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Blair Warns Against Anti-science Attitude

(Summary)

To read Tony Blair's speech, click here.

The Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Times of London and the Independent have all recently reported that Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned GM food protestors, including the Prince of Wales, against an anti-science agenda. During a speech made at the European Bioscience Conference in London, Blair attacked "anti-science attitudes" and warned that the Government would not allow blackmail and physical assault to stand in the way of research. He also warned the public of the dangers of slipping into "anti-science" attitudes which could deprive Britain of the benefits of cutting-edge research and technology.

Biotechnology not only offered the chance to combat disease but could bring huge economic benefits to Britain, he said. By 2005, the European biotechnology market could be worth $100bn and employ 3 million people.

Appearing to refer to anti-GM protesters and anti-vivisectionists, the Prime Minister said it was wrong to "make heroes of people who are preventing basic scientific research taking place; it is to substitute aggression for argument". He added that the Government would not tolerate "blackmail, even physical assault", by opponents of research. Sir Vivian Moses, chairman of the pro-GM panel CropGen, "strongly welcomed" Mr Blair's warning to anti-GM protesters, but added: "If he is really serious about what he says, we have to see proper protection of GM trials against vandalism. The evidence in favour of GM foods is stacking up and it is time to begin to draw some conclusions. Being neither pro nor anti is not really good enough."

To read Tony Blair's speech, click here.

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