The UK is now the 7th worst place in Europe to eat, drink, smoke and vape, up from 11th place in the 2023 edition of the Nanny State Index.
Freedom in the UK has decreased at a faster rate than almost anywhere else in Europe over the past two years.
Germany, Luxembourg and several southern European nations remain the most liberal environments for consumers, while Turkey, Lithuania and Finland continue to top the table for state paternalism.
The sixth edition of the Index reveals that the UK has made a significant leap in nanny state intervention, driven by high taxes, growing restrictions on food and drink advertising, and draconian anti-smoking policies. The UK now ranks 7th overall, making it one of the most heavy-handed regulators in Europe.
Various heavy-handed measures have pushed the UK toward the top end of the Nanny State Index, especially on food and tobacco
Christopher Snowdon, report author and Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
“The UK is sinking ever deeper into the quicksand of heavy-handed government paternalism. The idea that adults should be free to choose is fading away and there will be politicians who see the UK’s position on the Nanny State Index as a badge of pride rather than a mark of shame. As in other areas of the economy, high taxes and draconian regulation are impoverishing us all and benefiting nobody.”
