This is how the British are characterised. It is extrapolated by animal protection groups to a great concern about the use of animals in research . I would agree that there is good support for animal welfare amongst the public, but there is a strong pragmatic streak that balances this with the wish to gain benefits from medical research. 

Witness the Daily Mail’s rather predictable attempt to whip up some controversy over Gordon Ramsay killing his Christmas turkeys on TV.

Look especially at the comments, which can be summarised as: ‘get real, people’

Credit where credit’s due, as well to the RSPCA for its realistic and fair comment.

And my point? Campaigners for animal protection have a vested interest in claiming there is stronger objection to animal research than there really is. A large majority tends to show a pragmatic consensus. That majority do understand the need to balance benefits with animal use.