Parliamentary Links Day 2009

Over 200 delegates attended the Royal Society of Chemistry's Parliamentary Links Day on Wednesday 24 June 2009 in the Attlee Suite Portcullis House. This year's theme was "Science and Global Security". 

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. 

John Bercow, the recently elected Speaker, put in an unexpected visit prior to the start of the proceedings.   He referred to the network of scientific organisations involved in the biggest scientific and engineering event of the year in Parliament and the need for everyone to be fully aware of its significance.  He pointed out that science and engineering is directly relevant to many areas of public policy, and particularly so today and wished everyone a great day and successful year.

Speakers from Government and Parliament included:

• The Rt Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment Rural Affairs and Food

• Adam Afriyie MP, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills

• Professor John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Government Office for Science

• Phil Willis MP, Chair, Commons Select Committee Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills

Along with speakers from Government and Parliament, a series of Scientific Presentations were delivered by six speakers which followed in succession, each with a different and specific scientific or engineering message related to Science and Global Security.

The Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Conservative Leader David Cameron and Nick Clegg Leader of the Liberal Democrats all 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.