A Parliamentary debate on animal-free science has highlighted the growing momentum to end animal testing in medical research. The adjournment debate, secured by Irene Campbell MP, was yet another example the growing cross-party support for the Government to publish a clear timeline for phasing out animal experiments.
During the debate, Irene Campbell MP spoke about the scale of the issue, with over 2.6 million animal experiments conducted in British laboratories each year, according to the latest figures. She also emphasised the UK’s opportunity to become a world leader in scientific innovation by supporting researchers to adopt animal-free alternatives.
Many scientists are already using pioneering non-animal methods, which can provide more accurate and human-relevant results than traditional animal experiments. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), lab-grown 3D cell cultures, and cutting-edge “organ-on-a-chip” technologies that mimic the functions of human organs.
Regulatory issues were also raised. Despite the law making it clear that animal experiments should only be used when no alternatives exist, very few applications for animal testing licenses are rejected.
This was highlighted by the publication of the ‘Non-technical summaries’ for January to March 2025, which were released last week. These summaries provide information on the purpose and details of animal experiments which were granted licences. In just three months, more than 2.16 million animals were approved for use across 125 projects. This includes mice, rats, guinea pigs, beagles, horses, pigs and sheep. One multipurpose project alone is using 15,500 mice, 11,000 rats, 600 guinea pigs and 200 rabbits – all will be killed by the end of the project.
This latest debate follows a wave of recent Parliamentary activity on the issue. In April, MPs debated the use of dogs in research, and just last month, MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum united to raise awareness of Herbie’s Law – a proposal that would phase out animal experiments over the next ten years.
Irene Campbell MP chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Phasing Out Animal Experiments in Medical Research, which brings together members from different political parties with a shared interest in advancing animal-free science.
Carla Owen, Chief Executive Officer of 
Animal Free Research UK, said:
“Today’s debate has sent a powerful message: the use of animals in medical research is outdated, unnecessary, and must end. There is growing public, political and scientific momentum behind this call for change.
“While animals continue to suffer in laboratories, world-leading scientists are proving that kinder, more accurate and human-specific research methods are not just possible – they are already here. However, as the latest data on licenses granted shows us, animal experiments are still seen by far too many as the default, and animals are paying the price with their lives.
“The Government must now act. Establishing clear timelines and targets, like those provided by Herbie’s Law, is critical to driving this much-needed progress.
“We thank Irene Campbell MP for championing this vital issue, and MPs from all parties who continue to speak out. The time for debate is over – now we need decisive leadership.”
