MPS join BUAV's cruel cosmetics campaign
Monday, 19 September 2011 5:28 PM
MPs Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park), Mary Glindon (North Tyneside), Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) and Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) have declared their support for BUAV’s No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to end animal testing for toiletries and cosmetic products sold in the EU.
Contrary to popular belief, toiletries and beauty products that are tested on animals outside the EU are still on sale and widely available throughout the EU, including in the UK. This is despite widespread public opposition and an existing ban on conducting animal tests for cosmetics inside the UK since 1997, and in the EU since 2009.
The BUAV has launched the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign in response to concerns of a delay to the 2013 EU ban on the import and sale of animal tested products. These MPs join over 100,000 supporters of the BUAV’s campaign by signing the No Cruel Cosmetics petition. All five MPs have also signed Early Day Motion 1242 calling on the UK Government to hold Brussels to account and uphold this EU-wide ban. The EDM has been supported by over 170 MPs (1).
If the ban is delayed, hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to die in cruel cosmetics tests for beauty products sold in the EU. You can sign the petition at NoCruelCosmetics.org.
Mike Crockart, MP for Edinburgh West said: “I am pleased to lend my support to the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign. Many people buy toiletries and cosmetics in good faith believing that the existing ban on testing for such purposes is strong enough. The campaign shows that this is not the case.”
I hope No Cruel Cosmetics will bring to an end the suffering of many animals made to endure the darker side of the beauty industry.”
Nic Dakin, MP for Scunthorpe said: “I am certain that no-one would wish to use cosmetics developed through cruelty to animals. This is not necessary in this day and age. I am very happy to support the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign.”
Mary Glindon, MP for North Tyneside said: “This is an excellent campaign, which I am more than happy to support. I wear cosmetics but I do not believe, in this modern day, that any animal should suffer for our vanity. Everyone, especially those of us who love to wear cosmetics, should sign up to it.”
Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park said: “Animal testing for cosmetic products should stop immediately. The science is in any case unreliable, which is one reason we have so many dangerous products on the market.”
Former Liberal Democrat Leader and MP for Ross, Skye & Lochaber, Charles Kennedy said: “There is no justification for testing cosmetic products on animals. I am pleased that the UK has led the way in banning such tests and successfully making the case for a Europe-wide ban.”
“Governments now have the opportunity to work together to eliminate the import of animal tested cosmetic products from outside the EU. That will send a signal of genuinely global importance in the fight against animal cruelty. I very much hope there will be no delay.”
Michelle Thew Chief Executive of BUAV said: “We are delighted that these MPs have joined our campaign to end cruel tests on animals for beauty products sold in the EU. Testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary. Please sign our petition to the European Commission today at NoCruelCosmetics.org.”
ENDS
1) http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/1242
For further information, images and quotes, please contact BUAV’s press office:
fleur.dawes@buav.org
+44(0) 7850 510 955
+44 (0) 207 619 6978
www.BUAV.org
BUAV is a widely respected international authority on animal testing issues and is frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for its advice and expert opinion. BUAV has been campaigning for over 100 years for a world where nobody wants or believes we need to experiment on animals.
Fleur Dawes
Media Officer
British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV)
16a Crane Grove
London N7 8NN
Direct: +44 (0) 20 7619 6978
Out-of-hours: +44 (0) 7850 510 955
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7700 0252
Say NO to Cruel Cosmetics in the EU: Sign our petition!
www.buav.org
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