Group to stage rally alongside protesters

From the archive, first published Wednesday 1st Feb 2006.

Students at Oxford University are planning a demonstration to combat protests against the new £18m animal research laboratory.

The group, which calls itself Pro-Test, will hold its first major rally on February 25, which will coincide with the latest monthly demonstration by animal rights group Speak.

Pro-Test has set up a website and has been gathering support from Oxford University students who are in favour of the laboratory being built in South Parks Road, Oxford.

Its founder, a 16-year-old called Laurie, said he started Pro-Test after making an impromptu banner when he came across Speak protesters in Oxford on Saturday.

He said: "I want to be a medical student and I feel very strongly that animal-based research is the best way forward.

"I made a banner and began my own protest but someone from Speak ripped it up and the police moved me on for my own safety.

"Since then, I set up the website and I have been contacted by about 50 students who have been very supportive.

"We are holding discussions with the police about the route but we will walk around Oxford before going to the lab site.

"We don't think there will be any clash with Speak -- ours will be a peaceful protest."

Mel Broughton, a spokesman for Speak, said: "I gather this one guy was in a coffee shop and got a bit of cardboard and things went from there.

"Everyone should have democratic right to protest but if there are a few people there from this group on February 25 it won't make any difference to us."

At the weekend it emerged that the Animal Liberation Front had named students as a target for a campaign of "maximum impact".

Anyone connected to the university -- academics, students, businesses and supporters -- was dubbed a legitimate target by an activist claiming on a website to be an ALF member.

Rachel McQulliam, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "We are due to have a meeting with Pro-Test to discuss their planned event on February 25.

"We need to find out how many people are going to be there."

She added that the group leader's parents were expected to attend the meeting.

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