Yesterday, former Lithuanian government minister Virginijus Sinkevičius was confirmed by MEPs as the new Commissioner responsible for overseeing EU laws governing animals in laboratories.

Together with our European partners, we have asked him to demonstrate his commitment from the outset by laying out a comprehensive plan with targets and timetables to bring to an end toxicity testing on animals in the EU.

Last month, when we released the findings of our investigation at the LPT animal testing facility in Germany, thousands made their voices heard by protesting, contacting the European Commission and signing petitions demanding the closure of the lab and a review of EU animal testing laws. The message is clear: Europe wants this suffering to stop. We urge Commissioner Sinkevičius to listen and act.

Our Director of Public Affairs, Kerry Postlewhite said: "The evidence from our investigation has lifted the lid on the secrecy and suffering that continues to surround the use of animals in toxicity testing required by regulators. The case of LPT is undoubtedly awful, but this type of testing is taking place all over Europe. A comprehensive review into the use of animals in regulatory toxicity testing throughout Europe is urgently needed. Europe's citizens need reassurance that suffering and cruelty like this is not happening on their doorsteps and we need to set firm targets and timetables to move the EU away from animal testing. The time for token words is long over."

If you agree and think European animal testing laws need to be fundamentally reviewed, click here.