Thank you for contacting me about animal testing.
I completely understand that the use of animals in science, including toxicity testing, is a sensitive issue, and as such I welcome that the UK is one of the world's leading nations in the development of non-animal methods. I am keen to ensure that these are utilised wherever is possible, and I will support work which aims to reach the point at which animal research and testing is no longer necessary, having been fully replaced by effective alternatives. Sadly, however, technology is not yet at a point to wholly replace animal testing.
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, it was announced that investment to the NC3Rs was to increase from £10 million per year to £20 million per year.
As you may know, the former Government took decisive action in this area, including banning cosmetic testing on animals. I understand that, since the ban of 17 May 2023, no animal testing is being conducted, nor will any testing be authorised, of chemicals that are exclusively intended to be used as ingredients in cosmetics products.
The Home Office licences programmes of work using animals in science, including testing to satisfy regulatory requirements set out in legislation. I understand establishments must only conduct work for limited permissible purposes, according to the terms of their licences, which the Home Office assures through audit and inspection processes.
I hope that this helps to reassure you that the law requires that animals are only used in science where there are no alternatives, where the number of animals used, and potential harm is the minimum needed to achieve scientific benefit.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.