Jump to full article: The Independent (uk), 2001-05-18
Author: Cahal Milmo
Intro: University authorities last night expressed "regret" at Mr Smith's decision to step down but said there would be no going back on the decision to accept the money. Philip Dalling, head of public affairs at the university, said: "We are naturally sorry to lose his expertise. But we have decided to accept the money and it has been ratified by the 400 members of the governing council. It won't be reconsidered."
Cancer charities and medical bodies backed Mr Smith's resignation. The Cancer Research Campaign, which earlier this year ruled out raising funds for a £9m research laboratory at the university because of the donation, suggested more staff could follow.
Nottingham is regarded as a centre of excellence in the cancer field and has recently developed a drug for treating brain tumours. Its team is also testing drugs for ovarian, breast and bowel cancers.
Professor Gordon McVie, director general of the charity, said: "Accepting the tainted tobacco cash has backfired on the university and they are facing a huge exodus of good staff and sponsorship. How many more people need to resign before it gets the message that allowing the tobacco industry to buy respectability is unacceptable?"
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