Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Animal Testing 2026-07-13

Monday 13 July 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The figure in the question represents the maximum number of animals expected to be used under licences granted in early 2026 for up to five years for the purpose of benefiting humans, animals or the environment.
  • The Government agrees that greater urgency is needed to accelerate the phase-out of animal testing.
  • The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has committed to publishing clear timelines for specific actions and has backed the strategy with 75 million.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lee Pitcher Lab
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question is prompted by the authorisation of over a million animals to be used in various projects under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding the potential implications for policies given that 1,250,687 animals have been authorised for use in 90 projects over five years through licences granted between January to March 2026 under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986?

Answer from Sarah Jones

The figure in the question represents the maximum number of animals expected to be used under licences granted in early 2026 for up to five years for the purpose of benefiting humans, animals or the environment. Animal use may only be authorised where no suitable alternative exists. The Government remain committed to accelerating the replacement of animals in science wherever possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as there is no detailed assessment of policy implications provided.

How: Remain Committed

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Q2 Lee Pitcher Lab
Science & Technology
Context

Statistics show a decrease in overall scientific procedures involving animals but an increase in experiments on dogs and monkeys.

Question

The statistics published last week indicate 2.45 million scientific procedures involving animals were carried out in Great Britain in 2025, representing a 9% increase in experiments on dogs and a 13% increase on those using monkeys. Does the Minister agree that greater urgency is needed to accelerate the phase-out of animal testing? Will she consider the merits of Herbie's law for a clear, long-term plan?

Answer from Sarah Jones

I agree that greater urgency is needed to accelerate the phase-out of animal testing, and I welcome the strategy that the Government published, which was backed by £75 million. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has committed to publishing clear timelines for specific actions, and I look forward to seeing them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's specific request about Herbie's law was not directly addressed with a commitment or consideration of its merits.

How: Welcome The Strategy, Commitment To Timelines

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