Position Statements on Biotechnology Prime Minister Blair's sppech on British Science Prime Minister Blair's speech on British science PM Speech: 'Science Matters' Source: "10 Downing St Newsroom" In May 2002, Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a speech outlining the importance of science to the country's continued future prosperity. Mr Blair said: 'We stand on the verge of further leaps forward in scientific endeavour and discovery.' The Prime Minister said that with 1% of the world's population, the UK funds 4.5% of the world's science, produce 8% of the scientific papers and receive 9% of the citations. This said the Prime Minister was an 'outstanding record', adding: "The strength and creativity of our science base is a key national asset as we move into the 21st century." "Britain has produced 44 Nobel laureates in the last 50 years, more than any country except the US." "But this statistic does conceal a problem we must acknowledge. Only eight of those laureates are in the last 20 years. We have relied for too long on tradition and sentiment to aid our scientists. We need strong funding and strong public support, not just the warm glow of our traditions." The Prime Minister outlined three main reasons why he wanted to address the potential of this new age of discovery. These were:
On the challenge of promoting Science in Britain in the future, Mr Blair said: "I want to make sure the UK is one of the best places in the world to do science. For that we need our people, equipment and infrastructure to be properly funded. And we should continue to promote British science abroad." "We need to continue our improvements in Government handling of science, where public trust is particularly low. All departments need strong systems for managing research and handling advice. Scientific information and advice to Government should be freely available and accessible. Open and informed public debate on key scientific issues will be an integral part of our approach." Click here to read the speech Mr Blair gave at the Royal Society in full. |
International Support: - Food
and Agricultural Organization - Agenda
21 - International Council for Science Union - International Life Sciences Institute - International
Society of African Scientists - Nigerian President Obasanjo's Statement - Asian
Development Bank - Prime Minister Blair's speech
United States of America - American
Medical Association
Canada - Canadian
Biotechnology Advisory Committee - Brazilian
Academy of Sciences - New Zealand Royal Commission - Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organization |
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