by Carl Andrew
“I’ll start off by talking through where we’re at with the Department of Social Behaviour. I’m sure many of you are curious to know what we’ve been working on for the last few weeks. We then have a special guest, Dr Jennifer Hopwood,” Russell gesticulated in Jennifer’s direction as he spoke.
“Jennifer will talk to you about the announcement we’re making today, research being funded by the Department. We’ll finish with about twenty minutes for questions.”
He paused to allow the information he’d just provided to sink in.
“As you’ll be aware, this country has been in the grip of anti-social behaviour and when we announced the Department of Social Behaviour a few weeks ago, we highlighted the role it will play in tackling this issue.”
“We’ve spent the last couple of weeks discussing options for how to combat the violence on our streets and identified a number of possible solutions including one we’re very excited to announce today.”
Russell was flicking his way through carefully designed presentation slides as he talked.
“The Department is determined to use all options available to it to identify ways to bring peace and calm back to UK towns and cities. When this Government came in to power, we promised to deliver and we thoroughly intend to keep that promise,” he spoke with earnest.
“Where the former Government stagnated, avoided and assumed, we will innovate, tackle and uncover. The Department of Social Behaviour is an example of this mantra.”
“We’ve already seen that normal political process and strategies are not going to be enough to stop the challenges this country is facing.”
“We’ve tried using the rule of law and we’ll admit, we knew this would only be a short term solution. But we’re confident enough as a Government to know when to accept that something is not working and we’re humble enough to make changes to our own policies when required.”
Russell addressed the camera now: “You voted for us to make a change, to make this country better. For that, we are in your debt and we believe the Department of Social Behaviour will deliver the change you want to see.”
“We’ve engaged the scientific community and have been working with the best that this country has to offer in the field of human behaviour. Dr Jennifer Hopwood is a leading expert on human and animal behaviour, revered around the world and by her peers.”
“Today we’re announcing a funding package to set up a new Institute to research into human behaviour to give science an opportunity to identify a solution to the issues we face as a country, together.”
The old school journalists feverishly wrote notes with pens and paper, the younger ones typed on tablet devices or captured the words on digital voice recorders.
“Today we’re announcing the launch of ‘The Institute of Behavioural Science’ to be headed up by Dr Jennifer Hopwood. The Institute will operate independently of the Government and will provide advice and input to the Department of Social Behaviour on matters of policy.”
“Dr Hopwood will now talk to you about how the Institute will work and how it came about.”
Jennifer took the cue to walk up to the podium. She warmly shook hands with Russell as she passed trying as best as she could to make it look like a natural and organic expression of gratitude.
“Thank you Minister,” Jennifer said with the appropriate salutation.
“If you would have asked me a few months ago would I ever work with the UK Government, you would have received a very different response to the one I’m giving you today.”
Some chuckles emanated from the audience. Jennifer had always had an open, honest and engaging presentation style which normally drew the watching audience in and made it very difficult to dislike her.
“But there comes a time when you realise your work is needed for the greater good. We scientists have a habit of being somewhat insular. We often celebrate our achievements to an audience of no one and we’re comfortable with that.”
“When my laboratory was attacked again a few months ago, I finally decided enough was enough. There will always be people out there who distrust science and that’s fine. Society works because we have different opinions, because we have our own unique belief systems.”
“What the attack on the lab did was awaken me to the needs of society. I finally felt like my blinkers had been removed and I could see again. I could see that people are scared. People like you and I.”
“I was determined at that point to use my research to help. To demonstrate my research to the people of the UK and show the good it can do. I arranged a meeting with the Minister and other senior figures in Prime Minister Lawson’s Government. I wanted to start research into behavioural issues impacting society.”
They had already discussed how important it was for it to look as though Jennifer had instigated the initial meetings between her and the Government. It was an essential way to make the establishment of the Institute look independent of political intervention.
“The first meeting led to more meetings until finally, after the Department of Social Behaviour was set up, my concept was seen as an ideal partnership for the Department.”
“I’m delighted to be able to stand here today and announce the launch of the Institute of Behavioural Science. I chose the name so I would never lose sight of what we’re trying to achieve, positive behaviour.”
“I fully expect people to scoff at our objectives. The level of acceptance of scientific research into behaviour is low. To many, it’s an intangible science with no obvious end product. They struggle to see the change in someone’s personality. It’s similar to positive psychology in that respect.”
“I hope that the launch of this Institute will bring this scientific discipline into the mainstream and enable it to gain greater acceptance among the public. Our aim will be to identify a way to change the behaviour of people from negative to positive.”
