Animal Testing — [Julie Elliott in the Chair]

Over 319,000 people have signed petitions against animal testing. Fleur Anderson highlights the ethical and scientific issues surrounding animal testing, citing figures such as 2.88 million experiments on animals in the UK in 2020 alone. She calls for transparency and reduction of severe suffering allowed under UK law.

Mr. Morris supported the petitioners and declared an interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on human-relevant science, paying tribute to Sir David Amess for his work on animal welfare. He highlighted that while there was a slight reduction in animal testing numbers in 2020 due possibly to the pandemic, it remained insufficient given the annual decrease rate before then was only about 1% per year. Morris argued for the transition to human-relevant science methods such as the use of human cells and tissues, AI, and organ-on-a-chip technology, pointing out significant failures in animal testing data translating to humans and the high failure rates of drugs that show promise in animal tests. The Minister should allocate more of the available funds towards animal testing to make it more efficacious and beneficial for everyone concerned. Thalidomide is an example where extensive animal testing did not ensure drug safety, leading to scepticism about the infallibility of animal testing. The Minister should acknowledge that some drugs can be repurposed after established testing.

Ferrier highlighted the widespread public opposition to animal testing in Scotland, noting that 79% of Scottish adults find it unacceptable when alternatives are available. She cited a YouGov poll indicating that 62% supported setting deadlines for phasing out animal testing. Ferrier questioned why 86,000 experiments were allowed despite causing severe suffering and called for the government to commit funding to alternative methodologies research.

The hon. Member for Stockport paid tribute to the late Sir David Amess's work on animal welfare and highlighted the UK's historic stance against animal testing, especially in cosmetics. He expressed concern over the Government's introduction of UK REACH which could lead to more animal testing. Navendu Mishra also mentioned the public sentiment against animal testing, noting that almost a quarter of a million people signed an e-petition calling for a ban on all animal testing. He raised concerns about force-feeding procedures and urged the Government to acknowledge evidence-based assessments from campaigners and scientists.

Ms Gibson echoed the support for animal welfare, citing a survey where 84% of respondents stated they would not purchase cosmetics tested on animals. She highlighted that despite public opposition, 3.4 million procedures involving animals took place in the UK in 2019. The MP questioned why tests using substances harmful to live rabbits and mice continue when alternatives exist, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and funding for humane research methods.

Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Labour, highlighted petitions calling for a ban on animal testing and recognition of urgent need for alternative research methods. Mentioned 235,000 signatures in total including 657 from Newport West. Acknowledged Labour's past actions but urged further steps towards eliminating animal testing. Concerns exist about unnecessary repetition in chemical and cosmetic tests on animals. The Minister should address the issue of ongoing, redundant testing practices.

The MP highlighted the need to adopt modern methods that do not require animal testing. He noted a rise in animal experiments since 1997 and called for changes to the Government's policy, pointing out that public acceptance of animal testing depends on there being no viable alternatives. The MP mentioned innovations such as complex cell models (CCMs) which could replace animal procedures entirely and improve scientific methods relevant to human health. Despite ongoing advancements in genomics and medical science, millions of animals are being terrorised and killed. The Minister should set deadlines and targets for the elimination of animal testing to benefit both humans and animals.