URGENT: Animal Welfare Charity Urges MPs to Vote Against Proposed Amendment to Public Order Act
London, UK, Friday 9 January, 2026 – Naturewatch Foundation, a leading animal welfare charity, is calling on Members of Parliament to vote against a controversial Statutory Instrument (SI) set to be voted on next week (14 January 2026). The charity warns that the proposed amendment to the Public Order Act represents a quiet but dangerous attack on democratic protest and transparency around animal testing.
The amendment, which was laid on 27 November 2025, would reclassify “Life Sciences infrastructure” as Key National Infrastructure, effectively shielding any site linked to animal testing from protest. This includes breeding facilities, laboratories, universities, and medical research centers.
Kate Salmon, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, expressed concern that the move was “sneaky” and lacked meaningful public consultation. She stated, “Animals used in science are not ‘Key National Infrastructure.’ The inclusion of this in an amendment to the Public Order Act 2023 is a direct attack on the public’s right to have a voice.”
The proposed amendment is broad and vague, raising fears that even low-level, peaceful actions could carry severe penalties. Any protest activity, regardless of the topic, deemed to cause “significant delay” or “interference” could result in up to 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. This could have serious consequences for a range of peaceful protests, including those related to university accommodation, dog breeding facilities, and animal testing companies.
The campaign is being delivered in collaboration with Camp Beagle, a group known for its peaceful protests against animal testing facilities. The timing of the SI has also raised serious questions, as the Government recently published its Strategy to Phase Out Animal Testing, a move widely welcomed by animal welfare organizations and the public alike. Redefining animal testing facilities as “protected infrastructure” risks contradicting the transparent journey to phase out, which was so promising following the strategy’s release.
The proposed amendment has already triggered resistance in Parliament, with MPs reportedly shouting “No” when ministers attempted to wave it through the Commons without debate. Naturewatch Foundation is urging MPs to vote against the amendment and is calling on members of the public to email their MPs immediately to express their concerns.
“We have raised serious concerns about the implications of this amendment, including the potential to criminalize peaceful protesters for exercising their right to speak out on topics they believe in,” said Salmon. “This is far more extensive than animal welfare, and it isn’t about being against animal testing; it’s about believing in democracy.”
The charity has also gained support from high-profile individuals, including Gemma Collins, Faye Winter, Amanda Abbington, and Meg Mathews, who have a combined following of over 9 million people on social media.
To take action and email your MP, please visit: [link]
For media enquiries, please contact:
Alice Williamson
Campaigns and Marketing Assistant
Naturewatch Foundation
alice@naturewatch.org
+44 (0) 1242 252 871
For campaign-related enquiries, please contact:
Kate Salmon
Campaign Manager
Naturewatch Foundation
kate@naturewatch.org
+44 (0) 1242 252 871
About Naturewatch Foundation:
Naturewatch Foundation is a UK-based animal welfare charity dedicated to ending cruelty and improving the lives of animals through campaigning, education, and advocacy. For over 30 years, the charity has led initiatives to tackle illegal and unethical practices, including puppy farming, animal experiments, and wildlife crime. By working with policymakers, enforcement agencies, and the public, Naturewatch Foundation strives to make the world a kinder place for animals. To find out more, please visit naturewatch.org.