Science Secretary Michelle Donelan faces intense scrutiny after accusations of extremism against two academics lead to a £15,000 government libel settlement, sparking a debate on academic freedom and ministerial accountability.
In a significant controversy that has engulfed the UK government, Science Secretary Michelle Donelan has been accused of making false allegations of extremism against two academic advisers, Prof. Kate Sang and Kamna Patel. The allegations, which were later debunked, led to a libel settlement of £15,000 paid by the government. Alexandra Jones, a senior civil servant at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and a director general at the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, was implicated in drafting the contentious letter that contained the false accusations, sparking concerns over a potential conflict of interest and undermining public trust in governmental integrity and accountability.
In response to the scandal, Ottoline Leyser, head of UKRI, emphasized the criticality of constructive debate, particularly in science and policy decision-making. Leyser called for a nurturing environment for “creative disagreement,” acknowledging the role such discourse plays in addressing global challenges like climate change. She also highlighted the detrimental effects of social media in polarising public opinion and obstructing productive dialogue.
Adding to the controversy, The Guardian has issued a call for Donelan’s resignation, citing her actions as an abuse of ministerial power and an undue restriction on academic freedom. The incident, compounded by Donelan’s alleged consultation with a right-wing think tank prior to making the accusations, has been criticized as a “McCarthyite” tactic, damaging to both the individuals wrongfully accused and the broader academic community.
The incident raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the relationship between government officials and the academic sector in the UK.
