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Scientists rebel at drug czar, David Nutt, sacking  

The head of Britain's leading medical research organisation rounded on the government yesterday for sacking its principal drugs adviser.

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive of the Medical Research Council, said scientists must be allowed to give "unfettered advice without the fear of reprisal".

His criticism followed the abrupt dismissal of David Nutt on Friday. This weekend Nutt said many of his colleagues on the advisory council on the misuse of drugs, which he chaired, could resign in protest. "I wouldn't be surprised if some of them stepped down," he said. "Maybe all of them will." . . .

Nutt said he had been sacked for telling the public the truth about drugs. "I'm extremely disappointed that the government isn't prepared to have a mature and robust discussion about the drugs issue," he said.

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