LONDON, March 3 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said a more conducive environment needs to be created if the biotech industry is to thrive.
Blair said this in Uxbridge, England Friday, prior to a meeting with business leaders from the biotech industry.
"Now is the moment for a big push in improving the environment for Britain's biotech industry," the Prime Minister said.
Blair, who is due to leave office this summer indicated his desire to help in the improvement cause before the expiration of his term.
"I am here to listen. We need to get the policy right so I need to know what you want me to do," he added.
Britain accounts for about half of public biotech companies in Europe, according to the prime ministers official website, and has three times more than that of its nearest rival Germany.
The prime minister said he believed the industry and government had curbed the actions of animal rights extremists and reaffirmed his support for stem cell research.
