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Animal Testing
16 December 2021
Lead MP
Margaret Ferrier
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
TaxationClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Margaret Ferrier raised concerns about animal testing in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Margaret Ferrier expressed her deep concern for animal welfare, citing a high level of public support for phasing out animal testing in favour of alternatives. She questioned the morality and scientific necessity of current practices, highlighting flawed principles in justifying continued testing despite poor translation to human trials and lack of rigorous checks against non-animal methods. The MP emphasised the need for reforming legislation, increased funding towards developing alternative methods, and clearer government strategy to prioritise animal-free science. Ferrier also called for better oversight and data collection on unnecessary animal deaths at testing facilities.
Tom Pursglove
Con
Corby
Pursglove thanked Margaret Ferrier for the debate and acknowledged the strength of public feeling regarding animal welfare. He emphasised the importance of basing discussions on evidence, highlighting the balance between scientific benefits and animal welfare.
Government Response
The Minister affirmed the UK's robust regulatory framework for using animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which mandates the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. He acknowledged the public desire to see progress on alternatives but argued that animal testing remains essential for safety and innovation, citing examples such as vaccine development and environmental protection. Evans refuted claims about unnecessary use or invalidity of data from animal tests, emphasising the need for continued research given current limitations in non-animal methods. The Minister committed to maintaining regulatory standards and investing in alternative techniques while stressing that robust checks are in place to minimise harm to animals used for scientific purposes.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.