Animal rights extremists warned

Cambridgeshire police are to receive a million pounds in extra funding to deal with the targeting of the animal testing company Huntingdon Life Sciences.

The government is also considering adding new powers to the Criminal Justice Bill due to be published on Friday, making it easier to crack down on the kinds of protestors who have been trying to close the company down.

Over the past year animal rights activists have attacked the homes and cars of some of those who work in the company's laboratories, and some have faced physical assault.

PM spoke to the Home Office Minister Mike O'Brien, who confirmed the figure of £1m, and explained how it would help.

The pressure from animal rights protestors on companies doing business with Huntingdon Life Sciences has frightened off many investors, resulting in a dramatic fall in Huntingdon's share price.

The company's bankers, Royal Bank of Scotland, has faced calls from its shareholders to pull out of further financial support.

Huntingdon had asked for a further facility of £22.6m; that expires this Friday, and the bank has not yet agreed it.

Huntingdon will go into receivership if the loan is not extended. The government has been taking part in talks to keep the company open.

PM spoke to the company's managing director, Brian Cass, who welcomed the extras cash for policing and outlined how he felt "financial terrorism" could cripple and otherwise viable business.