The Westminster Tradition 'Mad Cow Disease' part 1 - a crisis without a crime
Feb 2, 2026
A deep dive into the BSE crisis as a case study of governing under scientific uncertainty. They explore why the scandal felt so political despite science-led decisions. Discussion covers regulatory tradeoffs, industry actions shaping policy, and how risk appetite and accountability collide when portfolios and public trust clash.
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When Competence Still Feels Like Failure
- BSE became a lasting symbol of government failure despite later inquiries finding science-led decisions.
- Reassurance outpacing certainty can erode public trust even when public service acted competently.
Why Prions Terrify Public Health
- Prions cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and resist normal sterilisation, creating long, invisible incubation risks.
- That invisibility and resistance make TSEs uniquely hard to predict and control.
Expect Committees To Box In Policy
- Creating an expert advisory committee constrains later political flexibility and makes recommendations hard to contest.
- Anticipate that formal scientific advice will limit future policy manoeuvre and communicate uncertainties clearly.
