Blair vows to protect science from 'misguided protests'
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for an end to the disruption of legitimate scientific research by 'misguided protests' from animal rights and environmental campaigners. In an interview with The Times newspaper, Mr Blair said he aims to stop protesters from getting in the way of scientific breakthroughs. 'It is time to speak up for science,' he said. He is reported to be 'furious' at environmental campaigners who have halted trials of genetically-modified (GM) crops and disrupted research in Cambridge to help Alzheimer's victims. He said: 'It is completely unacceptable for people to try to disrupt and destroy legitimate research on which these issues will ultimately be judged. 'It is time to defend science, to make clear that the government is not going to allow misguided protests against science to get in the way of confronting the challenges and making the most of our opportunities.' In a speech on 23 May, the UK Prime Minister will vow to continue investment in research and development and promise to work to end public suspicion of scientific work. He will also say that research work across the EU could be jeopardised if the activities of animal rights activists go unchallenged.
Kraje
United Kingdom