Scientists want more protection after government adviser is sacked

In areas such as crime, policing, drug abuse, animal research, areas
covered by the UK Home Office are very susceptible to evidence being
overridden. I think relations between top scientists & government have
improved greatly, no one should squander the gains now. I remember when the
BSE crisis started, Sir Richard Southwood's committee looking into mad cow
disease were not able to disclose its existence. A new conservative
government worries me when Chris Grayling, shadow Home Secretary, backed Mr
Johnson. More right-wing Tory MPs may force an about turn on embryo
research & climate change. President Obama has put science at the
heart of his administration & protects whistle-blowers. I hope the
government signs up to the "Principles for the treatment of Independent
Scientific Advice", then both can rebuild confidence. I believe the Labour
Government has done a lot for basic research in particular getting
scientific advice into Whitehall. Don't act in haste, start again.

Competing interests:
None declared