Strengthening leading practice in the animals in science sector: holding response
Published 23 June 2026
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Lord Hanson of Flint
Minister of State
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Dr Sally Robinson
Chair of the Animals in Science Committee (ASC)
By email only: asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk
17th June 2026
Dear Sally,
Thank you for the Committee’s report, Strengthening leading practice in the animals in science sector, published 19 January 2026. I wrote to you on 5 February 2026 confirming our intention to respond to the Committee’s recommendations by the end of June 2026.
The Home Office has been carefully considering the Committee’s recommendations and engaging with key partners, including DSIT and others across the system, to ensure that the response is deliverable and aligned with wider cross-government work, such as the Replacing animals in science strategy.
Given the breadth and complexity of a number of the recommendations, and the importance of taking a coordinated, evidence-based approach, this work requires further development. We want to ensure that issues identified through engagement are properly addressed in advance, so that the response supports meaningful, practical and lasting change across the animals in science regulation system.
I understand you have engaged with officials and are content that the Home Office takes additional time to review these recommendations with the view to strengthening its response. Therefore, we now expect to respond to the report by the end of September 2026.
Thank you for your understanding as we take the time needed to ensure that the response is fully considered and supports the best possible outcomes.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Hanson of Flint