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http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2002/05/20/eline/links/20020520elin026.html

Britain's Blair slams 'anti-science' attitudes

Last Updated: 2002-05-20 10:00:20 -0400 (Reuters Health)

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair lashed out on Monday at animal welfare activists and other protesters who disrupted the work of scientific firms, hinting that business would be lost if they were allowed to continue.

In an interview with the Times newspaper, Blair vowed to defend science from those opposed to research work in areas such as genetically modified crops, animal testing and using embryonic stem cells.

Huntingdon Life Sciences Group, the oldest animal testing center in Britain, came close to collapse last year when violent protests caused financial backers to withdraw their support.

"It is completely unacceptable for people to try to disrupt and destroy the legitimate research on which these (ethical) issues will ultimately be judged," Blair said.

"There are huge challenges and opportunities we have to face up to," he told the Times.

"It is time to defend science, to make clear that the government is not going to allow misguided protests against science get in the way of confronting the challenges of making the most of our opportunities."

The newspaper said Blair would make a speech on the subject on Thursday, in which he would also seek to encourage more young people to take up mathematics, physics and engineering at school and university.

Foreign companies have warned that animal welfare activists could deter them from investing in Britain. Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG, for example, said earlier this month that it was wary of increasing investment in Britain because of protests.

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