News

Neena speaks up for Fairness

West Midlands Labour MEP Neena Gill has taken the opportunity to address Parliament in Strasbourg this week to highlight the scandal that is the use of animals in scientific testing.

"President, as a campaigner for animal rights I welcome clarification on use of animals for scientific experimentation.

On this issue I have received almost 100 letters on this issue, pointing out that 12 million animals are subjected to scientific procedures.

Recognising that in some cases there is a need for experiments on animals in addressing diseases affecting humans, a simple bare necessity. However I wholeheartedly endorse that this should be a last resort and alternatives should be considered wherever possible.

In particular I think that the provision against taking animals from the wild is important. President, you will know that I've been at the forefront of trying to save the wild tiger and have expressed concerns about the lack of progress globally in addressing this issue. We cannot in good conscience encourage other countries to prevent the depletion of wild populations if we do not get our own house in order first. "