Science lacking in parties' manifestos

The manifestos of the three main parties fighting for votes in this week's general election are said to be disappointingly lacking in science. Although differing accounts have been given, it appears that upon a word count of each manifesto, the word science, scientific or scientist is not mentioned at all in the main Conservative party manifesto 'Time for Common Sense'. There are more mentions in the Liberal Democrats' 'Freedom, Justice, Honesty' (either four or 12 depending on the source), and in the Labour Party's 'Ambitions for Britain' (either 15 or 10). Among other words counted were technology/ies, genetics/ally and research, all of which were similarly not prominent.

But last week at a press conference called 'Ambitions for Science', Labour did announce plans to establish a national centre of excellence for science teaching. This would be based at a British university (as yet undisclosed) and would provide continuing training for science teachers at all levels. Labour has also announced that September 2001 will mark the start of 'science year'. The manifesto includes a pledge to encourage leading scientists to work in the UK, but makes no mention of increased funds. Ministers at the press conference described what the Labour party had so far done for science, but did not disclose any other future plans or policies. A letter signed by Lord Robert Winston, amongst others, was shown to the press. In it was support for the government's record on science over the last four years.

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to encourage international scientific research and increase funds for British scientists and researchers. It is also the only party to address pay inequalities in university-level science. According to the Save British Science organisation, the Liberal Democrats' manifesto is the 'winner on detail' but has the 'least chance of being implemented'.