In February 2024, the UK government made five announcements relating to animal testing at a debate that brought together MPs and associations supporting the end of animal testing.
The Members of Parliament referred to the numerous petitions in the country concerning animal experimentation and alternative methods, which show that a large number of British citizens are in favor of ending the use of animals in research.
A group of transparent MPs took part, and their contributions were much appreciated. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) then made five announcements in the presence of members of Animal Free Research UK and other supporting organizations.
The DSIT commitments expressed by Science Minister Andrew aim to support the acceleration of the development of non-animal alternatives in research, and to establish more rigorous regulation of animal testing.
These are :
1. Doubling investment – UK Research and Innovation will double funding for research into the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine) and non-animal alternatives, from £10 million to £20 million.
2. Establish a roadmap – DSIT should draw up a plan to accelerate the development, validation and adoption of technologies and methods to reduce the use of animals in science.
3. Increase the cost of animal research by increasing licensing fees for the use of animals in research.
4. Consider license duration: a review of the duration of animal use licenses should make it possible to introduce more “challenge” into the system.
5. Evaluating public opinion – A survey is to be carried out among the British public to assess attitudes to animal research.
The potential of specific, innovative technologies to replace animals in research was discussed. These include the use of artificial intelligence, organs-on-a-chip and the advanced use of human data.
It was stressed that these methods could accelerate medical advances and stimulate the economy.
The exchanges seemed to be very rich. Both parliamentarians and British government representatives agreed on the enormous interest in animal replacement methods, and their potential for scientific and technological progress.
Animalfree Research UK’s summary of the event is available here.
