The Hero MPs Supporting Petitions Calling For Ban On Animal Testing – To be debated 25th October

Posted on by Marie Carter-Robb

On Monday 25 October, MPs will debate e-petitions 581641 and 590216, relating to animal testing. Martyn Day, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a minister to respond.

‘Ban Animal Testing – Fund, accept & promote alternatives to animal testing’

The petition, which has more than 235,000 signatures, states: “We would like the Government to ban all animal testing UK, including for the development of cosmetics, household products and medicines. Alternatives need to be actively funded. Many products that are tested on animals end up not being suitable for humans. Animal testing is outmoded and should end.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 4 August 2021, the Government said: “Scientific research using animals is vital in understanding how biological systems work in health and disease. Government oversees development of 3Rs techniques and delivery of robust regulation.”

‘Plan to phase out animal experiments’

The petition, which has more than 83,000 signatures, states: “The Government must recognise the urgent need to use animal-free science and publish a clear and ambitious action plan with timetables and milestones to drive the phase-out of animal experiments. As well as preventing animal suffering, this will benefit public health and business.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 4 August 2021, the Government said: “The Government funds and supports the development of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (3Rs). This is primarily delivered by the National Centre for the 3Rs.”

The debate will last 90 minutes, and will provide opportunities for MPs to question the Government directly on this issue. The debate will take place in Westminster Hall from 18:00, and will be available to view on Parliament TV and on YouTube.

Petition details

  • ‘Ban Animal Testing – Fund, accept & promote alternatives to animal testing’ – view on petition signature map.
  • ‘Plan to phase out animal experiments’ – view on petition signature map.
  • Any Library Briefing Papers for this debate will be available here.

Follow the debate

Where in the country were these petitions signed?

The top 10 parliamentary constituencies that supported the petition ‘Ban Animal Testing – Fund, accept & promote alternatives to animal testing’ are as follows:

ConstituencyMPSignature Count
Cities of London and WestminsterNickie Aiken MP3127
Liverpool, RiversideKim Johnson MP1229
North West CambridgeshireShailesh Vara MP1060
North East CambridgeshireRt Hon Steve Barclay MP986
West DunbartonshireMartin Docherty-Hughes MP924
Paisley and Renfrewshire NorthGavin Newlands MP859
Coatbridge, Chryston and BellshillSteven Bonnar MP843
HuntingdonMr Jonathan Djanogly MP841
Rutherglen and Hamilton WestMargaret Ferrier MP810
Garston and HalewoodMaria Eagle MP785

The top 10 parliamentary constituencies that supported the petition ‘Plan to phase out animal experiments’, as at 20 October are as follows:

ConstituencyMPSignature Count
Brighton, PavilionCaroline Lucas MP348
Isle of WightBob Seely MP302
HovePeter Kyle MP256
Bristol SouthKarin Smyth MP236
North West CambridgeshireShailesh Vara MP229
South NorfolkMr Richard Bacon MP225
Hastings and RyeSally-Ann Hart MP220
WellsJames Heappey MP218
North East BedfordshireRichard Fuller MP216
Bristol WestThangam Debbonaire MP215
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