Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research entitled The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs published in 2023, what steps she plans to take to support animal welfare ethical review bodies to challenge the use of animals in research projects.

The Government is considering the independent report of February 2023, commissioned by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research.

The Home Office publishes Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and on its audit process. The latter is available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-research-technical-advice#process-and-standards-for-establishment-full-system-audits. The requirements of the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and the Named Information Officer (NIO) role are set out in the guidance, including how the AWERB and NIO role will be assessed under the audit framework.

The independent Animals in Science Committee has produced a report to support the operation of AWERBs, available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/awerb-hub-support-note.