PETA’s Parliamentary Reception: MPs Call For an End to Experiments on Animals
At a special reception hosted by PETA at the Palace of Westminster, over 30 MPs gathered to show support for – and pressure the government to develop – a plan to phase out animal experimentation. Titled “A Roadmap for Non-Animal Science in the UK”, the reception showcased PETA’s Research Modernisation Deal and discussed the urgent need for the government to commit to ending the almost unimaginable suffering of millions of animals used in experiments.
Developed by PETA scientists, this detailed report provides policymakers with a strategy to stop using and killing animals for research, testing, and education and to accelerate the uptake of advanced technologies that outperform animal methods.
The event was sponsored by Bob Blackman CBE MP and attended by other MPs, including John McDonnell MP and Adrian Ramsay MP. Also in attendance was Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order: UK star and long-time PETA friend Jamie Bamber. Bamber spoke to attendees about the importance of transitioning to cruelty-free and human-relevant research methods.
“The United Kingdom has long prided itself on being a nation that cares about animals. But if we are genuinely to live up to this ideal, we must commit to ending the suffering of animals in laboratories. Public support for this cause is overwhelming, yet previous policies have lagged behind the will of the people. Now is the time for renewed and decisive action.”
– Jamie Bamber
PETA extends a big thank-you to everyone who attended the reception and joined us in our call for an end to all experiments on animals in the UK!
Animals Are Subjected to Extreme Torment
In 2023, more than 2.68 million animals were bled, poisoned, deprived of food, isolated, mutilated, or otherwise subjected to psychological suffering and physical pain in British laboratories. Millions more were bred and killed without being used – discarded as “surplus” because, for example, they were not of the desired sex or lacked certain disease characteristics.
Experiments on Animals Are Cruel and Wasteful
Extensive research shows that results from these tests fail to translate into treatments for humans and thus do little to advance human health. That’s why PETA is calling on the government to stop wasting money and lives on animal experimentation and switch to modern research methods that actually help people.
Keir Starmer’s government has committed to working towards phasing out animal testing. It’s vital that we hold it to this promise by demanding a government-led roadmap for ending all experiments on animals.
Support Our Campaign
Now is the time for the UK to reaffirm its role as the world leader in biomedical research and shift away from the failed animal experimentation paradigm. Please sign our petition urging the government to mandate an end to all animal experimentation:
