The essential attributes for those advising the government on bodies such as the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs are expertise and independence of any political party. Such bodies are only useful if they review the science around the issue with an understanding greater than lay people (including politicians).It was therefore, to me, profoundly shocking to hear Home Secretary Alan Johnson criticise the sacked chair of the advisory council Professor David Nutt for speaking out against government policy.
Continue reading "Independence" and "expertise" key for government advisors.
by Natalie Valios
