For my part, I am pleased that the Government has outlined how it will work to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in research - known as 'the 3Rs'. It has launched a delivery plan, which is part of a Government commitment to create a science-led approach to reduce the use of animals in bioscience. The UK's National Centre for the 3Rs has been leading the way in this areas, and has already invested over £35 million to support this work. As a result, trials into cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and toxicity testing have seen reductions in animal use.
Animal research still plays a small but important role in providing vital safety information for potential new medicines, and it is worth remembering that, as a result of findings from animal studies, a large number of potential new drugs never get as far as being tested on humans. Unfortunately, some aspects of the toxicological assessment of new medicines cannot be adequately assessed in humans, and animal data will be the only kind available.
Without animal testing it is highly likely that a large number of potentially dangerous new medicines would be tested in healthy volunteers and patients in clinical trials. However, animals are only used when there are no suitable alternatives, and by encouraging new cutting-edge approaches to science we will ensure that standards of animal welfare are improved. This is why I will not be signing EDM 400.
With regards to the proposed facility at Grimston, Home Office officials have advised B&K Universal Ltd of the requirements for the proposed facility of European Directive 2010/63/EU which was implemented in the UK and other member states on 1 January 2013, a directive which is based firmly in the 3Rs as outlined above. It lays down minimum standards for housing and care, and regulates the use of animals through a systematic project evaluation requiring, among other things, assessment of pain. It requires regular risk-based inspections and improves transparency through measures such as publication of non-technical project summaries and retrospective assessment.
Finally, with regard to the future of animal testing, I have written to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, highlighting my concerns.
