Cigarettes in pub gardens. KFCAn American fast food restaurant chain that used to be called Kentucky Fried Chicken. It is the world's second-largest restaurant chain after McDonald's. adverts on daytime TV. Monster Energy for 15-year-olds. All might soon be banned in Britain.

These are proposals from the LabourBritain's main left-of-centre political party. government. As the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, explained, "we have got to take action" to reduce pressure on the NHSThe National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948..¹

But critics have accused Labour of introducing a "nanny state". This term describes an overprotective government trying to control people's lives.

Critics of the nanny state argue that it limits personal libertyFreedom.. People should be free to take part in unhealthy activities, provided they do not break the law. According to campaigner Christopher Snowdon, the public are "fed up" with being told how to live their lives.²

But fans of the "nanny state" argue that children living in poverty are more likely to be overweight. Banning fatty and sugary foods at supermarket checkouts, for example, is designed to help the least well-off.³

They also argue that the term "nanny state" is misapplied. Creating rules for children is part of good government. In fact, 60% of adults support a ban on smartphone use for under-16s.⁴

Labour is a left-wing party. Traditionally, parties on the left were in favour of more tax, more government and more rules. Conversely, parties on the right - like the ConservativesA traditionally right-wing or centre right political party in the UK. Members are sometimes called Tories. - were in favour of small government and individual liberty.

But the idea of freedom does not fit easily into left or right. For instance, if alcohol was banned, people would lose the right to drink in pubs. But there might also be fewer fights, injuries, car accidents and crimes - all of which reduce people's freedom.

The government has a responsibility to keep its citizens safe. This means protecting them from foreign armies, criminal gangs and health crises. But it also means protecting citizens from themselves.

Is Britain no longer a free country?

Yes: People should be free to drink, smoke and eat junk food - even if it harms their health. Governments will never be able to stop unhealthy behaviour completely.

No: Many safety laws that we take for granted were once examples of the "nanny state". In fact, new measures to protect children are both sensible and popular.

Or... The line between liberty and safety is not always clear. That is why both Labour and Conservative governments have brought in "nanny state" policies to protect their citizens.