I appreciate issues like the use of animals in experiments are very emotive, and inspire strong opinions.
Firstly I would say that the UK has made some welcome progress in recent years, with the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 being passed under the previous Conservative Government, improving recognition of the rights of sentient animals.
I will support work which aims to accelerate the point at which animal research and testing is no longer necessary, having been fully replaced by effective alternatives. Sadly, however, I’m not sure that technology is at a point where wholly replacing animal testing is feasible. Some important applications of testing are used to tackle some of the most significant human health conditions.
Therefore, I understand the current approach is to support and accelerate advances in biomedical science and technology to reduce reliance on the use of animals in research. To achieve this, funding has been used to support the development and dissemination of the three Rs which aim to replace the use of animals not necessary for research; to reduce the use of animals in the meantime; and to refine to eliminate or reduce distress to those animals already involved. This is primarily delivered through the National Centre for 3Rs (the NC3Rs) and since it was established, the NC3Rs has invested £89.3 million in research and £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme for UK and EU based institutions, with that funding mainly focused on approaches for safer assessment of pharmaceuticals. It was most welcome that, in February 2024, the previous Conservative Minister responsible announced that investment to the NC3Rs was to double from £10 million per year to £20 million per year. It is to be hoped that the new Government will sustain this level of funding.
Some constituents have contacted me asking that the Government engage more closely with PETA. This will have to be a matter for the Labour Government to consider. It will be up to them to decide who they take their counsel from, though I am always committed to scrutinising their legislative actions and policy choices.
Kieran.