Non-human primates used in service licences: holding response (accessible)
Published 18 December 2025
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2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Dr Sally Robinson
Chair, Animals in Science Committee
5th Floor, 2 Ruskin Square
Broad Green
Croydon CR0 2WF
asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk
10 October 2025
Dear Dr Sally Robinson,
Re: Response to advice
At plenary you requested assurance that the Animals in Science Regulation Policy Unit could meet expectations of responses to advice, in accordance with the Working Protocol. Specifically, you wanted an update as to the delay regarding a response to the Animals in Science Committee’s advice on non-human primates used in service licences.
We have encountered several challenges over recent months, that includes a significant workload, reduced resource and changes to internal processes. Each of these have contributed to the delay in submitting this response for Ministerial approval. My apologies.
We have discussed with yourself, and internally, the need for timely responses. The policy team are committed to the principles and requirements in the Working Protocol. We aim to meet these expectations. I am also pleased to report that we have two new full-time starters in the Animals in Science Regulatory Policy Team to bolster resource.
Of course, our focus is not just on the immediate response, but also on how we follow through on actions to delivery and evaluation. I would like to assure you that while the turnaround of advice is our immediate priority, we will maintain focus on the importance of achieving the intended outcomes.
Thank you for your constructive challenge. We look forward to meeting expectations form this point forward.
Yours sincerely,
Will Reynolds
Head of Science Regulation