Mark Ruskell, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Mid Scotland and Fife, has been awarded the Cruelty International Parliamentarian of the Month for June 2019, to recognise his work for animals.

We were delighted to present Mark with our award at the Stirling Health Food Store in his constituency, which sells Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny certified products.

The UK government has repeatedly failed to rule out the risk of repeat animal tests for chemicals should the country leave the European Union without a deal. Mark has pushed ministers to commit to no duplicate tests - including at a question and answer session in the Scottish Parliament with UK Secretary of State, Michael Gove.

As an honorary member of the British Veterinary Association, the MSP has long spoken up on behalf of animals, including working for animal sentience to be recognised in law.

Mark Ruskell MSP said: "I'm grateful to Cruelty Free international for this award. The EU has played a leading role in improving animal welfare and there remains a very clear risk that much of that could be undone by Brexit. Animals can experience pain, loss and degradation. So it's vital we recognise animal sentience - and that this is reflected across policy areas, from regulation to rights." 

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International, said: "We are delighted to champion parliamentarians who take steps to help end the suffering of animals in laboratories. Mark has been a strong advocate for animals and has raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about the risk of duplicate animal testing for chemicals. It’s a pleasure to present him with our Cruelty Free International Parliamentarian of the Month award for June 2019.”