British PM issues rallying cry for science

British Prime Minister Tony Blair issued rallying cry for science on Friday, urging young people to become scientists for their country's future prosperity.

In a speech on the importance of science to the nation, delivered at the University of Oxford, Blair said since the First World War, Britain has not reaped the economic benefits of its scientific achievements. "Our challenge is to couple scientific and economic purpose," he declared.

"If you want to change the world, become a scientist. Science will be as important to our future as security," he said.

He reassured would-be scientists that a career in science does not mean a life spent in the lab, stressing the "exciting" business opportunities involved.

"Government must show leadership and courage in standing up for science and rejecting an irrational public debate around it," he said.

Blair stressed the importance of "taking on and defeating the vestiges of anti-science," by which he meant those opposed to genetically modified foods, nuclear fuels, stem cell research, animal testing and so on.

"We need scientists willing and able to explain, to reason, to give the scientific facts not by arrogant assertion but by patience and also accurately reflecting where science is fact and where it is still conjecture," Blair said.

Blair pointed out that the anti-science brigade threatens the nation's progress and prosperity, adding that government and scientists need to ensure they engage with the public at a very early stage.

Source: Xinhua