The Conservative

  • The UN-led gambit to curb innovation in the developing world is only blocking prosperity

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    Why the risk-avoiding ‘Stockholm Convention’ endorses harmful bans and stunts progress where it is needed most… Among developed nations, one of the most significant drivers of economic growth and prosperity has been the ability of our innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs to deliver great products to the consumers who need them. We need only think of…

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  • Platform work needs flexibility

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    In a recent call for consultations, the European Commission is asking to get feedback on a potential new directive on regulating platform work. The sharing economy services like Uber, Bolt, Heetch, etc. are being targeted by a number of member states for hiring freelancers. In a way, the European Commission has provided an extensive overview…

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  • Uber is right: recognise independent platform workers

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    In a new white paper presented to the European Commission, the ride-sharing platform Uber defended its business model ahead of new legislation on platform work. “This standard (for platform work) needs to recognise the value of independent work and be grounded in principles drivers and couriers say are most important to them,” Uber CEO Dara…

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  • EU crackdown on vaping is bad news for public health

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    The Beating Cancer Plan will make vaping harder… The leaked Commission proposal for the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan has revealed the bloc’s plans to make harm reducing products such as vaping devices harder to access and consume in the European Union. Under this proposal, the EU would hike taxation rules on vaping products to match…

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  • We should not monopolise consumer information

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    Expanding consumer access to information is meant to be a cornerstone of informed policy and decision-making.  Rather than adopting paternalistic rules, lawmakers and regulators in liberal democracies should reflect the will of the people and ensure that consumers and citizens are able to always access more, not less, information on labels and products.  Obviously, distinguishing…

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