Ministers back down on rule ‘gagging’ scientists
by Ian Sample Science editor from on (#1B2XK)
Ban threatened to stop academics influencing government policy on subjects including energy and climate change
Ministers have exempted thousands of scientists from a controversial "gagging clause" that would have prevented the academics from trying to influence government on public policy matters.
The move follows intense pressure from the scientific community to amend proposals drawn up by the Cabinet Office to stop organisations, mostly charities, from using taxpayer-funded grants to lobby the government or parliament.