Steve Race MP introduces Bill calling for replacement of animals in medical research

We were thrilled to be in Westminster today as Steve Race MP introduced a Bill on our behalf calling for an end to the use of animals in medical research, and a requirement for non-animal methods to be used instead. The Animals in Medical Research (Prohibition) Bill was inspired by Steve Race’s recent visit to our Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence (ARC 2.0) at the University of Exeter, and our campaign for Herbie’s Law which calls for a decade-long phase out of animal use.

Whilst Bills of this kind rarely become law, they are instrumental in raising awareness and increasing engagement on a topic amongst parliamentarians. This is the first time a Bill has been introduced based on our campaign for Herbie’s Law, representing a huge step forward.

Steve Race MP and Isobel Martin, Public Affairs Director at Animal Free Research UK

Steve visited ARC 2.0 earlier this month and met with Professor Lorna Harries who powerfully explained the scientific benefits of using human-specific technologies instead of animal experiments. It was this visit to our laboratory – based in his constituency – that propelled him to act.

Needless to say, it was moving for our Public Affairs team to witness the introduction of this Bill in the House. We are extremely grateful to Steve Race MP for using his voice for animals in laboratories and look forward to working with him as the Bill progresses to the next stage.

We will of course keep you updated every step of the way.