Grahame Morris MP asked the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy whether his Department plans to prioritise the development and uptake of human-relevant new approach methodologies in the forthcoming UK research and development roadmap.

Mr. Sharma said, “In July the Government published its ambitious R&D roadmap, reaffirming our commitment to cement the UK’s position as a science superpower. It will revitalise our whole system of science, research and innovation to release its potential and our investment in multiple disciplines and methodologies will be guided by expert researchers.”

Mr. Morris went on to ask, “A successful transition to new approach methodologies requires the support of Government-backed infrastructure, strategic allocation of funding, improved education, multidisciplinary collaboration between universities and industry, and close collaboration with regulators. Will the Minister undertake to prioritise the opportunities offered by human-relevant methods, so that the UK does not risk losing its position as a global leader in biomedical research and innovation?”

Mr. Sharma responded: “I know that the Honourable Gentleman cares very deeply about these matters, and he launched a White Paper earlier this year on this issue. I welcome the contribution of that report, and the use of animals in research is carefully regulated, and remains important in ensuring new medicines and treatments are safe. However, the Government is committed to reducing and replacing the use of animal research, and he will know that we have invested 67 million pounds to support the development of new techniques that will help to achieve this.”

The Easington MP hosted the launch of the White Paper “Accelerating the Growth of Human Relevant Life Sciences in the United Kingdom,” published by the Alliance for Human Relevant Science in March.