“The Institute will provide advice, guidance and some research to the Government but will also be carrying on projects that I’ve worked on before into both human and animal behaviour.”
“I look forward to presenting some initial research findings in the coming months. Thank you for your time today.”
Jennifer had presented with a confidence that impressed even Vanessa and Russell, two people who knew her abilities well.
Russell stepped back up to the podium next to Jennifer.
“Thank you Dr Hopwood. Ok, any questions.”
The audience was silent for a moment, some trying to take in what they’d just heard and others trying to finish an article and publish it before the competition.
There was an audible groan and Vanessa knew instantly that the assembled masses had realised ‘The Day Today’ had already posted a blog about today’s press conference.
Many of the journalists were looking around to see if they could spot Leon, completely baffled when they realised he wasn’t there.
Suddenly, a hand shot up. Russell’s acknowledgement provided permission for the question to be asked:
“Simon Day, The Times. Dr Hopwood, you claim independence but isn’t this more a case of the Government owning your research?”
Quick as a dart, Jennifer stepped towards the microphone. “Simon thanks for your question. From today, there will be a positive relationship with the Government and I hope that continues for a long time. I’m personally encouraged that the Government has decided to embrace science and I look forward to working with them.”
“But the distinction here is that I will make the overall decision on what field of study and what research the Institute will focus on.”
“Next question, over there, gentleman second row far right hand side,” Russell pointed as he identified the questioner.
“Thank you Minister. Peter Briggs, The Guardian. Dr Hopwood, how are you planning to find a solution to the issue of anti-social behaviour? Surely any research and subsequent solution will take years to filter through the population?”
“T
hank you Peter, of course it’s not going to be an easy thing to achieve. We know that humans are complex and you can’t just flick a switch to change someone’s behaviour. However, we’ll be looking for both longer term and shorter term solutions. Just because it could take years doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try now.”
“And what methods are you going to adopt in your research?” said the journalist, quickly following up on his original question.
“I’m not going to reveal the extent of our methodology today. We have a lot of planning and strategic thought to go through before entering the research phase,” responded Jennifer.
“Rafaz Ahmed, The Independent. Will you be testing on humans?” The journalist jumped in to ask the question before receiving acknowledgement from Russell which annoyed the Minister.
“Like any clinical medical trial, volunteers will be sought at some stage but initially we have to go through our historical notes and identify a strand of research to pursue,” Jennifer commented now feeling as though she was fully in control of the podium she occupied. She felt relaxed and calm.
The journalist raised their hands again aware of the Minister’s frustration at the previous questioner’s ambition.
“Back row, the second from the left.”
“Claire Harryson, Sky News. Will the funding be non-returnable or will the Institute be required to make a profit and repay the funding at some stage?”
“This is an investment in science by the Department of Social Behaviour. Like all Ministerial portfolios, I have a budget available to me and I’ve decided to fund this branch of the sciences to help find a solution to the challenge we face,” said Russell, pleased he could actually have a go at answering one question.
“Ok, we have time for one more question,” he scoured the audience and focused on one individual with his hand in the air. “Leigh Belaglio, BBC, what’s your question please.”
“Thank you Minister. How transparent will the Institute have to be and who will regulate its work to ensure it doesn’t cross any boundaries?”
“The Institute will be open about findings it uncovers through its research that are relevant to the challenge we face of anti-social behaviour.”
“In terms of regulation, a special committee set up by the Department of Social Behaviour will work with members of the Academy of Medical Sciences to oversee governance of the Institute,” Russell stepped in again and was pleased to have provided the concluding response to the press conference.
“Ok, thank you everyone for joining us today. We look forward to presenting findings from the Institute of Behavioural Science in due course. Should you have any follow up questions, please contact the Departmental press officer,” Russell concluded the press conference in a professional and ordered style, true to form.
The room cleared in a fraction of the time it took to fill. Mobile phones were strapped to ears and an incessant chatter followed the descending audience down the corridor to the exit point.
Vanessa walked onto the podium making her way towards Russell and Jennifer.
“That was great, really excellent work. Thank you for managing this so well,” she said.
“Thanks for the preparation work Vanessa. I think we all deserve a nice glass of wine and a delightful early dinner,” responded Russell.
“What happens next Vanessa? Where to from here?” enquired Jennifer.
“Well, my team will send through a report of the coverage from the press conference. Articles have already starting pouring in, with the journalists trying to beat each other to the punch. It’s the usual scattering of optimism, pessimism and neutrality,” Vanessa stated with a knowing tone.
“However, far less doubters than I had envisaged which is down to the way you both handled the presentation and questions. The important part now is to follow up with something from the Institute to show them how relevant it is as an initiative.”
