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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 judgement about the implications and consequences of the truth science uncovers," Blair said. Britons have become increasingly wary of some scientific research projects. In the past year, government-sponsored test fields of genetically modified crops - plants whose genes have been manipulated - have been destroyed by protesters. Activists have threatened scientists conducting research on animals, in one case setting off a car bomb, and Parliament currently 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 told the scientists that he had an "open mind" on GM foods, and cautioned that there could be "more than one morally acceptable outcome" in controversial areas such as stem cell research on embryos. "Some times 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." Blair said the country must not lose sight of the huge economic benefits that can be derived from carrying out cutting-edge research. "Biotechnology is the next wave of the knowledge economy and I want Britain to become its European hub," he said. 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 realise 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." - AP
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