Science – Marching for progress
WORKERS, APR 2006 ISSUE
The "Pro Test" demonstration that took place in Oxford last month gave supporters of scientific advance a chance to voice their opinions publicly and defend research into the causes and cures of cancer, heart disease, and other killer diseases. Hundreds of people were involved in the march which was the first of its kind. Banners and placards proclaimed "Animal testing saves lives."
There was a small counter-demonstration of anti-vivisectionists at odds to point out that animals do suffer during experiments. But animal activists have made it their task to inflict suffering on laboratory workers.
Meanwhile, school science is under attack. In April 2005 Patricia Hewitt, backed by Blair, pledged to improve all secondary school science laboratories. The figure promised before the election was £75,000 per school. Now, under pressure from the Association of School and College Leaders, the government has admitted that the promise of this new money has not and is unlikely to materialise. A representative of the Institute of Physics commented, "Modern, well-equipped school science laboratories are essential if pupils are to be inspired by practical work and see science as a modern relevant subject."