To mark today’s protest in London here’s the late Carl Sagan reminding us how insignificant are our differences, how pointless is war and how important it is that we protect this planet, the only one we have.

This is science at its most profound, important in a way which can never be measured by impact assessments or economic benefits. At its best science can change the way we view our place in the world, it can change how we view ourselves, how we view our whole society and, for me, more than the jobs it creates, or the benefits to industry that is why science really is vital.

If you haven’t already done so, please sign the petition, write to your MP, and whether you made it today or not, join the UCU demo next month.