In its latest Parliamentary bulletin, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) claims that there is greater than ever Parliamentary support for the BUAV’s campaigns. It bases this on the 166 MPs who signed up to the BUAV’s EDM on primate experimentation last year.

There is no real evidence to support this claim. A similar EDM in 2003 received 223 signatures. So perhaps support is falling.

In any case, little effort has been made by the scientific community to properly inform MPs about the case for well-regulated animal research, and the high animal welfare standards that exist in the UK.

However, times are changing. Instead of the polarised debate that the animal rights groups seek to promote, we are seeing more recognition of the need for an ethical approach to contemplation of animal experimentation. This means more emphasis on the refinement, replacement and reduction of animal research projects—known as the 3Rs.

Earlier this week the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) held an excellent Parliamentary reception to showcase efforts by the commercial and academic bio-science sector to improve animal welfare standards, reduce the number of animals used in individual research projects and develop replacement alternatives. Information about the event is on the NC3Rs website, and an excellent booklet was published with details of the numerous projects which were on show as posters for the event.

While a minority of MPs are sadly stuck in the ghetto of animal rights propaganda, there are indications that many wish to see a more sensible debate. With the welcome activities of NC3Rs—raising the profile of the improvements in science that can be gained from developing better and fewer ways of using animals—there is every reason for MPs to discover for themselves the substantial gains that can and have been made.