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# Think tanks or lobbying organisations?
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/19137/
- Published: 2006-01-04T14:01:43.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:34:37.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:15

There's an interesting piece from Paul Staines, writing in [The Times](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3284-1943613,00.html?ref=opendemocracy.net) on 20th December 2005, about 'think tanks' actually operating as corporate lobbyists.  
  
Interestingly, amongst those accused are Demos. Staines writes, "The Blairite Demos think-tank will provide  
policy recommendations for cash. When Cable & Wireless wanted its bitter rival BT broken up, Demos obliged with a pamphlet recommending  
that the Government do it. Ker-ching!"

Staines appears not to have completed his homework however. He finishes by quoting, John Blundell, the director-general of the respected Institute of Economic Affairs," who he says despises these “wonk whores”.

Blundell apparently says: “Global companies are buying up think-tanks left, right and centre. Large cheques come attached to particular policy recommendations and senior corporate types sit on committees ready to ‘candle-snuff’ dangerous ideas.”"

However, the IEA, according to SourceWatch appear to "run and fund directly" the IPN - one of the groups Staines attacks earlier in the piece for acting as corporate lobbyists.

Hmm...