Al Gore's film to stay in British classrooms despite scientific flaws; Nobel Peace Prize looms (1st Update)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Oct 11, 2007, 15:42 GMT

Former American Vice President Al Gore presents \'An Inconvenient Truth\' before its screening at its Japan Premiere, in Tokyo, Monday 15 Monday 2007. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

(M&C) - Al Gore's award-winning climate change documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" will be allowed to be shown in British classrooms despite a judge ruling it contained nine scientific errors. Meanwhile Al Gore will learn this Friday if he is the recipient of this year's prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Judge Michael Burton ruled yesterday that the documentary could be shown to schoolchildren however its shortcomings must be explained in guidance notes by teachers to prevent "promoting partisan political views".

The judge said certain errors had been made by the film makers "in the context of alarmism and exaggeration" to promote Mr Gore's view of global warming.

The court was hearing a case brought before it by Kent school governor Stewart Dimmock who said the documentary should be banned because of its scientific inaccuracies. Mr Dimmock referred to Mr Gore's film as containing "serious scientific inaccuracies, political propaganda and sentimental mush".

However children's minister Kevin Brennan said the film could still be shown and added the documentary's central views were backed by the "vast weight of scientific opinion".

The Academy Award winning film is being distribued to high schools in England and Wales.

Meanwhile Mr Gore will learn Friday if he is the successful nominee for this year's prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. The five-member Nobel committe has not confirmed if Mr Gore is one of the nominees however it is widely believed this to be the case.

Washington analysts have speculated he may make a run for the Democratic presidential nominee should he pick up the prize.