I agree with much of what is written in the discussions.

However I would like to put forward a different viewpoint. That freedom is a virtue i.e.something to be desired but not at any price.What do I mean? Well, take for example free trade. This is fine as long as it does not cause unacceptable damage to the environment or cause unacceptable levels of poverty or infringement of human rights.

If it does then the freedom of free trade should be restricted in order to right the above wrong. What I am suggesting is freedom is judged by its results.

The same principle can be applied in other areas such as the health service or education, or transport. First define the objective of the service and as long as the market delivers that is fine. If it does not then the freedom is curtailed and other mechanisms introduced in order to achieve the objective whether that is equality of provision, fair rationing or to reduce private transport.