Summer 2007

From the Chair

Stempra AGM 2007

Dummies at Westminster (and some mannequins)

Science advice for government? It's in the POST

Science communication with MPs

Saving British Science; Interview with Peter Cotgreave

The BA Science Communication Conference, any good, or not?

Eurochat

Stempra newsletter

Science communication with MPs

Science, engineering and technology is everywhere in Parliament. From climate change to biometric passports, stem cell research to the latest advances in cancer treatment it is pervasive; identifying problems and offering solutions. But it is not by any means a necessary qualification of being an MP to have any understanding or interest in science. In fact MPs come from a mixed bunch of professions, united only by politics and popularity with their constituents. They are also extremely time-poor. These are public figures working in the world of 24-hour news, debating legislation while worrying about their constituents' rubbish collections and the identity of the next Prime Minister. Yet it falls to these individuals to answer their constituents concerns over 'science worries' such as mobile phones and MMR; assume opinions on issues informed by science like climate change; and vote on matters which impact on science, from education policy to the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill which currently contains proposals to outlaw some potential branches of research.

So communicating science to MPs is very important and it is very much like communicating science to any other member of the public except there is an added bonus that a MPs job depends on knowing about the issue. Like the public, MPs get a large amount of their information from the media so the better science coverage is in the media, the better-informed politicians are going to be about science. And they have some extra helping hands in the form of their researchers, the Commons library, which produces comprehensive briefings on topical issues, and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) which provides background briefings on important science issues.

MPs are also constantly lobbied. From campaign groups, NGOs and business to professional societies and associations, there are a constant stream of receptions, talks, briefings, meetings and letters. And this means that MPs can be at the whim of those who shout the loudest; the people in the headlines, motivating constituents to support an issue and proactively contacting MPs. Campaign groups can steal a march on those with different perspectives who aren't shouting so loud and, for someone inexpert in science, it is not always easy to distinguish who is offering the evidence-based, scientifically supported information and who isn't.

Science societies, universities and campaign groups are very proactive in Parliament with events such as the Royal Society MP-scientist pairing scheme, the SET receptions bringing early-career scientists into Parliament and All Party Parliamentary Groups on science issues. This presence can only help to ensure that MPs know where to turn and who they can trust for good, clear advice when they find scientific issues in their postbag. Long-term contact, tailored information, clear briefings and contacts to answer questions really help.

MPs need and want the advice of scientists to guide them in the decision making process and scientists can only benefit from getting involved to ensure that future legislation is both informed by science and pro-science. Scientists are starting to shout as loud as NGOs and charities in the media - they need to keep shouting just as loudly in Parliament.

Becky Purvis
Parliamentary Researcher
Office of Dr Evan Harris MP

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