A Scottish National Party MSP has called on the UK Government to take real action or devolve legislative control for animal testing to Holyrood.

SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, has written to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, and tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for a reduction in animal testing or responsibility of legislating for animal experiments to be delegated to the Scottish Government.

Commenting, SNP MSP John Mason said:

“The Home Office has already delegated responsibility for animal experiments to the Northern Ireland Executive, so I see no credible reason as to why Scotland should not have similar control of animal testing. If the Prime Minister and the UK Government really does have a ‘respect agenda’ for Scotland, then I am sure the UK Government will show respect and take action or devolve animal testing.

“Personally I am absolutely opposed to animal testing and, during my time as a Westminster MP, I committed to using no products in my office that were tested on animals. This is still very much the case in my current Parkhead Constituency Office and I am a keen supporter of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) and its campaign to end animal testing.

Supporting Mr Mason’s call for action on animal testing, the BUAV Chief Executive, Michelle Thew, said:

“We have been encouraged by the Scottish Parliament’s continued interest in reducing animal experiments. John Mason’s proposal would make it possible for Scotland to lead the way in securing positive change for animals in laboratories and pave the way for modern, humane science. We welcome John’s commitment and call on all MSPs to support this important proposal to make animal testing a devolved issue.”