Two Scots Labour MPs rebel against UK Government over ban on animal testing protests

Irene Campbell and Brian Leishman were among 26 Labour MPs who voted against allowing the Government to call the sites national infrastructure - which would curb demonstrations outside them.

Ms Campbell said the ban was “contradictory” while Mr Leishman said it showed an “erosion” of the democratic right to protest.

The Government used a statutory instrument (SI) to amend the Public Order Act 2023. It passed by 301 votes to 110.

Statutory Instruments allow ministers to amend laws without introducing a new bill

North Ayrshire and Arran MP Ms Campbell said: “I'm hugely disappointed that after bringing out our strategy to replace animals in medical research, that this SI has been introduced which seems contradictory.

“I think there are current laws in place to deal with protestors and this doesn't need to change.”

Alloa and Grangemouth MP Mr Leishman - who was previously suspended for rebelling against the UK Government - said: “Today there was a voted on whether laboratories that perform horrific tests on animals should be classed as national infrastructure, meaning people would be able to protest outside these labs against the awful things that happen to poor defenseless animals inside.

“This vote has only happened because I and other MPs objected to those plans.

“Today I voted to make sure that people have the fundamental right to protest outside these facilities.

“It’s morally right and it’s an exercise in democracy.

“We are seeing in this country the erosion of those democratic rights.

“MPs have to stand up for what is right and protest is essential to the British way of life.”

A Home Office spokesperson said before the vote: “Peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democratic society; people in this country will always be able to freely express their views.

“This change is about providing police with powers to respond proportionately to disruptive protest activity that undermines our nation’s health.”