Strategic direction of animals in science: letter from Lord Sharpe
Published 25 October 2023
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Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Professor David Main
Chair
The Animals in Science Committee
14th Floor, Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY
DECS Reference: MIN/0962003/23
29 August 2023
Dear Professor Main,
Thank you for your letter of 16 June regarding the strategic direction of animals in science. Your contribution regarding these important matters is most welcome.
I agree with your assessment that we are at a ‘significant juncture’ between the use of animals in science and the development and uptake of alternatives. I believe it is imperative that we continue to accelerate the uptake of alternatives as we look to harness the scientific, economic and welfare benefits.
I am committed to the delivery of rigorous and robust regulation where there are no alternatives to using animals. In this regard, I continue to lead our drive for regulatory reforms and will relentlessly pursue continuous improvement. This will improve how we deliver, assure the public of the important protections to animals that are afforded under our legislation and maintain our national position as a global leader. I welcome your commitment to this continuing task and will be in contact regarding my priorities as a ministerial scheduled commission to the Animals in Science Committee. Of course, I also welcome you raising matters of your own volition that you see as important in this regard.
Your request for me to consider the relocation of the portfolio under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is a persuasive case. I am presently exploring this cross-departmentally with ministerial colleagues and will engage with you as we further these discussions.
Your letter highlights the importance that we attribute to getting the model of delivery under the animals in science portfolio right, so we are well placed to address the challenges in this area. I would like to discuss your ideas further so this may assist in shaping our direction and would like to take up your offer for a discussion after the summer recess.
