At a Glance
- 2.7 million animals used in UK research each year
- Call to ban live animal experimentation except in exceptional cases
- Animal testing proven both cruel and ineffective
- New human-specific technologies leading the way forward
- Animal-free research could add £2.5bn to UK economy by 2026
Last month I attended the Conservative Party conference to speak about a cause close to my heart – the need to ban experimenting on live animals, save in exceptional circumstances.
Most people are unaware that, according to the UK Home Office, around 2.7 million animals are used in research every year in Great Britain, that’s the equivalent of about five animals every minute, causing untold suffering.
Millions Still Used in Experiments
Worse still, between January and March 2025 alone, licences were granted for research projects approving the use of over two million animals across 125 projects, including work involving beagles, invasive brain research on monkeys, and even studies examining methods of killing animals in laboratories. Whilst most experiments are carried out on mice and fish, thousands of dogs, cats, and birds continue to be used.
But animal testing isn’t just cruel – it’s also ineffective. Despite appearing safe and effective in animal tests, around 92 percent of drugs fail in human clinical trials, either because they prove unsafe or simply don’t work in people.
There is a better way. Animal Free Research UK, where I am proud to be a Trustee, supports scientists to transition away from animal-based to human-specific medical research, such as the advanced use of human cells, tissues, and organ-on-a-chip technology. I have had the privilege to visit the Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence (ARC) in London, and the work they are doing is both impressive and innovative.
A Healthier, Kinder Future
The transition away from animal testing towards alternative methods would not only improve human health and improve animal welfare but also deliver real economic growth. Already, the non-animal testing sector is expected to contribute £2.5bn to the UK economy by 2026 – an increase of 700 per cent since 2017.
Around the world, other governments are taking clear action to phase out animal experiments. For a nation of animal lovers, it is appalling that we are now behind the Netherlands, the EU, India and even the United States.
In its 2024 manifesto, the Labour Party pledged to work towards phasing out animal testing, and we hope they will remain committed to this goal. To realise the economic, health and welfare benefits of animal-free science, the government should set out a clear roadmap for change.
Morally, ethically, socially and economically, this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
by Anna Firth
Former MP for Southend West and Trustee of Animal Free Research UK
Sources: UK Home Office 2023; Hansard (16 Jun 2025); Animal Free Research UK 2024 & Cebr 2021; EU Parliament 2021; Netherlands Gov 2016; PETA India 2014–15; US FDA 2022.