The REACHforLIFE campaign has appealed for incoming MEPs to ensure science takes centre stage during their five year term. The organisation, comprising of chemical companies Albemarle, Chemtura and ICL-IP, has a stated aim to tackle mistrust of science and move toward a balanced approach in applying sound scientific evidence in the EU decision-making process. Spokesman Willem Hofland said:
Sound science, particularly when obtained through the EU's official risk assessments, should be paramount in any forthcoming EU legislation. Hence, whils we look to congratulate all new and returning MEPs on their election, we also call on them to ensure science receives the attention it deserves.
Having seen the articles posted on SciencePunk recently, they contacted me for a quote. I told them:
Decisions made in Europe affect the air we breathe, the food we eat and the medicines we take. It is essential these decisions are based on the best possible evidence, and science offers the means to do this. Science is at the heart of our modern world, and deserves to be at the heart of political discussion too.
You can read their letter
.
Perfectly reasonable on the face of it, but the phrase "sound science" sets off this klaxon in my head when it's used by an industry lobby group...