Reclaim Life

Anti-genetics campaigners and disabled activists converged on the multimillion pound genetics showcase the International Centre for Life (ICFL), on Saturday 27th May in Newcastle. The protest coincided with the opening of the "LIFE Interactive World" visitors centre.

Media reports before the day warned of "inflitration by violent anarchists" and in most cases gave more coverage to the concerns of protestors than the Centre for Life. The police and security were out in force, and briefly prevented the funeral march marking the death of human and bio-diversity entering the square, until they were sure the coffin was empty.

The opening ceremony was a pathetic sight, attended by about 50 people including Carol "it's the best science exhibition I've ever seen" Vorderman, who was met by her clones branding the ICFL "Frankenstein's Castle". Others were dressed in Gestapo uniforms highlighting the links between Nazi-style eugenics and human genetic engineering.

A small number of visitors continued to trickle in throughout the day and were handed leaflets presenting an alternative perspective on the Centre's activities.

In the square outside the theme-park, demonstrators played football and a giant game of snakes and ladders to show there is more to life than reductionist science and big-business.

Based on the poor turnout of visitors on its over-hyped opening day, it seems very likely that the LIFE attraction will fail on its own terms, if similar public wastes of money such as the Dome are anything to go by. Some of the visitors leaving the centre told protestors it was "a total waste of £6.95". Leafletting outside the Centre will continue over the coming weeks.

* For a more detailed critique of the Centre for Life which goes beyond media soundbites, get a copy of GeneNo's booklet "International Centre for Lies", available from GeneNo, PO Box 1TA, NE99 1TA, geneno99@yahoo.com.