Maybe it's because I periodically lecture on science and policy, but it is deeply shocking that ministers didn't grasp the potentially contentious nature of 'science' (I'd bet physicists would tell you they disagree quite a lot too!). Interesting reporting by @JGForsyth.

Bit out of date as I haven't given this class for a while (guess I'll have some new material soon), but here are the lecture slides. (Recognise much of this @MartinLodge?)

The false panacea of science obviously is relevant...