Karl Bygrave, a senior executive at Lush, passionately advocated for an end to animal testing during the Labour Party Conference held in Liverpool yesterday (October 11). Bygrave, alongside English songwriter Will Young, attended the conference to voice their opposition to this controversial practice.
The conference provided a platform for discussions on the effectiveness and safety of testing on animals, particularly dogs, in the field of scientific research. The event also explored the latest advancements in non-animal testing methods.
Joining Bygrave and Young were Dr. Carol Treasure, the founder and CEO of XCellR8, and Dr. Jarrod Bailey, Science Director at Animal Free Research UK. Together, they emphasized the urgent need to move away from animal testing and embrace alternative approaches.
Lush, a beauty and wellness brand, has been a staunch opponent of animal testing since its first store opened in 1995. The company firmly believes that animal testing is scientifically flawed and irrelevant to human outcomes. Instead, Lush conducts thorough safety and efficacy tests on human volunteers, using in vitro methods that involve human cell cultures and microbiology.
In the coming month, Lush plans to engage with Members of Parliament (MPs) in Parliament to further discuss strategies for ending animal testing in the United Kingdom. The initiative is being supported by Carolyn Harris MP, the Chair of the All-Party Group on Beauty, who is sponsoring the parliamentary meeting.
