Articles and Speeches

Afriyie promises science lessons for MPs
Monday, 24^th November 2008.  Press Release.

Shadow Science Minister Adam Afriyie has promised scientific literacy lessons on evidence-based policy making for new Conservative MPs and top civil servants.  

The new 3-point Conservative policy states: 

1. Following on from the Conservative STEM report, we propose scientific literacy lessons for elected politicians with a view to introduce compulsory lessons for senior civil servants as part of their CPD.

a.                  Science awareness sessions will be incorporated into the induction arrangements for all incoming Conservative MPs and existing MPs will be briefed.

b.                  And looking forward, we will examine the options for scientific literacy lessons in the civil service and for all elected officials. 

2. Additionally, we will consult on ways to integrate external scientific expertise, from organisations such as the royal academies and professional institutes, into the decision-making process.
    

3. The point is less about prepping politicians and officials for science tests, and more about giving an awareness of how the scientific approach can inform decision making in a wide range of areas.

Adam Afriyie said: 

“We’re a science friendly party and I’ve been delighted with the response from colleagues, MPs and the wider science community. 

Today, it is more important than ever to take a scientific, evidence-based approach to policy making and avoid reliance on gut instinct or untested assumption.  

Policy decisions often demand sound scientific understanding, so that modern terms like ‘nano’, ‘nuclear’ and ‘genetically modified’ are better understood. 

By building a base of scientific knowledge among politicians and officials, we aim to strengthen the role of science in policy making.  

And by making better use of external scientific expertise, we aim to widen the pool of knowledge available to government”

ENDS 

Contact Details:
Telephone: 020 7219 8023
Email: afriyiea@parliament.uk