James Bartholomew has studied the British welfare state and then other welfare states since the 1990s. He has been in the forefront of those arguing that the welfare states can do harm, despite their good intentions. His work has influenced the public debate and government policy.
He has been a leader-writer for the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail and written for many other publications including the Spectator. He has appeared on numerous radio stations and television programmes including Radio 5 live, Newsnight, Radio 4's Today programme, The Moral Maze and two special broadcasts on his work. In one he presented his critique of the British welfare state and in the other he argued for the abolition of the National Health Service.
His previous books include The Welfare State We're In.