My View: Our Animal Testing Strategy

Thanks to everyone who contacted me inviting me to attend the event, ‘From Roadmap to Reality: Implementing the UK Strategy to Phase Out Animal Testing’, in Parliament back in February. I wanted to outline my stance on animal testing as I think it’s really important.

I understand the animal testing plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible, rolling out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so. This roadmap will ensure government, businesses and animal welfare groups can work together to find alternatives to animal testing faster and more effectively. Phasing out the use of animals in science and product development must be supported by reliable and effective alternative methods, so this strategy aims to create a system that drives their use. I welcome £60 million allocated to establish a hub to bring together data, technology and expertise, promoting collaboration between researchers, and to create a separate new centre to make the path to regulatory approval for new alternatives as straightforward as possible. I am also pleased that £15.9 million has been committed by the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK and the Wellcome Trust to advance promising ‘human in vitro models’ of scientific testing. However, as this strategy is implemented, I recognise some animal research will continue. I understand our Government will focus on supporting well justified and designed animal research where alternatives do not yet exist.

I believe this strategy is an important step forward for animal welfare in the UK. Through our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare and advance innovative research that improves lives. I am pleased to note the strategy has been welcomed by groups including the RSPCA and Cruelty Free International. I know we want to move fast where possible. Although it will likely take many years of scientific and technological effort to fully replace animals, a lot can be done now.