Libertarian? Not me!

I recorded a podcast with Chris Snowdon a few weeks ago.

In the time available (30 minutes) we discussed several topics, not just smoking.

For example, Chris was interested to know what I did before Forest, which led to a brief discussion about the BBC and the changing face of journalism.

I also confessed that I am not and never have been a libertarian:

"There are plenty of things I'd ban if I had a chance. Noisy neighbours, I'd ban them. Cyclists, I wouldn't actually ban them but I'd certainly introduce a lot of restrictions. So, no, I'm not a libertarian."

Here are some other quotes:

"The idea that the smoking ban might be extended to outdoor public places, or there might be a generational ban on the sale of tobacco, I find absolutely extraordinary. It's amazing how we've come so far in just 20 years with the amount of legislation, regulations, and restrictions on people's habits. It's unbelievable."

"I've enjoyed the job [director of Forest] because it's always been a challenge. I've met some fantastic people, and the thing that keeps me going is the fact that many of the people I've grown up with have been smokers. I know there are some people who wish they had never started smoking and wish to give up but, my goodness, I've met so many people who have enjoyed [smoking], and still enjoy it to this day, and those people deserve a voice, and if it's down to me, and Forest, to give [them] a voice, then we will continue to do it for as long as we can."

"Like you, I believe there's more than one point of view in any argument, whether it's smoking, vaping, use of alcohol, any lifestyle issue, and between us – you, me, and all the other people who are out there fighting this fight – I think we deserve to be heard and we've got to keep going."

You can watch the full podcast on YouTube here or above, and an audio only version is available Podbean.