MPs back measures to protect scientists
MPs have backed new laws to stop direct action campaigners from targeting firms and individuals linked to animal experiments.
The Government is keen to stamp out attacks on scientists, including malicious phone calls, hoax bombs and arson attacks.
In the House of Commons last night, MPs supported Government plans to make it a criminal offence to attack vivisection organisations.
The new offence could mean five years in prison for those found guilty.
Under the law, workers in charity shops and universities as well as employees and family members of firms directly connected to animal experimentation will be protected.
The measures have been added to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill, which passed its third reading in the Commons yesterday without a vote.
Under the legislation, police officers are to be given powers to arrest anyone protesting outside the homes of scientists.
While the great majority of opponents to the use of animals in research do so “wholly peacefully and properly,” Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said, a small contingent went beyond peaceful persuasion to use harassment, threats and physical attacks.
The amendments would tackle these campaigners, she said.
“It is right in such circumstances that the state should be able to come to the help of the victims of a campaign aimed at intimidating and coercing them,” she added.
The Bill also includes measures to make it a criminal offence to incite religious hatred, restrict demonstrations outside Parliament, and to deter drug gangs, people traffickers and fraudsters.
