Medical researchers were denying yesterday that the cancellation of a state-of-the-art-centre for brain disorders in Cambridge was a victory for militant animal rights campaigners. But, alas, it was. They were one of the main factors that caused the planning process to stretch out for five years - with the project initially being turned down by South Cambridgeshire District Council, then being given the go-ahead by the deputy prime minister, John Prescott, only to be finally abandoned by the university on the grounds of risk and cost. This was five years in which there were high profile and frequently violent protests against experiments using animals at nearby Huntingdon Life Sciences.

What would have made the public more uncomfortable was the use of monkeys. But this places emotion before reason. There are strict rules governing scientific experiments. They are only used now where there is no alternative. Colin Blakemore, head of the medical research council, is right to point to the many medical breakthroughs which would not have been achieved without them. There are new hopes for victims of brain disorders, which is why Prof Blakemore is right to press on with other options.