Nudge Off!

The coalition, no doubt as part of the dubious and strangely familiar "New Politics", is looking to control how cigarette manufacturers package their wares. Basically, they want bland packages. For the sake of the children, of course.

To a large extent, this is a case of "what's new?" At least until I read this:

Dr Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health at Kings College London, said: "It's a very welcome statement from the health secretary and a good example of how the government can help people choose a healthier way of life by 'nudging' rather than nagging."

"Nudging"? Oh, Sweet Jesus Christ and all the baby orphans. This is not nudging, nor is it nagging. It is something all the more dangerous and illiberal. It is telling private businesses how they can and can't operate on utterly spurious grounds. It isn't about the people and their spawn; it is about the government flexing its muscles and using its power.

And the worst thing? It won't work. Those who like to smoke will continue to do so regardless of the packaging. Those who want to give up will not suddenly stop because their favourite brand of fags are now indistinguishable from all the other brands. And the kids... well, want to stop them smoking? Then enforce the fucking law that already says that kids are not allowed to smoke, rather than restricting freedom further in this country.

This isn't a "nudge"; it's yet another patronising and paternalistic restriction of freedom from a government who - on this most crucial of issues - looks almost indistinguishable from the last one.