We are concerned that a no-deal Brexit could result in more UK animal tests for chemicals regulation. Last week the Government put out a paper explaining how chemical businesses might be affected if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. But the paper failed to include any mention of the impact on animal testing.

We are worried that a no-deal Brexit could mean that the UK would need to carry out the same animal tests for chemical registration as the EU. This would mean twice as many animals would suffer. If existing EU animal-test data is not shared with the UK, then the same animal tests would have to be carried out again by the UK for the same information.

With the UK set to leave the EU next year, we urge the UK Government to use Brexit as an opportunity to reduce the numbers of animals used in experiments. Instead of duplicating or repeating EU animal tests, we call on the Government to create meaningful and long-lasting change for the millions of animals used in experiments.

Our Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Dr Katy Taylor, says: “We are deeply concerned that what could be used as a unique opportunity to move the country away from cruel and unnecessary animal testing and toward modern, humane alternatives, will instead lead to an increase in chemical tests on animals. We urge the UK government to use this moment in history to stop unnecessary animal experiments and do what it can to prevent the needless suffering of animals in UK laboratories.”