Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to hold discussions with (a) PETA and (b) other animal protection organisations on its cross-Departmental strategy to phase out animal testing.

The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal. The Government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year, and is engaging animal welfare organisations in developing this plan. The Government will also be hosting a roundtable with representatives from these organisations to discuss the strategy, including PETA.