The Guardian reports that Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis has warned that continued acts of animal rights extremism in Great Britain may force it to direct its investments elsewhere.
Novartis chair Daniel Vasella gave a speech in China which touched on the investment climate in various countries. The Guardian reported that Vasella said,
The UK is the worst. It is scaring our people. If they become so scared that it becomes a major issue, we could come close to leaving.
The Guardian reported that Vasella referred to Novartis’ new 40 million pound research center in West Sussex,
Mr. Vasella said the staff there were being intimidated to a degree that made him wonder whether it was wise to remain.
Source:
Animal rights activists force drug firm to rethink UK role. Jonathan Watts, The Guardian, November 15, 2004.