Science is Knowledge and Knowledge is Power - A Discussion with Tony Benn

Synopsis

In an interview with Sir Harry Kroto, former UK Minister for Science Tony Benn discusses the interaction between scientists and politicians. Benn, having spent a life-time as a leading politician closely associated with science and technology affairs, talks about how he went about taking advice from scientists on various major issues such as nuclear power and weapons, as well as the energy gap.

He tells how he was lied to and badly advised about the safety and cost of nuclear power and why is he is now opposed to both nuclear weapons and civil nuclear power. How ‘Open Government’ is his answer to obtaining advice and freedom of information on scientific matters.

He explains how he made his decisions on the funding of science and the real power of saying ‘No’ to force arguments on why some areas should be funded. Benn gives an insight into the influence that Civil Servants have on aims and decisions and the role of the Science Advisor to Government including the dismissal of Walter Marshall during his role as Minister.

The difficulties of taking responsibility for decisions (ie. Bush on petrol) are also discussed in the light of the fact that government is ever-changing. Many other issues such as the under-estimation of the intelligence of the general public, proportional representation, communism, capitalism and democracy are themes touched upon. Benn stresses that his ‘main interest in life is to work for democratic structures and a part in controlling our own future’.

On the subject of ‘not enough young people going into science’ Benn says the problem should be open to public debate, that Market Forces dictate financial rewards and the sensible answer is government intervention and planning for more scientists.

On ‘Scientists’ responsibility for their Science’ Benn supports the work of Rotblat, Bernal and others.

Last but not least, on religion Benn talks about his personal beliefs and up-bringing. He discusses the influence on him of such quotations as ‘dare to stand alone, dare to have a purpose......' and how such quotations from the bible as ‘live in peace - love thy neighbour - my brother’s keeper’ and other teachings interest him as social science but have been open to manipulation.

Series

Issues, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2005

Year of production

2005

Subjects

Politics & government; Science

Keywords

Benn, Tony; political issues; science policy

Online availability

URI

http://www.vega.org.uk/video/programme/26

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed

Credits

Contributor

Harold Kroto; Tony Benn

Distribution Formats

Type

VHS

Format

PAL

Price

£25.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

32 minutes

Year

2005

Production Company

Name

Vega Science Trust

Distributor

Name

Vega Science Trust

Email

vega@vega.org.uk

Web

http://www.vega.org.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

01273 678 726

Address

Sussex Innovation Centre
Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB

Notes

Well-established maker and distributor of more than 200 programmes on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, many of which have been broadcast. Vega’s videos aim to give a fundamental understanding of principles of nature and the physical world. Outstanding scientists/communicators are directly involved with each video so that they can guide content of the programmes. Science is presented in a natural way as an intellectually challenging discipline and the videos fill the gap in TV coverage by presenting well-informed analyses on serious science-related ethical, economic, social, health and other issues. Separate series consist of interviews with eminent scientists, science video lectures, issues of current scientific concern, the Royal Institution Discourses, scientific masterclasses, and recent research projects. Programmes available for free viewing via the website and some also for sale on DVD.