Letters: Stop putting lipstick on a pig
[Re: The future of cruelty free cosmetics]
The news that the government would align with an EU decision resulting in allowing testing of ingredients – used even only in cosmetics – on animals is hugely concerning. This would effectively undermine the policy ban that has been in place here in the UK since 1998.
Not only are these ingredients in wide circulation and demonstrated to be safe, but it is equally hard to understand why a decision made by the European Chemicals Agency, which oversees chemicals management in Europe, would still be directing animal protection standards in the UK.
Cruelty Free International’s latest research with YouGov has revealed that there is widespread disapproval from the public to animals suffering and dying for cosmetics testing.
Eighty-five percent of Brits say it is unacceptable that cosmetics and their ingredients are tested on animals and sixty-six per cent say that they would like the Government to set a binding plan to phase out all animal testing.
Some of Britain’s largest businesses, including Boots, Waitrose, and the Co-op have also openly spoken out against the practice of animal testing for cosmetics, and Unilever has said it would refuse to carry out any new testing.
The Government should pause any proposals to allow cosmetics animal testing, consult with industry and listen to consumers.
Kerry Postlewhite