Andrew Duff Welcomes Good Deal For Animal Rights And Science Research (Maldon Liberal Democrats)

Maldon Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Andrew Duff Welcomes Good Deal For Animal Rights And Science Research

September 8, 2010 12:00 PM
Originally published by Andrew Duff MEP

East of England Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew DUFF welcomed the outcome of a key European Parliament vote today (Wednesday) on the use of animals in scientific research.

MEPs adopted a new law to allow the development of medical and veterinary science while raising the level of protection for animals.

The vote concludes negotiations on a heavily lobbied directive to update existing EU legislation dating back to 1986, taking account of new research techniques and higher standards now expected of researchers.

Andrew DUFF said:

"Much of the best science in the EU is carried out in the East of England. This EU legislation spreads the best of UK practice across the EU's 27 member states. The law will be reviewed again in a few years time to keep pace with developments in scientific techniques.

"The UK will retain existing higher standards, but other EU states lagging behind must now raise their standards. The law insists that alternative methods to animal testing will be used where they exist.

"Liberal Democrat input to the controversial negotiations has secured an upper pain threshold to be suffered by animals and tough EU inspection of national laboratories where there are grounds for concern.

"The use of animals in scientific experiments is allowed for basic research and for research into human, animal or plant diseases, drug testing and species preservation, and also for higher education and forensic investigations.

"Today's vote creates a good set of circumstances under which the R&D effort in our region can continue to thrive."

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