Parliamentary Links Day 2008

Over 200 delegates attended the Royal Society of Chemistry's Parliamentary Links Day on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in the Attlee Suite Portcullis House.

Parliamentary Links Day is the largest scientific event held annually in the Houses of Parliament and involves active participation of organisations such as the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biology, the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.  

This year's theme was "Science and an Uncertain World". 

Speakers from Government and Parliament included:

• the Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation
• David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills
• Professor Robert Watson, Departmental Chief Scientific Adviser DEFRA
• Phil Willis MP Chair of the Commons Select Committee Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills.  

The Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Conservative Leader David Cameron  both sent messages to guests at the event.

Mr Brown stated: "As we look ahead there is absolutely no doubt about the importance of science and innovation, technology and engineering to the future of the United Kingdom." 

This event provides a valuable and timely opportunity to discuss ways in which science is responding to the uncertainties we face.