15.01.26
“Animal testing is not vital for this country’s day-to-day running, and to try to define it as such is an attack on democracy.” Kate Salmon | Campaign Manager, Naturewatch Foundation
On Wednesday, 14th January 2026, Parliament voted through the Public Order Act 2023 amendment to add ‘Life Sciences Infrastructure’, i.e., animal testing facilities, to the list of ‘Key National Infrastructure’. This will criminalise protesting outside these facilities, of which there are countless around the UK, and online activity that could be considered as interfering with these facilities has also not been ruled out.
These facilities include animal testing laboratories, breeding centres, many universities, and administrative offices. Essentially, anything linked to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
With the release of the ‘Phase out of animal testing’ strategy in November 2025, and 11 days later, the launch of this proposed law change, the UK Government appears to be confused as to how vital animal testing is for the UK. It’s either not necessary and is phased out, or it’s vital to the country’s day-to-day running. Which one is it? It cannot be both.
I would like to thank the 110 MPs who voted no, standing up for freedom of speech, a transparent parliamentary process, and ultimately, democracy. Many of these were MPs from the government party who would have been voting against their own party’s wishes.
Thank you.
We have been asking supporters to engage with their local MP on this matter and to share their concerns about why this matters, both for people and animals. You did this in your thousands!
Without the collective voices you all brought, Parliament would not have heard the mighty noise we have made, and this law change would have been pushed through without fuss.
You are all incredible, and the way you’ve come together to stand against animal testing and fight for our right to protest is inspiring.
Thank you.
What’s next?
We may be down, but we’re not out yet. There is still a fight to have.
The law change (statutory instrument) moves on to the House of Lords, where there will be a full debate in the main Chamber, with the date TBC. From there, it’s likely to go on to a vote. It is the final stop for this amendment, and if it passes through, it will become law 7 days later.
Members of the House of Lords have a choice on whether this becomes law. They can save our faith in democracy, stand up for animals used for questionable science in the UK, and throw this law change out.
We’re asking our supporters to rally once more. Email the House of Lords, ask members to attend the debate, speak out against it, and ultimately end it. Click the link here for a simple contact form: https://action.naturewatch.org/parliament-has-silenced-us-house-lords-can-save-us
