"They Silenced Me When I Asked Questions" - How Activist Groups Ignore New Solutions

The Institute for Economic Affairs presents a panel discussion on "Not Invented Here" exploring why pressure groups often reject practical solutions to problems they claim to address. Moderated by Reem Ibrahim, the panel features Dr. Christopher Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics), Zion Lights (former Extinction Rebellion spokesperson), and Julian Braithwaite (CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking).

The discussion examines cases where ideological preferences trump pragmatic solutions in areas including e-cigarettes, GM foods, and nuclear energy. Lights shares her personal journey of challenging environmental orthodoxies and subsequent rejection from activist communities, while Braithwaite reveals how the WHO's approach to alcohol policy has shifted despite evidence showing improved outcomes with existing approaches.

Panelists explore how activists exploit fear through compelling narratives rather than data, discussing science literacy challenges and how governmental bodies can be captured by ideological agendas. The conversation concludes with audience questions on topics from nuclear technology development to evidence-based policymaking.

Watch the full video here.