Written question asked by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Animal Experiments: Northern Ireland

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether there is a restriction or obligation in the provisions, outworking or implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol or the Windsor Framework to prevent Northern Ireland from phasing in animal-free medical or scientific testing.

Answer: We are not aware of any such restrictions or obligations for human medicines or other scientific testing, although any such proposal would need to be considered based on its specific details. For human medicines, it is already an expectation across the UK to demonstrate that non-animal testing has been used where possible. For veterinary medicines, the Government is also committed to phasing out the use of animals in testing where possible, although it may be required in some cases to ensure only safe and effective veterinary medicines are marketed, e.g. during the development of new veterinary medicines.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL14509
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Animal experiments Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Protocol Windsor Framework
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk