The House of Lords has approved a change to protest laws that will impact those who demonstrate outside of animal testing facilities. Despite strong opposition, the Lords voted on Wednesday to pass a Statutory Instrument (SI) that reclassifies “Life Sciences infrastructure” as Key National Infrastructure under the Public Order Act 2023. This move has sparked concerns among campaigners who believe it will limit protest rights and decrease public scrutiny of animal testing.
The vote was preceded by a full debate and division in the Lords, which was triggered by a rare fatal motion put forth by Baroness Natalie Bennett. The motion was ultimately defeated, allowing the law change to take effect within the next week.
According to campaigners, this change in the law will give police more power to restrict protests, particularly those near sites involved in animal testing such as laboratories, universities, and animal breeding facilities. Peaceful demonstrations deemed to cause “significant disruption” could result in arrests, unlimited fines, and up to 12 months in prison. Online activity is also not exempt, meaning that those who participate in online campaigns against animal testing could face criminal charges.
Naturewatch Foundation, an animal welfare charity, has expressed concern over this decision, stating that it marks a major shift in the public’s right to peaceful protest and could hinder efforts to improve animal welfare in the UK. Kate Salmon, the Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, stated, “To publish an alleged ‘phase out of animal testing’ one day, yet 16 days later declare war on peaceful protests, this Government has shown no genuine intention to phase out animal testing with any transparency at all. This move is shocking.”
Criticism has also been directed towards the government’s approach to animal testing policy. In November 2025, ministers published a Strategy to Phase Out Animal Testing, which was welcomed by animal welfare organizations. However, the approval of limitations on protest has been seen as contradictory to their alleged phase-out plans.
The law change had previously been passed by the House of Commons in January, with 301 MPs voting in favor and 110 against. Public opposition to the change intensified leading up to the vote, following a joint campaign by Naturewatch Foundation, Camp Beagle, and Animal Aid, which was supported by high-profile figures such as Gemma Collins, Faye Winter, Amanda Abbington, Jodie Dyer, and Meg Mathews.
Naturewatch Foundation has vowed to continue challenging the use of protest laws to restrict campaigners and has urged ministers to engage openly with public concerns. For further information, please contact Alice Williamson, the Campaigns and Marketing Assistant, at alice@naturewatch.org or Kate Salmon, the Campaign Manager, at kate@naturewatch.org.
Naturewatch Foundation is a UK-based animal welfare charity that has been working for over 30 years to end cruelty and improve the lives of animals through campaigning, education, and advocacy. They have led initiatives to tackle illegal and unethical practices, such as puppy farming, animal experiments, and wildlife crime. By collaborating with policymakers, enforcement agencies, and the public, Naturewatch Foundation strives to create a kinder world for animals. To learn more, visit naturewatch.org.