Call for laboratories to be saved

The government is being urged to step in to save four global warming research laboratories earmarked for closure.

The Centre of Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) at Monks Wood, Cambs, is among the sites which may shutdown.

Shadow ministers Peter Ainsworth and Alan Duncan, who visited the centre on Wednesday, say closure would damage our knowledge of bio-diversity.

Their call comes the day staff from the threatened sites were at the Commons to brief MPs on the affects of any cuts.

Efficiency boost

Mr Ainsworth, Shadow Environment Secretary and Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary Mr Duncan said they had been immensely impressed by the centre's range and depth of scientific and technological research.

"The closure of centres like Monks Wood will do long-term damage to our knowledge of bio-diversity, which seems perverse at a time when climate change is at the very top of the political agenda and public consciousness.

"We call on ministers to intervene to ensure the quality of the UK scientific research base is not fatally undermined, and ensure the long-term future of Monks Wood and other CEH sites."

The laboratories have been earmarked for closure by parent company the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc).

A third of the centre's 600 staff could lose their jobs at sites at Winfrith in Dorset, Oxford, Banchory in Scotland and Monk's Wood.

The council has proposed the closures to boost efficiency.

Consultation on the proposals for the sites closes at the end of February.