27/03/08
Pro-Test have now got members out in the US who are willing to go to your institution (school, college, university...etc.) to speak up about the importance of lifesaving research using animals.
Founded by Pro-Test committee member, Tom Holder, Speaking of Research is a new campus-oriented group that seeks to provide university students and scientists with accurate information and resources about the importance of animal research in medical science.
Pro-Test encourages university students who are tired of the half truths and distortions spread by animal rights groups in the US, to organise a debate in their college or school. We are willing to come and help defend lifesaving research in any forum to which we are invited. We are also available to give talks on our experience (and part in) the rise and fall of extremism in the UK, the value of animal research in medicine, and the importance of standing against the lies, harassment and violence of animal rights groups in the US.
Anyone interested should contact Tom Holder:
E-mail: contact@speakingofresearch.org
Phone: 703-395-0646
www.speakingofresearch.org
Cheers
Tom
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11/02/08
Pro-Test Celebrates Science and Battles Extremism
Peter Hollins, Chief Executive of British heart Foundation and Chair of the Coalition for Medical Progress, lends his support to the Pro-test march today. He said;
"Medical research underpins advances that help to improve and save peoples lives. The Coalition for Medical Progress is working alongside organisations and people who all believe we need to work together to foster an environment in which our scientists can continue their life saving work."
Hundreds of Pro-Testers marched through the streets of Oxford in support of lifesaving animal research, and to stand against animal rights extremism that has plagued the building of the new Oxford Biomedical Facility.
The Pro-Test march was conducted peacefully, as protesters gathered to hear speeches promoting medical progress through animal testing. Speakers included MP Evan Harris, Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, Prof. Tipu Aziz and Prof. John Stein and were all met with rapturous applause.
Oxford University:
“Oxford is a world leader in non-animal research techniques such as computer modelling, imaging and epidemiological studies. However, there is overwhelming scientific consensus worldwide that some research using animals is still essential for medical progress. We remain, as ever, firmly committed to the completion of a new facility to re-house animals used in potentially life-saving research. The state-of-the-art facilities in the building will support animal welfare, and in turn support good science.”
The Government Science Minister:
“As Minister for Science I fully support the objectives of Pro-Test, and welcome the message you send to Britain’s scientists about the necessity of research to medical science, to encourage them to speak out about their work and be proud of the contributions they make.
The UK is a world leader in medical advances and the Government is proud of the pioneering work of our scientists and researchers; the use of animals is essential to the success of this vital work."
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01/02/08
Pro-Test marches for lifesaving research
On Saturday February 9th 2008 Pro-Test are marching in Oxford to support animal research, and to stand against the campaign of fear and intimidation which had previously all but silenced the voices of many scientists across the country.
The rally in Oxford, says Laurie Pycroft, teenage founder of Pro-Test, will
“show that students, scientists and the public at large will not be cowed by animal rights extremists. The new biomedical research centre at Oxford is nearing completion, and we must continue to speak out in support of animal research to prevent the future of medical research from being held hostage by violent extremists.”
Recent polls have shown that public opinion mostly backs animal research.
Tom Holder, an Oxford student and one of the march organisers, added
“There are widespread misunderstandings regarding animal research. Antivivisection groups spend much time and effort confusing the general public with pseudoscience and lies. We must all take active steps to put this right. The new laboratory will provide top class facilities for scientific research and state-of-the-art accommodation for the animals housed within”.
Celebrity and scientific speakers at the rally will include Peter Hollins, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, a leading stem cell researcher at the National Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, and Laurie Pycroft.
The march has three main aims. As well as defending the rights of researchers to work without harassment, the march will celebrate the successes of animal research in developing treatments for disease, and communicate a better understanding about animal research to non-scientists everywhere.
For further information contact: Tom Holder, Pro-Test Press Officer. Tel: 07802482994 E-mail: contact@pro-test.org.uk Web: www.pro-test.org.uk
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24/01/08
Pro-Test: marching again!!
On Saturday February 9th 2008 Pro-Test are holding a rally and march in Oxford to:
* Defend - the rights of researchers to work in peace
* Celebrate - the successes of animal research in developing treatments for disease
* Communicate - a better understanding about animal research to non-scientists everywhere
There are widespread misunderstanding regarding animal research. Animal rights organisations spend considerable time and effort confusing the general public with pseudo-science and factual errors. We must all take active steps to put this right.
The rally will begin at 12 noon, Broad Street Oxford, with speeches made at Broad Street, The Biomedical Facility, and Broad Street for a second time.
We will release a full list of speakers shortly!
Come and stand up against the harassment of students and scientists in Oxford and beyond. Come and stand up for life-saving research. Come and stand up for medical progress. We hope to see you all there. We hope to see all your friends, family, fellow students and work colleagues there. Most you will likely have taken drugs which have been developed through animal research - ALL of you will have friends or family who have received treatments made possible through animal research.
Stand up for Science
Stand up for Reason
Stand up for Sense
Anyone wishing to organise a bus down to Oxford, please contact me via tom@pro-test.org.uk - we can help.
Regards
Tom Holder
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03/01/08
In your school, in your university, In your news
In Your School
Pro-Test members have been visiting schools to give talks and participate in debates. A recent talk at a school in St. Albans passed a 14-0 vote in favour of animal research, only one week after the class had been visited by a speaker from Europeans for Medical Progress (EMP) (arguing against animal research).
A debate between Pro-Test spokesman, Tom Holder, and EMP director, Kathy Archibald, resulted in a 24-8 victory for animal research at Brentwood School debating society.
Other recent school talks were given to schools in Hertford and London, with more planned for the future.
If you would like to see Pro-Test come to speak or debate at your school then please click here.
In Your University
Pro-Test headed up to Aberdeen University in mid-December where they debated against Alistair Currie of PETA. An enjoyable debate focusing on morality and ethics brought up many interesting questions, although there was no final vote taken.
We encourage all University students to propose animal research motions to their Unions and debating societies.
In Your News
2007 has seen greater support for animal research among the British media. Thanks largely to organisations like Coalition for Medical Progress, RDS, Science Media Centre and Pro-Test, newspaper stories covering new treatments are increasingly likely to mention some of the animal research required in its developments. Keep an eye on our science blog for updates on the latest medical breakthroughs made possible through animal research.
Pro-Test Marches Again
On February 9th Pro-Test will take to the streets of Oxford for the third time in two years. Check back for updates on times, routes and speakers.
Regards
Tom
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