MP Campaign
- Caroline Betts
- Apr 29, 2024
- 2 min read
The first account of an MP questioning Section 24 post-FOI was in 2001. Ms. Candy Atherton, Labour MP for Falmouth and Camborne, asked when a decision is expected on the changes to Section 24 of ASPA. This was followed by a review of the section in 2002.
The review concluded that the section should be retained for the time being but may be re-reviewed in 2 years. Between 2004 and 2014, several MPs asked for an update on whether repealing the section would be reconsidered. Each time this was asked, it was answered in the same manner, stating that there were no plans to review the repeal plans.
Between 2014 and 2020, several MPs asked when, or if, the results would be published. Each response stated that “the consultation results would be published in due course”, despite the number of years that had passed.There have been 2 EDM motions brought to parliament one on the 28th October 2013 and the other on the 16th June 2014. A public petition was also started on GOV.UK in 2018, calling for Section 24 to be abolished, however, the petition only received 1831 signatures.
A report was brought to the House of Lords by the select committee of Animals in Scientific procedures where they stated:
9.1 We consider that the availability to the public of regularly updated, good quality information on what animal experiments are done and why, is vital to create an atmosphere in which the issue of animal experimentation can be discussed productively.
Publication below:-
It begs the question - why has Section 24 not been repealed if MP's agree in transparency and openness and to repeal the Section 24?
We urge you to send a letter to your MP. Download our template below:
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