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Scientists declare Union support Scientists declare Union support
(about 3 hours later)
Dozens of prominent scientists are to make a public declaration that it is in the interest of science for Scotland to remain part of the UK. Dozens of prominent scientists have made a public declaration that it is in the interest of science for Scotland to remain part of the UK.
While on Labour's campaign trail in Glasgow, Chancellor Gordon Brown said 61 scientists were involved, including Dolly the Sheep creator Ian Wilmut. A total of 61 scientists, including Dolly the Sheep creator Ian Wilmut, put their names to an open letter, which was published in the Herald newspaper.
The scientists will claim independence could jeopardise Scotland's position among the most inventive nations. The scientists claimed independence could jeopardise Scotland's position among the most inventive nations.
The SNP said it was totally committed to building an innovative Scotland.The SNP said it was totally committed to building an innovative Scotland.
A spokesman said it would "make our scientific community more successful".A spokesman said it would "make our scientific community more successful".
Mr Brown argued that far from being a barrier to invention, the United Kingdom had provided a framework for it to thrive.
'Interests of science''Interests of science'
He said: "Of the world's top 200 universities, Scotland has three - more than Ireland, Iceland and Norway combined. On Labour's campaign trail in Glasgow, Chancellor Gordon Brown said: "Of the world's top 200 universities, Scotland has three - more than Ireland, Iceland and Norway combined.
"All of this is at risk if Britain is broken up, which is why today leading academics like Ian Wilmut, Kenneth Murray and David Lane have written an open letter declaring that it is in the interests of science for Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom.""All of this is at risk if Britain is broken up, which is why today leading academics like Ian Wilmut, Kenneth Murray and David Lane have written an open letter declaring that it is in the interests of science for Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom."
Funding does not depend on borders but rather the quality of the applications and maintaining competitive edge Professor Stephen SalterFunding does not depend on borders but rather the quality of the applications and maintaining competitive edge Professor Stephen Salter
The letter states: "Currently, we punch well above our weight in terms of funding from UK sources (such as the research councils) and in our role within the UK science infrastructure.
"Separation would inevitably lead to disruption of these ties with detrimental consequences for the health of the Scottish science base and for the long-term viability of the Scottish economy and society."
This declaration is the latest in a series of similar announcements by community groups either opposed or in favour of retaining Scotland's status as part of the UK.This declaration is the latest in a series of similar announcements by community groups either opposed or in favour of retaining Scotland's status as part of the UK.
These have included statements by prominent Scottish footballers in favour of the Union, and statements by business figures, some favouring the Union and some favouring independence.These have included statements by prominent Scottish footballers in favour of the Union, and statements by business figures, some favouring the Union and some favouring independence.
The chancellor told his audience: "People not normally associated with politics have said this is an important election, this is the time for people to stand up and be counted. 'Competitive edge'
The chancellor said: "People not normally associated with politics have said this is an important election, this is the time for people to stand up and be counted.
"This is the time to say to the Scottish Nationalists - your figures don't add up, and your policies are based on instilling prejudice rather than building for the future for unity.""This is the time to say to the Scottish Nationalists - your figures don't add up, and your policies are based on instilling prejudice rather than building for the future for unity."
In response, Professor Stephen Salter, a professor of Engineering Design at the University of Edinburgh who specialises in renewable energy, said he was "disappointed" by the misrepresentation of the situation in Scotland.In response, Professor Stephen Salter, a professor of Engineering Design at the University of Edinburgh who specialises in renewable energy, said he was "disappointed" by the misrepresentation of the situation in Scotland.
He said: "We have achieved a great deal but we can be more successful. Funding does not depend on borders but rather the quality of the applications and maintaining competitive edge."He said: "We have achieved a great deal but we can be more successful. Funding does not depend on borders but rather the quality of the applications and maintaining competitive edge."