News / Research
Bristol MP calls for phasing out of animal use in scientific research
Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, joined more than 50 MPs, scientists and policymakers at a recent event in the Palace of Westminster backing a shift towards animal-free science.
The event followed the government’s announcement that it plans to phase out the use of animals in experiments after years of campaigning.
Sponsored by Irene Campbell MP and hosted by PETA, the reception was attended by several parliamentarians as well as Scottish actor and animal advocate Gail Porter, who urged support for ending experiments on animals and moving towards “human-relevant” research methods.
McCarthy said most animal experiments are “unnecessary, ineffective and inhumane”, arguing the UK has the tools and technology to adopt more humane alternatives quickly.
The recent event at the Palace of Westminster followed the government’s announcement that it plans to phase out the use of animals in experiments after years of campaigning
She said: “I believe that the vast majority of the experiments carried out on animals are unnecessary, ineffective and inhumane.
“We have the tools, the technology and the talent: we should be moving as quickly as possible to stop animal testing and to implement more humane methods.”
PETA’s head of science policy, Dr Julia Baines, called the government’s roadmap “a welcome milestone” but said further action is needed to end all animal experiments.
It is estimated that more than 2.5 million animals were used in laboratory procedures in Britain in 2024, and said its Research Modernisation Deal helped shape the government’s plans for transitioning away from animal testing.
PETA previously led a concerted campaign in the city against the use of the forced swim test in scientific experiments.
“We have the tools, the technology and the talent: we should be moving as quickly as possible to stop animal testing and to implement more humane methods,” said Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East
McCarthy, who has been vegan for 35 years, regularly speaks in parliament on issues including animal welfare, sustainable farming and public health and how these areas are interconnected.
In 2022, McCarthy lent her support to PETA’s campaign to find alternatives to bearskin caps worn by the Queen’s Guard.
All photos: PETA
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
