I would like to see writing on the clear differences between the Labour and Conservative parties' attitudes to vaping. The right (Conservative) appear to be more progressive, and the left (labour) more Conservative.
Could it be the influence of The British Medical Assosiation (BMA) the doctors trade union, and the BMA journal the BMJ which is driving a negative attitude to THR? Keep in mind the 'romance' between the labour party and trade unions... Oh! And let us not forget the SNP in Scotland who are in love with the EU.
I do not know about the USA, but in the UK, I do feel that governments are not really influenced by what are clearly the right actions, but rather are drawn to profit and influence. (Apologies for my slightly jaundiced view)
Thank you for your kind comment, Robert. It opens space for a deeper reflection...
It’s indeed paradoxical to me to see the Conservatives embracing vaping and THR with more openness, while Labour, often associated with progressive health policy, seems more rigid. This reversal may say less about ideology and more about institutional entanglements, as you point out, which also adds complexity to the landscape.
But perhaps the most crucial part of your comment lies in the broader question: are policies truly shaped by evidence, or are they, more often, sculpted by profit, influence, and inertia? Your scepticism is not only valid — it’s necessary, Robert. "Democracies", in theory, are steered by reason and data; in practice, they often drift along the currents of lobbying, public mood, and political convenience. As you rightly put it, there’s a certain "romance" (a mythology of purpose) that can obscure even the most rational paths in public health.
Your view, far from jaundiced, reflects a clarity that many share but few articulate. And from this side of the Atlantic, I’ll try to further understand the tensions and contradictions you’ve so precisely outlined.
First class comment. Thank you. However...
I would like to see writing on the clear differences between the Labour and Conservative parties' attitudes to vaping. The right (Conservative) appear to be more progressive, and the left (labour) more Conservative.
Could it be the influence of The British Medical Assosiation (BMA) the doctors trade union, and the BMA journal the BMJ which is driving a negative attitude to THR? Keep in mind the 'romance' between the labour party and trade unions... Oh! And let us not forget the SNP in Scotland who are in love with the EU.
I do not know about the USA, but in the UK, I do feel that governments are not really influenced by what are clearly the right actions, but rather are drawn to profit and influence. (Apologies for my slightly jaundiced view)
Thank you for your kind comment, Robert. It opens space for a deeper reflection...
It’s indeed paradoxical to me to see the Conservatives embracing vaping and THR with more openness, while Labour, often associated with progressive health policy, seems more rigid. This reversal may say less about ideology and more about institutional entanglements, as you point out, which also adds complexity to the landscape.
But perhaps the most crucial part of your comment lies in the broader question: are policies truly shaped by evidence, or are they, more often, sculpted by profit, influence, and inertia? Your scepticism is not only valid — it’s necessary, Robert. "Democracies", in theory, are steered by reason and data; in practice, they often drift along the currents of lobbying, public mood, and political convenience. As you rightly put it, there’s a certain "romance" (a mythology of purpose) that can obscure even the most rational paths in public health.
Your view, far from jaundiced, reflects a clarity that many share but few articulate. And from this side of the Atlantic, I’ll try to further understand the tensions and contradictions you’ve so precisely outlined.
I am looking forward to reading it.
Sorry, misread your last sentence.