‘Blasphemy’ to speak out against EU, lobbyists say

Scientists and researchers are afraid to lobby for the UK to leave the European Union in case of repercussions at work, the campaign group Scientists 4 Britain has said.

The group, which is only campaigning via Twitter at present, is made up of seven scientists or former scientists, who wish to remain anonymous. They are based in London, Cambridge and Bath. The group’s spokesman, who asked to be referred to only as David, is a former journalist who studied science at university.

“Half of our active members are unable to release their names. They feel it would impact their jobs or compromise their careers by speaking out against the EU,” he says. “Scientists are at pains to protect their personal and professional reputations and want to avoid being misconstrued as isolationist.”