Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, 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 ensure that research projects funded by UK Research and Innovation do not use animals where replacement technologies could be used in their place.

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.

All research projects funded by UKRI undergo rigorous peer review which is expected to identify animal alternatives if they exist. Any project involving animals will also be required to go through the processes required by the Home Office.