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Animals in Science Regulation Unit: Annual Report 2024
03 February 2026
Lead MP
Seamus Logan
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
SNP
Responding Minister
Sarah Jones
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Word Count: 7331
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Seamus Logan raised concerns about animals in science regulation unit: annual report 2024 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The report suggests that increasing the number of full-time inspectors alone may not result in meaningful change and calls for a series of more robust measures to address animal welfare issues. Seamus Logan also urges the government to consider international progress towards phasing out animal experiments.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Animals in Science Regulation Unit annual report for 2024 highlighted shocking failures to protect animals from undue suffering, including incidents where animals starved or drowned. In 2024, over 2.6 million procedures using animals took place in UK labs, representing a decrease of only 1.21% from 2023. There were 146 cases of non-compliance with licence conditions, affecting more than 22,000 animals.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Asked whether progress on replacing animals in scientific research remains only incremental and urged for urgent and ambitious progress to maintain public confidence.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Questions the adequacy of current sanctions for non-compliance, highlights the need to ensure products imported into Britain meet high standards, and calls for increased investment in alternative testing methods.
Ben Maguire
LD
North Cornwall
Supported high standards of animal welfare in scientific experimentation, acknowledged contributions from campaigners, and praised intentions outlined by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit report.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Questions whether we want to live in a society that tolerates animal experimentation leading to pain, mutilation, and suffering. Urges the passing of Herbie’s law for more modern technologies.
Irene Campbell
Lab
North Ayrshire and Arran
Welcomed decreases in animal experiments but highlighted concerning non-compliance cases, advocating for stricter enforcement and faster timelines for phasing out animals in research.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Agreed that more funding is needed for councils and enforcement bodies to gather evidence for successful prosecutions and highlighted the need for a robust inspection system.
Navendu Mishra
Con
Birmingham Erdington
Discussed the importance of the issue to constituents, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize reducing animal testing, and supported Herbie's law for a humane approach. Inquired about Home Office resources for tackling illegal and unethical animal testing, and suggested making the annual report statutory.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Welcomes the ASRU report but highlights issues such as insufficient inspectors leading to a need for reform. Questions how the Government plans to support a culture of safeguarding animal welfare in licensed organisations. Asked the Minister to phase out tests like forced swim test and LD50 as quickly as possible.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Thanked the Minister for her response and highlighted cross-party support, mentioned interest in meeting Lord Vallance to discuss alternatives, and shared a personal anecdote about his pet dog Lola.
Government Response
Sarah Jones
The Minister for Policing and Crime
Government Response
Acknowledged the need to phase out animal testing as quickly as possible, highlighted an increase in inspector resources from 14.5 FTEs to 22 by March 2026, committed to working with Lord Vallance to keep pace with EU and US efforts, and announced a UK centre for the validation of alternative methods. Discussed the regulatory framework for animal testing, including licensing requirements, transparency improvements through expert committee recommendations, and commitment to review unannounced audits. Acknowledged concerns about self-reporting and the importance of continuous improvement. Announced £75 million funding towards phasing out animal testing, emphasizing moving as quickly as science allows.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.