Thank you for contacting me about animal testing and the Government’s commitments to animal welfare.
Whilst I understand your concerns about the use of animal testing and the Government’s commitments to alternatives, its limited use is vital to the scientific community and provides vital safety information for potential new medicines, meaning that new drugs never get as far as being tested in humans.
This being said, animals are only used when there are no suitable alternatives, and by encouraging new cutting-edge approaches to science we will ensure that standards of animal welfare are improved. I am opposed to animal tests where alternative approaches could be used.
I am proud that the UK has consistently led the way on animal welfare, recognising in law that animals can feel pain and suffering through the Animal Welfare Act. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, enshrines the recognition that animals are sentient in domestic law. I am encouraged that this Bill will create an Animal Sentience Committee with experts which will produce reports on how well policy decisions have paid all due regard to the welfare of animals.
I can assure you that the UK’s position as a leader on animal welfare standards and science is an issue that maintains cross-party support and I will continue to monitor developments in the area closely.