Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology: "Hawking criticises EU states trying to ban stem cell research
By Steve Connor, Science Editor, and Stephen Castle in Brussels
Published: 24 July 2006
Stephen Hawking, the world's best-known living scientist, has attacked 'reactionary' forces in Europe and America which are trying to ban research into stem cells from human embryos.
Professor Hawking, who suffers from motor neurone disease, has criticised President George Bush and European governments who want to stop the funding of research with embryonic stem cells, which promises to revolutionise the treatment of many incurable conditions.
His attack comes on the day that an attempt will be made in Brussels to prevent any money from the European Union's €54bn (£37bn) science budget being spent over the next seven years on research into human embryonic stem cells.
Germany is leading an attempt to change the way the EU science budget can be spent by individual member states. The plan to block stem-cell research has been bolstered by Mr Bush's use of a veto last week which prevents US federal funds being spent on research into embryonic stem cells. 'I strongly oppose the move to ban stem-cell research funding from the European Union,' said Professor Hawking. . ."
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