Skeptical Voter Wiki - Recent changes [en]

Adam Afriyie

Skep — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:51:16 GMT

Move links to bottom of page

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 5 September 2010
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	== Abortion ==		== Abortion ==
	In May 2008 in the abortion amendments to the [[Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill]] (now Act), {{PAGENAME}} [[MPs who voted to keep abortion limit at 24 weeks\|voted against reducing the abortion time limit to 12 weeks]] from 24 weeks, which is in line with the scientific and medical consensus.<ref> http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmsctech/1045/104502.htm</ref>. Afriyie did not vote on the later 16, 20 and 22 weeks proposals. After four separate parliamentary votes on varying time limits, the majority of MPs voted to keep the abortion time limit at 24 weeks, in keeping with scientific and medical consensus, hence no abortion amendments were added to the bill.		In May 2008 in the abortion amendments to the [[Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill]] (now Act), {{PAGENAME}} [[MPs who voted to keep abortion limit at 24 weeks\|voted against reducing the abortion time limit to 12 weeks]] from 24 weeks, which is in line with the scientific and medical consensus.<ref> http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmsctech/1045/104502.htm</ref>. Afriyie did not vote on the later 16, 20 and 22 weeks proposals. After four separate parliamentary votes on varying time limits, the majority of MPs voted to keep the abortion time limit at 24 weeks, in keeping with scientific and medical consensus, hence no abortion amendments were added to the bill.
		+
		+	==References==
		+	<references/>

	==External Links==		==External Links==
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	* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1929		* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1929
	* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Afriyie		* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Afriyie
-
-	~~==References==~~
-	~~<references/>~~


-	~~We don't currently have much information on~~ this politician's positions on sceptical issues~~. Why not help us fill this in~~?	+	Why not help us expand this page with more details of this politician's positions on sceptical issues?

	* [mailto:afriyiea@parliament.uk E-Mail them] to ask for their opinions (and tell us about it by editing this page!)		* [mailto:afriyiea@parliament.uk E-Mail them] to ask for their opinions (and tell us about it by editing this page!)

Stewart Jackson

Skep — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:49:08 GMT

Sex education abd STIs

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 3 September 2010
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	==Blasphemy Law==		==Blasphemy Law==
	On 6th May 2008, {{PAGENAME}} voted against a Lords amendment to abolish the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel<ref>http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2008-05-06&number=170&display=allvotes</ref>. The amendment was nonetheless passed by a vote of 378 to 57.		On 6th May 2008, {{PAGENAME}} voted against a Lords amendment to abolish the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel<ref>http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2008-05-06&number=170&display=allvotes</ref>. The amendment was nonetheless passed by a vote of 378 to 57.
		+
		+	==Sex Education and STIs==
		+	In August 2010, responding to media reports of increasing reports of STIs, Jackson tweeted:
		+
		+	:"V disappointing news on STD rates in Pboro. No doubt our liberal friends will tell us we need MORE sex education - as it's worked so well!"<ref>http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP/status/22175640176</ref>
		+
		+	A blog post by Marc Easton the previous day has noted that the number of people being tested across the country had increased, something which needed to be taken into account before concluding that infection rates had increased.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markeaston/2010/08/why_rising_sex_infection_figur.html</ref>
		+
		+	Attempts on Twitter to engage with Mr Jackson, led to only one short exchange on the subject:
		+
		+	:'''PhilDobbs:''' "@SJacksonMP What do you propose instead of sex ed then...?"<ref>http://twitter.com/PhilDobbs/status/22175724703</ref>
		+
		+	:'''SJacksonMP:''' "@PhilDobbs We have blown £300m on sex education. We need to look at international examples which have suceeded"<ref>http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP/status/22176573762</ref>
		+
		+	:'''Joffff:''' "@SJacksonMP @PhilDobbs is it more of a cultural thing than education? Is there a stigma of using contraception?"<ref>http://twitter.com/Joffff/status/22176851535</ref>
		+
		+	:'''SJacksonMP:''' "@Joffff Yes exactly - a laissez faire non judgemental permissive culture of failure - socially and economically"<ref>http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP/status/22178077288</ref>
		+
		+	Academic and sex educator Dr Petra Boynton posted the following:
		+
		+	:".@sjacksonmp I was concerned to see your judgemental response to STI rates.I'd hope MPs would want to ensure their constituents health"<ref>http://twitter.com/DrPetra/status/22201004883</ref>
		+
		+	:".@sjacksonmp in case you want to learn more about our STI problem and how to address it http://bit.ly/9h2vTH and http://tinyurl.com/396y964"<ref>http://twitter.com/DrPetra/status/22201180650</ref>
		+
		+	After this Jackson tweeted:
		+
		+	:"Touched a raw nerve with shrill intolerant pro sex education Lefties who don't like debating the issues. Wonder why not?"<ref>http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP/status/22201985385</ref>

