Tory MPs to Get Crash Course in Science

November 21st, 2008

Posted by: admin

The Times of London reports that Conservative Members of Parliament will receive instruction in science as part of an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking.  Probably a critical reason behind this happening is that the Conservative Party is advancing the initiative.  New MPs will be required to attend, while returning MPs and members of the peerage (important since many of them are members of the House of Lords) will have the opportunity to attend.  I have no knowledge of similar efforts (either new or ongoing) for Labour MPs or members of the British Civil Service.  The criticisms of Sir David King mentioned in the article suggest it is not happening in the Civil Service.

I don’t imagine either party in America establishing a similar set-up, as there has not been sufficient similar criticism of policymaking in the United States.  Those members – on either side of the aisle – that are considered sympathetic to science and the need for evidence-based policymaking are not in positions of leadership, and barring someone in power pressing on this point, the British Parliament will be leading the way.

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