Today Conservative MEPs backed a call for the EU to spearhead a global ban on the testing of cosmetics on animals.
The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly today for the EU and its Member States to work towards a UN convention against the use of animal testing for cosmetics.
Vice-President of the European Parliament's Animal Welfare Intergroup, Jacqueline Foster MEP, said: "It is unacceptable that 80% of the world still allows cosmetic products to be tested on animals. This out-of-date testing is unjustifiable and barbaric. That's why Conservative MEPs have called on the UK and the EU to spearhead efforts to secure an international convention that brings this cruel practice to an end.
"I am very proud that the UK is playing a leading role globally to end cosmetic testing on animals; we were the first country to ban the practice twenty years ago, instrumental in securing an EU-wide ban and we are supporting other countries such as China to end unnecessary animal testing. We must continue to share our experience and lead by example, but we must also use our diplomatic muscle in the UN to secure a world-wide ban."
Conservative MEPs' Deputy Leader, Mrs Foster added: "The United Nations has similar conventions already, such as CITES, that co-ordinate international efforts to protect endangered species for example. Now is the time to push for a global ban at the UN and finally bring the cosmetic industry's testing processes into the 21stcentury."