The testing of products and medicines on animals has always been an emotive topic and one on which many people hold extremely strong views. Because of the national consensus that animals ought to be treated with dignity and respect, this is rightly an area that is heavily regulated. It is also critical that we continue to support research into the 3Rs: replacing the use of animals in research where unnecessary, reducing the use of animals, and refinement to eliminate or reduce distress to the animals involved in research.
I think we can all fully and unequivocally support the right to peaceful protest; however, when it crosses into illegal activities, this is not acceptable.
The Government has argued that the current powers available to it are insufficient to tackle the evolving nature of protest tactics that it believes threaten the viability of the UK life sciences sector, and that this has necessitated the introduction of these regulations. Given that adding a new sector to the Act represents a significant change – and one not included by the previous Government – I believe it is important that the current Government clearly sets out its justification for doing so.
The draft regulations were debated and subsequently approved by the House of Commons on 14th January, meaning the regulations will now proceed. As the Government holds a majority, it is ultimately responsible for ensuring that any changes it makes appropriately balance the right to protest about issues people care deeply about with the need to uphold public order.
