The MP for Huntingdon has written to the science minister asking him how the Labour Government plans to honour its manifesto pledge to phase out animal testing.  

Ben Obese-Jecty sent the letter after visiting the Huntingdonshire-based pharmaceutical company Labcorp, where he toured its facilities for animals used in drug development.  

Mr Obese-Jecty has stated publicly he personally does not support animal testing and the visit was to understand the company’s work and why such tests are required. 

In his correspondence to Lord Patrick Vallance, the newly-appointed science minister and former chief scientific adviser, the MP asks whether steps are going to be taken to phase out the practice.  

He also asks whether the new government intends to continue with previous work on developing and encouraging the uptake of techniques that would reduce the need to use animals.  

Mr Obese-Jecty wrote: "I know local residents in Huntingdon would be keen to understand what plans the government has to phase out animal testing by replacing these tests using non-animal methods.  

“There is also significant national interest in the pathway to achieving this state.” 

As well as LabCorp, another facility in Huntingdonshire related indirectly to animal testing is MBR Acres that rears puppies for the sector.  

Mr Obese-Jecty also explains how he appreciates change is needed across the regulatory landscape for progress to happen - and this will take time. 

He added: “If we are to progress to an environment where animal testing is no longer required, it will require significant will from the Government, regulators and the pharmaceutical industry alike. 

“I am under no illusion that this process will take upwards of a decade to achieve but as the Member of Parliament for an area which is intimately involved with the industry I have a significant interest in how progression is made towards the solution.”  

Labcorp has been approached for comment.