Some time ago we reported on this blog that SPEAK were beginning to look like stalkers. Their apparent obsession with identifying the builders and contractors working on the Oxford research centre looked as if it was all about identifying targets for animal rights extremism.

But the police and courts have taken a dim view of the campaigns of harassment and intimidation carried out by the Animal Liberation Front in Oxford. So it seemed for a while that SPEAK had little to do except stand around holding banners and hurling the usual abuse at anyone whose views they disagreed with.

Now presumably they have decided to add a little humour to their campaigns to boost their flagging morale. And the latest suggestion on their website that that they will set up a political campaigning wing certainly had us laughing.

We can only imagine that this is a spoof. The idea that anyone would take SPEAK seriously, apart from themselves, is incomprehensible.

You only need to look at the results of the recent referendum amongst Oxford students to see the levels of support for animal research and the new university facility. This was carried out on Thursday November 16th, with all students at Oxford University eligible to vote.

On the question of whether or not to adopt the following policy:

1. That animal research plays and has played a vital role in developing lifesaving drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, meningitus and tuberculosis.
2. That, in situations where there are no valid alternatives, animal research is morally justified.
3. That the new animal research facility being built by Oxford University on South Parks Road should be supported.
4. That peaceful protest is a legitimate means of campaigning, that violence and intimidation are not legitimate means of campaigning.

The results were Yes - 2089 (90.43%), and No – 221 (9.57%)

A pretty resounding positive result. SPEAK should take good note of this. They have been operating in Oxford for a couple of years now. They seem to be a textbook example of how not to win public or political support!