Britain-Blair-Science
AP US & World
Freitag, 17. November 2000 18:49:00
Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.@bThe information contained in this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of the Associated Press.
LONDON (AP) -- Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Friday that
Britain is in danger of "becoming anti-science," an attitude he
said could rob the country of its role in cutting-edge research
projects.
Addressing the European Bioscience Conference in London, Blair
acknowledged that "legitimate concerns" exist about new
technologies, such as genetically modified foods, but said these
should not prevent scientists from carrying out necessary research.
"Our conviction about what is natural or right should not
inhibit the role of science in discovering the truth -- rather it
should inform our judgment about the implications and consequences
of the truth science uncovers," Blair said.
In the past year, protesters have destroyed government-sponsored
test fields of genetically modified crops. Activists have
threatened scientists conducting research on animals, in one case
setting off a car bomb, and Parliament is considering whether to
allow scientists to clone embryos for research purposes, a debate
that has divided the scientific community.
"There is a danger, almost unintentionally, that we become
anti-science," Blair warned.
He said he had an "open mind" on genetically modified foods,
and cautioned that there could be "more than one morally
acceptable outcome" in areas such as stem cell research on
embryos.
"Sometimes it is controversial, as with GM crops or animal
testing. Such research is rightly strictly regulated," Blair said.
"But this government will not tolerate blackmail, even physical
assault, by those who oppose it. To do so would be to give in to
intimidation."
A British group that monitors genetic-engineering issues,
GeneWatch UK, said Blair didn't understand the public's concerns.
"It isn't an anti-science sentiment. People realize there could
be huge benefits from genetic science," spokeswoman Sue Mayer
said. "What the concern is about is whether the government and its
institutions can steer the difficult course through the ethical
issues, so we get the benefits and not the downside."