LONDON<$> — Prime Minister Tony Blair will stress today that science and technological innovation are crucial to Britain’s economic and industrial success.From tackling climate change to fighting disease, Blair will say the government must continue to make the case for scientific advances and not be deflected by critics.

“Science is crucial to our future. It’s been crucial to our history and our health,” Blair’s spokesman said, previewing the speech. “It’s obvious that technological advances and innovations are going to be the key to our future economic and industrial success,” the spokesman added.