Today's issue... Clampdown on animal rights protesters

Scientists and businesses whose work involves animal testing will get more protection against animal rights protesters under measures to be announced today. The Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill will make it an offence – punishable by five years’ jail – to damage an animal research institute. It is also expected to create an offence of causing “economic damage” that will prevent protesters from sustained campaigns of harassment against companies that sponsor or provide equipment to animal researchers. Police will be given the power to prevent anyone from protesting outside scientists’ homes, and to ban them from going near a specified house for three months. politics.co.uk brings you the key quotes and reaction.