Concerns about animal welfare are taken seriously, and there is a clear expectation in the UK that animals must be treated with dignity and care.
Animal research is regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This law requires that animals are only used where there is no suitable alternative method available, and that any use is justified, carefully controlled and kept to the minimum necessary.
I support continued progress on the 3Rs: replacing animal use where possible, reducing the number of animals used, and refining methods to minimise suffering. This approach is at the centre of how the UK is trying to improve standards and develop alternatives. Significant public funding is already directed towards this work through the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) and related programmes.
I also recognise the case for faster progress in developing non-animal alternatives. That is the right direction of travel, and it is important that the UK continues to invest in new technologies that can reduce reliance on animal testing over time.
On the question of a full phase-out, while I support the ambition to reduce animal use as far as possible, it is not currently realistic to commit to completely phasing it out within a fixed timeframe. In some areas of medicine and safety testing, regulators still require animal data to ensure products are safe and effective. Any change needs to maintain high standards for patients and public safety.
I do believe the UK should continue to be a leader in developing and adopting alternatives. That means strong investment, clear regulatory support for new methods, and ensuring that progress happens in a way that maintains scientific integrity and does not simply shift research to countries with lower standards.