	== References ==		== References ==
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	* http://www.stewartjackson.org.uk/		* http://www.stewartjackson.org.uk/
	* http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP		* http://twitter.com/SJacksonMP
		+	* http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/stewart-jackson/31714
	* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11759		* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11759
	* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1759		* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1759

Adam Afriyie

Skep — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:56:47 GMT

No longer party spokesman for science

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:56, 3 September 2010
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-	'''Adam Afriyie''' is the [[Conservative]] MP for [[Windsor]]. He was elected at the 2005 general election ~~and is the Conservative spokesman for Science and Innovation~~.	+	'''Adam Afriyie''' is the [[Conservative]] MP for [[Windsor]]. He was elected at the 2005 general election.

	Afriyie was born in Wimbledon, London, the son of an English mother and a father from Ghana. He is the first black Conservative MP. He was educated at Addey and Stanhope School and has a degree in agricultural economics from Imperial College (Wye) of the University of London. He made his maiden speech on 20 May 2005.		Afriyie was born in Wimbledon, London, the son of an English mother and a father from Ghana. He is the first black Conservative MP. He was educated at Addey and Stanhope School and has a degree in agricultural economics from Imperial College (Wye) of the University of London. He made his maiden speech on 20 May 2005.
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	==Science and Technology activities==		==Science and Technology activities==
-	Afriyie was a member of the Science and Technology select committee from 2005 until its abolition in July 2007. He ~~is now~~ the Conservative spokesman for Science and Innovation and ~~has indicated that he will offered the role of Science Minister should the~~ Conservative ~~Party win~~ the ~~oncoming~~ election.<ref>http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091002/full/news.2009.973.html</ref>	+	Afriyie was a member of the Science and Technology select committee from 2005 until its abolition in July 2007. He was subsequently made the Conservative spokesman for Science and Innovation and presented Conservative science policy in the run-up to the 2010 general election<ref>http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091002/full/news.2009.973.html</ref>. However, he was not made Science Minister in the coalition government, the role going instead to [[David Willetts]].
		+
		+	Afriyie, who does not himself have a science degree, told the press:

-	~~Afriyie, who does not himself have a science degree, told the press:~~
	:“The evidence-based scientific approach extends well beyond subjects like embryology or GM crops. It is also critical to social policy and criminal sentencing, and it cuts across all areas of government.”<ref name="Times">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article5168006.ece</ref>		:“The evidence-based scientific approach extends well beyond subjects like embryology or GM crops. It is also critical to social policy and criminal sentencing, and it cuts across all areas of government.”<ref name="Times">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article5168006.ece</ref>

-	The media also reported that Afriyie had made plans for classes explaining scientific method and basic concepts which ~~will~~ be included in the induction programme for all Tory MPs after the next election. Sitting members and peers ~~will~~ also be offered the opportunity to attend.<ref name="Times"/>	+	The media also reported that Afriyie had made plans for classes explaining scientific method and basic concepts which would be included in the induction programme for all Tory MPs after the next election. Sitting members and peers would also be offered the opportunity to attend.<ref name="Times"/> Following the general election, with Afriyie no longer leading Conservative science policy, the plan was carried out in a reduced form, with a single session and voluntary attendance.

	===Future of Science Investment===		===Future of Science Investment===
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	* http://www.adamafriyie.org/		* http://www.adamafriyie.org/
	* http://twitter.com/AdamAfriyie		* http://twitter.com/AdamAfriyie
		+	* http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/adam-afriyie/35516
	* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11929		* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11929
	* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1929		* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1929
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	We don't currently have much information on this politician's positions on sceptical issues. Why not help us fill this in?		We don't currently have much information on this politician's positions on sceptical issues. Why not help us fill this in?

