No reply to over 6,000 people who responded to invitation for Brexit opportunity ideas
Huge thanks to everyone who has sent an email to Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency. Over 6,000 people have contacted him urging government to build a more humane system for managing chemicals following his call a few months ago for members of the public to get in touch with their ideas on how to seize the opportunities of Brexit. The UK has retained the European Union’s chemicals legislation – REACH – which relies heavily on toxicity tests on animals and is slow to take on board new animal-free test methods. Brexit is a chance for the UK to do better.
Sadly, there was no mention in this week’s Queen’s Speech of any government plans to move away from animal testing, nor, as far as we are aware, has there been any response to those more than 6,000 emails.
Our Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Kerry Postlewhite, said: “This is the same Jacob Rees-Mogg who, in April, left a note on the empty desks of civil servants working from home, saying “sorry you were out when I visited”. We’re sorry that despite asking the British public, he doesn’t seem to be listening – sorry you were out when we wrote! We’re sending our note to the minister in the hope that we will receive a positive reply soon.”
You can also send a message to government that there should be no going back on the UK’s policy not to allow any animal testing for cosmetics by signing our petition below.