Local Tory MEP's disgraceful failure to cut animal experiments

1.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Graham Watson, MEP for the South West of England & Gibraltar, has called for the Conservatives' Neil Parish to prioritise animals' welfare ahead of a crucial vote on scientific experimentation.

Mr. Parish - who is also an MEP for the South West & Gibraltar constituency - chairs a group on the issue, but has introduced significant changes to a European Commission directive which could see the protection of animals reduced.

Speaking ahead of the 5 May vote in Strasbourg, Graham Watson said:

"I want to ensure that our animals - in the South West & across the rest of Europe - are protected as much as possible. Mr. Parish is responsible for bringing this directive to us at the European Parliament. He wants to change it for the worse. I cannot understand why someone claiming to be supportive of animal welfare would slip in changes that could have such a damaging effect."

Editors notes:

*Around 12 million animals are used annually in scientific procedures in the EU. The current EU legislation on animal testing dates back to 1986. The aim of the European Commission directive is to ensure animals are sufficiently protected in industry & research throughout the EU.

*Graham Watson MEP is Leader of the ALDE group on the European Parliament. He is first on the Liberal Democrats' list of European candidates for the South West of England & Gibraltar - elections take place on 4 June 2009.