Oxford Animal Lab Opening for Research Welcome

3.04.50pm GMT Wed 12th Nov 2008

Commenting on the news that the controversial Oxford Animal Lab has opened for medical research, local Liberal Democrat MP Dr Evan Harris MP, who has supported the University over the centre, said, "This is a very welcome development both in terms of the need for high quality animal welfare and medical research - which go hand in hand - and also in terms of the need to show that illegal action by some of the protesters is clearly shown not to prevent the implementation of a lawful project by a University."

"It is unfortunate that illegal actions have resulted in this building taking so long and costing so much to open and I hope that the animal rights movement will now revert exclusively to democratic, peaceful and legal protest to further their cause." "I pay special tribute to the scientists who have had the courage to speak about the value of their ethical, lawful and heavily regulated work; they are the heroes in this matter, along with campaigners from PRO-TEST who stood up for them."