Times Online Blair condemns protesters who thwart science
by Philip Webster, Political Editor, and Mark Henderson, Science Correspondent



TONY BLAIR has promised to break down the “anti- science fashion” in Britain, declaring that the Government will never give way to misguided protesters who stand in the way of medical and economic advance.
The Prime Minister said in an interview with The Times that there should be a more mature attitude to science in Britain. “It is time to speak up for science,” he said in advance of a substantial speech on the subject on Thursday.
Mr Blair gave warning that research work would be lost to Britain and Europe and go elsewhere in the world if animal welfare activists and other protesters were allowed to get away with stopping projects that could save lives. He called for an end to the air of suspicion and mistrust that sometimes surrounded the work of scientists and the misplaced fears and ignorance it often generated. Mr Blair said there were huge opportunities in science, for medical progress and for dealing with some of the great environmental and economic challenges.