MPs to debate petition relating to commercial breeding for laboratories

On Monday 16 January, MPs will debate e-petition 611810, relating to commercial breeding for laboratories. Conservative MP Elliot Colburn, a member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate. A minister from the home office will respond.

This petition, which has more than 102,000 signatures, states:

We believe the use of animals is scientifically, ethically, morally and financially (taxpayer funded) unjustifiable. Defined in 1959, UK law enshrines the principles of the 3Rs. The UK must abandon these old principles and focus on the development and use of Non Animal Methods

In its response to the petition, provided on 27 May 2022, the Government said: “The use of animals in science supports the development of new medicines and the safety of our environment, for the benefit of humans and animals, and is only permitted when there are no alternatives.”