-	* [mailto:afriyiea@parliament.uk E-Mail them to ask for their opinions (and tell us about it by editing this page!)	+	* [mailto:afriyiea@parliament.uk E-Mail them] to ask for their opinions (and tell us about it by editing this page!)
-	* Check their voting record and other details on [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11929 and edit this page to add them!	+	* Check their voting record and other details on [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11929 TheyWorkForYou.com] and edit this page to add them!
		+	* Check for information at the External Links listed above.
	* Search the media for mentions of them and their positions on issues.		* Search the media for mentions of them and their positions on issues.
	* Use your own brilliant ideas to find out about what this MP thinks - but make sure you can back them up with a citation!		* Use your own brilliant ideas to find out about what this MP thinks - but make sure you can back them up with a citation!
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	{{DEFAULTSORT:Afriyie, Adam}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Afriyie, Adam}}
	[[Category:Conservative MPs]]		[[Category:Conservative MPs]]
-	[[Category:~~Current~~ Science Ministers and Party spokespersons for Science]]	+	[[Category:Former Science Ministers and Party spokespersons for Science]]

Edward Balls

Skep — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:59:04 GMT

"Hard" science and mathematics GCSE questions

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:59, 1 September 2010
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-	'''Edward Balls''' is the [[Labour]] MP for [[~~Normanton~~]]. ~~In the~~ 2010 ~~election, Balls will stand~~ for ~~election to~~ the [[~~Morley and Outwood~~]] ~~‎constituency due to~~ boundary changes.	+	'''Edward Balls''' is the [[Labour]] MP for [[Morley and Outwood]]. From 2005 until 2010 he was MP for the [[Normanton]] constituency, which was abolished with the 2010 boundary changes.

	==Abortion==		==Abortion==
	In May 2008 in the abortion amendments to the [[Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill]] (now Act), {{PAGENAME}} [[MPs who voted to keep abortion limit at 24 weeks\|voted to keep]] the current time limit of 24 weeks in line with the scientific and medical consensus<ref> http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmsctech/1045/104502.htm</ref>.		In May 2008 in the abortion amendments to the [[Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill]] (now Act), {{PAGENAME}} [[MPs who voted to keep abortion limit at 24 weeks\|voted to keep]] the current time limit of 24 weeks in line with the scientific and medical consensus<ref> http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmsctech/1045/104502.htm</ref>.
		+
		+	==Science Education==
		+	Speaking as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, in a Commons debate on 19th November 2009, Balls defended GCSE standards from opposition criticism by challenging [[Michael Gove]] to answer three "hard" questions from recent science and mathematics GCSEs. However, by admitting that he could not answer the questions himself, Balls illustrated his own poor numeracy and lack of knowledge about basic science. The questions were:
		+
		+	* Name the type of enzyme that digests stains containing fats.
		+
		+	* Explain how a fluorine atom can change into a fluoride ion.<br />[Balls apparently mangles the pronunciation of "fluorine" the first time, and later talks incorrectly of "fluoride atoms"]
		+
		+	* Work out three and three quarters minus one and two fifths.
		+
		+	Balls stated that "these are really hard, I don't know the answers", and described them as "hard questions in tough exams".<ref>http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091119/debtext/91119-0004.htm#09111936001009</ref><ref>http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2009-11-19b.144.2#g146.1</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNR0AuGnoUg</ref>
		+
		+	During the debate, [[Peter Bottomley]] and then [[Michael Gove]] answered the second question<ref>http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2009-11-19b.144.2#g154.0</ref><ref>http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2009-11-19b.144.2#g156.0</ref> (though Gove repeated Balls' "fluoride atoms" error). The answer to the final question had already been provided to Balls by the Minister for Schools and Learners ([[Vernon Coaker]]), and confirmed by the Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs ([[Kevin Brennan]]).

	== References ==		== References ==
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	* http://www.edballs.co.uk/		* http://www.edballs.co.uk/
	* http://twitter.com/edballsMP		* http://twitter.com/edballsMP
		+	* http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/ed-balls/19497
	* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11740		* http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/?pid=11740
	* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1740		* http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1740