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Science: Research

Asked by Jenny Riddell-CarpenterLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 4 March 2026UIN 115732

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what metrics will be used to measure progress in reducing the number of animals used in scientific research; and how often this data will be published.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

Transparent targets and milestones and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the delivery of the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy will be published later in 2026. It is not yet possible to replace all animal use due to the complexity of biological systems and regulatory requirements for their use. Any work to phase out animal testing must be science-led, in lock step with partners, so we will not be setting arbitrary timelines for overall reduction, but we will publish timelines for specific actions.

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