On Monday I launched our plan to raise the profile of science in Parliament, and I’ve been really impressed with the supportive response both in my inbox and directly from party members and the professional science bodies.
The plan is to provide science awareness sessions for all incoming Conservative MPs as part of their induction. And judging from the positive reaction so far - in addition to a little ribbing in the tea room - it’s a rather popular idea among colleagues, too.
Of course, we won’t be asking MPs to re-sit their physics O Levels or tinker with test tubes in the Commons chamber.
Instead, we will provide the opportunity for MPs to gain a better understanding of the scientific approach to policy-making, the appropriate use of statistics and evidence, and the principles behind emerging scientific issues.
In areas ranging from economic policy to climate change, voters need to be confident that politicians are acting on the basis of evidence rather than assumption, and in the national interest rather than for short-term gain.
I’m keen that we live in a democracy that’s comfortable with debates about scientific issues and able to draw on and interpret reliable evidence when making decisions.
This won’t happen overnight. But raising the profile of science, technology and engineering in Parliament and government will be an important step in the right direction. And it will be essential if we are to end this Government’s ‘initiativitis’ and deliver responsible policy solutions that are built to last.
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