I am proud of the life sciences sector in Cheshire and the surrounding area, which employs many of my constituents here in Cheadle. I believe it is important that the sector is supported, and remains at the forefront of the global life sciences and research industry.

Animal research still plays an important role in providing vital safety information for potential new medicines and many new medicines never get as far as being tested on humans as a result of findings from animal studies and some aspects of the toxicological assessment of new medicines cannot be adequately assessed in humans, so animal data is the only kind available.

Nonetheless, animals are only used when there are no suitable alternatives, and I believe that, as research progresses and new cutting-edge approaches to science are developed, we will ensure that our high standards of animal welfare continue to improve.