AbstractThe many overlapping reasons why British science is in a crisis, and perhaps in decline, include the poor understanding of S&T by the public through to members of Parliament, and misallocation of R&D funds (especially for military R&D with little civilian spin-off), the increasing costs of science running into financial stringency, the low morale and poor career structure for many scientists, and the extent to which past dreams remain unfulfilled.As Britain’s survival, in cultural and economic terms, depends upon a flourishing scientific base for an internationally competitive industry, remedial action is on the Labour party’s agenda. Strong possibilities include the appointment of a minister to represent S&T at cabinet level, and to have full supporting staff , and perhaps to be chairman of a new Council for Science and Technology, whose membership would be widely drawn. A commission like the US Office of Technology Assessment is also possible.Incentives for increased R&D efforts from industry would include careful use of the public sector purchasing power, changes in tax, provision of some state funds, civilian use of some military facilities, and a greater input to industrial R&D decisions from a more science-trained workforce.