Animal Testing - Is The End In Sight?
I'm consistently, I'm sure he would say constantly, contacting my local MP about issues of animal welfare. One of the issues we had a conversation about was animal testing. I emailed him regarding the cruelty of animal testing and how unnecessary it is as a safety measure. He got back to me stating that animal testing is necessary for drug and product safety. I explained to him that more than 94% of drugs that pass animal testing fail human trials. There are also drugs that have saved many lives that would never have made it to market had they been tested on a different species, as each species has a different reaction to medications and chemicals.
Animal Testing
We are not rats, mice, rabbits, cats, monkeys or any of the myriad animals that are used for testing every year. The reactions produced in one animal may not be replicated in another, as we are different.
Thankfully, my MP took this information away and learned more about animal testing. In fact he has learned enough now to have changed his stance. Today I received the email below. I'm really hoping that this is the begining of the end of aniaml testing in England. If it isn't I'll keep fighting.
The Email
"I am committed to phasing out animal testing in the long term. I welcome the Government’s new animal testing strategy, which was published in November 2025.
Nobody in this country of animal lovers wants to see suffering. I recognise the urgency of the transition away from animal testing, and I am determined to support meaningful change through co-ordinated, cross-government action.
I understand the animal testing strategy 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.
You asked whether I would support Herbie's Law. I have previously put on record my support for Herbie's Law, which sets out a ten-year pathway towards ending the use of animal testing and supporting the transition to alternative research methods. As you may be aware, I was one of the MPs to publicly back Herbie's Law, and I have subsequently welcomed the Government's plans to reduce and ultimately replace animal testing wherever possible through the new animal testing strategy published in November 2025.
As you may be aware, in August, the Department for Business, Science, Industry and Technology announced £22 million in funding to help ramp up the UK’s move away from animal testing in science. The funding, which will go towards a dedicated national research hub and nine new high-tech projects, backs our world-leading researchers and innovators to improve lives.
I believe this strategy, and the latest funding announcement, are both important steps forward for animal welfare in the UK. Through our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare and advance innovative research. I am pleased to note the strategy has been welcomed by groups including the RSPCA and Cruelty Free International.
However, as this strategy is implemented, I recognise some animal research will continue. I understand Ministers will focus on supporting well-justified and well-designed animal research where alternatives do not yet exist.
I know Ministers 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. That is why I will strongly support the Government’s close work with experts from across the many fields involved, including regulators, academics, industry and civil society organisations, to ensure this strategy remains up to date and focused on the key issues.
I am optimistic about moving towards a future where animal testing is only ever a last resort."
On to the next fight...
