Predictably, rather than trying to justify animal experimentation, Tom Bromley - spokesman for Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMS), the organisation whose sole purpose is to support and promote the use of animals for research purposes - attempts to denigrate all anti-vivisectionists by referring to the physical assault upon Brian Cass (Letters, July 5).

This violent act, although inexcusable, could be seen as rough justice served upon the man whose company inflicts violence upon thousands of hapless animals every year, mostly for purposes which have nothing whatsoever to do with medical progress.

Why did the Government honour, for "services to medical research", a man who is not a scientist but an accountant?

Why did it intend awarding an MBE to the late Andrew Blake, who founded the relatively insignificant SIMS organisation, which has but 800 members and supporters?

These awards had nothing to do with recognising any valuable and selfless sacrifice to aid society but were a clear signal from Tony Blair that, despite having come to power on a raft of animal welfare promises, he has now switched allegiance to the rich and powerful pharmaceutical giants who, for their own reasons, make no determined effort to originate or promote alternative, non-animal means of research.

-Peter Allen, Chute Avenue, Worthing