Animal welfare and the right to protest are two of the most fundamental values of our country. The right to peaceful protest is the cornerstone of our democracy and I support the phasing out of animal testing. The Public Order Act was passed by the previous Government. I note that the Delegated Legislation Committee agreed to amending the Public Order Act to include life sciences sector in the list of key national infrastructure, making it a criminal offence to disrupt or interfere with the operation of life science infrastructure. There is no excuse for violent or criminal behaviour as a means of protest .

While I am committed to phasing out the use of animals in science, a balance has to be struck to protect the health of our citizens and our national health infrastructure. I believe medical supply chains have to be protected from disruption which threatens medical progress and undermines our capability to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency. The UK’s legal framework already requires that animals are only used in science where no validated alternatives exist. The Government is accelerating efforts to develop and adopt these alternatives. I welcome the Government’s new animal testing strategy published in November 2025. I recognise the urgency of the transition away from animal testing and I am determined to support meaningful change through co-ordinated, cross-government action. I understand the animal testing plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible, rolling out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so.