The New Primate Laboratory

Following on from the announcement by Cambridge University that they were to abandon their plans to build Europe's largest primate lab, SPEAK is now launching the next stage of its campaign. Oxford University is now engaged in the construction of what it claims is a 'state of the art' animal housing facility. This facility is far from just an animal house - it has been termed a research 'hotel' in the planning application.

The planning application, code 02/02371/FUL has mysteriously disappeared from the Oxford council website. Why do they not want to let the public see what their plans are?

This project is to be constructed in two phases, phase one has as part of its plan a connecting bridge link to the notorious Department of Experimental Psychology. This hell hole has been responsible for some of the most horrific animal experiments ever carried out in this country, including brain research on monkeys.

SPEAK has learnt from a source well placed within Oxford University, that talks between Cambridge and Oxford have taken place and that the new facility will be doing some of the brain experiments that were lost at Cambridge. This is a totally unacceptable state of affairs, Cambridge University failed to demonstrate to a public enquiry that the brain experiments they planned to conduct on primates at Girton had any scientific validity and yet Oxford are prepared to go down the same discredited road.

It can be no coincidence that Lord Sainsbury recently commented that facilities will be found for the work that was to be carried out at Cambridge. Oxford University have been keen to play down the status of this new building, they have insisted that it does not mark an 'expansion' of their animal research capability but a 'rationalisation' of existing facilities. They must think we were born yesterday, it is a blatant lie. 31 staff will be transferring from Experimental Psychology, Zoology, Physiology, Human Anatomy and Pharmacology: all these departments have been associated with horrific experiments on primates. Add to this the salient fact that none of the existing depts are to close and you realise just how deceitful and mealy-mouthed the apologists of animal abuse can be.

The term 'research hotel' strongly suggests that not only will Oxford scientists be torturing innocent animals but the facility will be home to visiting vivisectionists all eager to make Tony Blair and Lord Sainsbury's dream of making this country the vivisection capital of Europe a hideous reality.

Oxford University, like Cambridge will be looking to fill their depleted coffers by offering animal abuse facilities to the highest bidder.

This new phase in the SPEAK campaign is clear in its objective to make sure that no 'expansion' of the vivisection industry can be allowed to happen, no matter where it raises its ugly head. The victory over Cambridge University and elements within this government marked a truly historic day for our movement and democracy. We must stand firm and resist any attempt to reverse the gains we have fought so hard to achieve.

The fight against those who torture animals in the name of science has moved up a step and we must be ready to take the struggle forward. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels, now is the time to stand together and strike another blow for justice for the animals, compassion and real science.

The site before construction started.

Artists impression of Stage 1

Artists impression of Stage 2

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for the purpose of legal protest and information only. It should not be used to commit any criminal acts or harassment.

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