read them.

James Sproule: Osborne has posed problems for business recently. But this Budget was, on balance, good news.

Especially so for smaller firms and entrepreneurs.

Dia Chakravarty: This sugar tax will taste sour to poorer people

And evidence from abroad suggests that it will fail in its declared aim of reducing obesity.

Harry Fairhead: Britain does not need a sugar tax

Steve Double called for one on this site yesterday, but available evidence suggests it would be deeply regressive and would not work.

Steve Double: Britain needs a tax on sugary drinks

As a supporter of low taxes, I was less than enthusiastic about such proposals – but I’m now convinced that something must be done.