Jennifer nodded in agreement and followed Vanessa out of the auditorium with Russell not far behind.
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Bolton, Lancashire
Leon had been watching the press conference having already written a piece for the blog. He wanted to see if there were any changes he wanted to make based on the Q&A.
Satisfied that there wasn’t anything particularly earth shattering he had missed, he focused on his second, follow up post for the day.
Mixed response for Institute echoes a mixed response PM
Today’s launch of the Institute of Behavioural Science received a mixed response from the media with some claiming it’s an organisation that has no substance.
Others see the Institute as a convenient announcement at a time of confusion for the Prime Minister who is still flummoxed by the anti-social behaviour conundrum.
My view is that it needs time to truly realise its full potential. The naysayers have hung, drawn and quartered the concept of the Institute without allowing it to show what it can do.
With all of the violence on the streets and no sustained solution apparent, now is not the time to doubt, but to embrace and explore.
In Dr Hopwood, there are questions over her methods and motives but, contrary to viewpoints I’ve been provided recently, I still feel she is the most equipped to run such an Institute.
The Department of Social Behaviour and its leader, Minister Russell Brooks, on the other hand leave a little to be desired. I don’t have the confidence at this stage that it will be able to achieve its objectives.
There’s no questioning it as an innovative move by a Government desperately scratching around for answers but is Minister Brooks the right person to lead it?
We’ll know in a matter of months I’m sure.
In Prime Minister Lawson, we have a premier who is tiptoeing his way through minefield after minefield. Is an explosion imminent? Very possibly.
After almost two months I’ve upgraded Prime Minister Lawson’s Government to a D+. Some progress made but still far to go to claim a successful spell in charge.
As always, if you have any thoughts on any of the topics discussed in this post, please email [email protected] or add them to the comments section at the bottom.
Also, a follow up to yesterday’s story about the missing activist, Sarah Jenkins, the media team from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary have told The Day today they received lots of information and offers of help and are continuing to follow up leads.
Thank you for your help and please continue to send information to either the police or directly to us using the email above.
Leon read through his post and was satisfied with the content. He published it and felt comfortable he’d provided a fair and balanced piece.
Writing was a respite from his concern for Sarah. As much as he tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He didn’t agree with her about her feelings towards Dr Hopwood but there was an instant connection between them and that just wouldn’t go away.
The police had been very forthcoming with updates but still no closer to finding her.
It played on his mind that she was out there somewhere and there was very little he could do to change that. He kept replaying the scene in his mind. Had there been any clues about it he had overlooked?
He couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow this was linked to the SO1 car that drove away from his apartment the night the brick came through his window.
How could they be connected? Is this anything to do with the Government? A sharp shooting of pain came through his rib area and brought him back to the reality of his recovery.
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Somewhere in London
Sarah tried to clear her mind as she sat on the floor of the place she was in. She could only assume it was some sort of abandoned apartment.
She had been blindfolded shortly after being thrown into the car and had no clue where she was. She knew it was Britain as she heard no ferry, train or airplane to
suggest she’d travelled overseas.
She had lost count of the number of right and left turns the car made and was completely disorientated as a result. They had been travelling for what seemed like three hours but could have been less.
Towards the end of the journey, she had heard an increased volume of traffic noise to suggest they were in a built up area, maybe a city.
When she left the car she was dragged up several flights of stairs, maybe five or six. It was only when she got into the room she found herself in now that she was allowed her blindfold off.
The room was sparsely furnished with wooden boards covering up the windows letting in only a brief smattering of light.
It was only through those cracks in the boards that she was able to deduce that she had been contained in the room overnight.
Her captors continually checked up on her. Each time they wore their balaclavas to avoid detection. They provided her with basic sustenance of noodles and water and didn’t talk to her at all.
She asked questions; pleaded to be let go and demanded a response but nothing she tried generated one.
It was only when evening came around again that she managed a breakthrough in communications, although it was definitely not on her terms.
One of the captors came in and sat down opposite Sarah. He wore the customary balaclava and his mannerisms demanded attention.
“Are you Sarah Jenkins?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
“Where were you born?”
“I was born in Huntingdon. I have been there all of my life,” came her response.
“Well, how do you explain that there is no record of your existence before two years ago?”
“Err… there must be some mistake. I am Sarah Jenkins. I was born and have lived in Huntingdon all of my life,” Sarah said, pleading now through fear the conversation had taken a negative turn.
“We don’t make mistakes. Our network does not make mistakes. Who are you and where are you from?” he demanded.
