Although scientists are advised to remain silent for fear of attacks, Professor Tipu Aziz, a consultant neurosurgeon, and Professor John Stein, a neurophysiologist have told the Guardian they believe it is time to stand up to the radicals who have attempted to stop the project.

"I think that it is important to speak out," said Prof Aziz, whose research into Parkinson's disease involves the use of primates.

["¦.]

Work was restarted on the lab in November after a year's delay when the original contractor, Montpelier, pulled out amid threats and intimidation from animal activists.

Today the identity of the new contractor, which operates on South Parks Road behind a five meter (15ft) barrier remains a secret. Builders wear balaclavas and the vehicles involved are all unmarked.

["¦.]

"I feel passionately that animal experiments have benefited mankind enormously and almost all of the medical advances of the last 100 years have happened through animal experiments. People just don't seem to know this, it hasn't been got across."

["¦]

Other researchers will remain silent on Saturday, privately believing Prof Aziz and Prof Stein are taking a huge risk. One, who would not be named, said it was not even sensible to discuss animal testing anywhere publicly in Oxford for fear of being overheard by anti-vivisectionists.

- HERE

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