Public attitudes to animal research: letter to Andrew Griffith (accessible)
Published 11 April 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-attitudes-to-animal-research-letter-to-andrew-griffith/public-attitudes-to-animal-research-letter-to-andrew-griffith-accessible
Animals in Science Committee
Professor David Main
Chair of the Animals in Science Committee
14th Floor Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Email: asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk
17 January 2024
Dear Minister Griffith,
I am writing to you as Chair of the Animals in Science Committee (ASC) regarding the discontinued Public Attitudes to Animal Research survey, previously conducted by Ipsos MORI and funded by the Office for Life Sciences.
This survey was conducted in its revised form biennially from 2014-2018, building on a long-term trend survey conducted since 1999. Whilst it was running, the survey provided invaluable data regarding the public acceptance, awareness and attitudes towards the use of animals in scientific research in the UK. Without this continuing time series of data, there is a missed opportunity to track the impact and influence of changing policy on public opinion over multiple decades.
The ASC is aware that a number of stakeholders have expressed a desire to see the survey restarted. The Animals in Science Policy Unit at the Home Office has raised this issue with officials from your Department previously, and we welcome the ongoing conversations surrounding this. The ASC would like to express support for the reinstatement of the survey to enable the proper assessment of the public view on the use of animals in science.
I recognise the importance of delivering value for money for the public, and that such surveys can come at great cost. As such, the ASC would welcome conversations on the options available for continuing this data collection in the most cost-effective manner.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Yours sincerely,
Professor David Main
Chair of the Animals in Science Committee