Spoetnik
12-01-05, 01:10
Scientists are alarmed by Ruth Kelly's strict beliefs
By Ruth Gledhill and Tony Halpin
LEADING scientists are concerned that the new Education Secretary’s conservative views on stem-cell research could affect vital science in Britain.
Ruth Kelly is a member of Opus Dei, a Roman Catholic organisation that follows a strict Vatican line on contraception, embryo research, cloning and abortion.
Ms Kelly, who has responsibility for a £1 billion research budget, opposed motions on embryo research in Parliament and is reported to have told Tony Blair that she could never support stem-cell research.
Robin Lovell-Badge, head of developmental genetics at the National Institute of Medical Research, told The Times Higher Education Supplement: “I have just been in the US and have seen how confused the situation is there. If someone as senior as Ruth Kelly is not going to favour stem-cell research we will end up with a similarly schizophrenic system in this country. It is very worrying.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1411905,00.html
By Ruth Gledhill and Tony Halpin
LEADING scientists are concerned that the new Education Secretary’s conservative views on stem-cell research could affect vital science in Britain.
Ruth Kelly is a member of Opus Dei, a Roman Catholic organisation that follows a strict Vatican line on contraception, embryo research, cloning and abortion.
Ms Kelly, who has responsibility for a £1 billion research budget, opposed motions on embryo research in Parliament and is reported to have told Tony Blair that she could never support stem-cell research.
Robin Lovell-Badge, head of developmental genetics at the National Institute of Medical Research, told The Times Higher Education Supplement: “I have just been in the US and have seen how confused the situation is there. If someone as senior as Ruth Kelly is not going to favour stem-cell research we will end up with a similarly schizophrenic system in this country. It is very worrying.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1411905,00.html