Call for extremists law

MPs this week urged the government to introduce tough new US-style laws to deal with animal rights extremists who terrorise scientists and their families. Opening a debate in London's Westminster Hall, Tory MP Jacqui Lait said activists who "terrify, hurt and maim physically and mentally" had stepped up activity.

Junior Home Office minister Caroline Flint said: "We are open to more legislation." But she added that the Government favoured wider legislation that could be applied to other extremists, such as US-style anti-abortion activists who attack clinics, rather than only to animal rights extremists.