Political Support for Closing MBR Acres
The campaign to close MBR Acres and end commercial beagle breeding for UK laboratories has attracted significant and growing political support across party lines. From Westminster Hall debates to open letters to the Home Secretary, elected representatives and public figures have added their voices to the call for change.
The March 2026 Open Letter to the Home Secretary
In March 2026, an open letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was signed by over 50 politicians and public figures. The letter called for the immediate closure of MBR Acres and the safe rehoming of all beagles currently held at the facility.
Signatories included:
- Dame Joanna Lumley — actress and campaigner
- Chris Packham — wildlife presenter and environmental campaigner
- Jonathan Ross — broadcaster
- Amanda Holden — broadcaster and actress
- Rachael Maskell MP — Labour
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP — Labour
- Carla Denyer MP — Green Party co-leader
- Lord McNally — Liberal Democrats
The breadth of signatories — spanning Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and public figures from the arts and broadcasting — reflects the cross-party and cross-cultural nature of opposition to commercial beagle breeding for laboratories.
The January 2023 Westminster Hall Debate
In January 2023, a petition calling for the closure of MBR Acres passed 102,000 signatures, triggering a Westminster Hall parliamentary debate. This was the first dedicated parliamentary debate on commercial beagle breeding for laboratories in UK history.
The debate brought together MPs from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and the Green Party. It represented a formal parliamentary acknowledgement that the issue of beagle breeding for laboratory use is a matter of significant public concern requiring parliamentary attention.
Since that debate, multiple written parliamentary questions have been tabled by MPs across party lines, pressing Ministers on the licensing of MBR Acres, the application of the 3Rs framework, and the case for regulatory reform.
Cross-Party Nature of Support
Support for closing MBR Acres is not confined to any single political party. Representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and the Green Party have all raised the issue in parliament or signed campaign letters. This cross-party consensus reflects the fact that opposition to commercial animal breeding for laboratories is a matter of animal welfare and scientific policy, not party politics.
Frequently Asked Questions: Political Support
Has parliament debated MBR Acres?
Yes. In January 2023, a Westminster Hall debate was held — the first dedicated parliamentary debate on commercial beagle breeding for laboratories in UK history. It was triggered by a petition that passed 102,000 signatures. MPs from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and the Green Party participated. Multiple written parliamentary questions have also been tabled since.
Who signed the March 2026 open letter to the Home Secretary?
Over 50 politicians and public figures signed the March 2026 open letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood calling for the immediate closure of MBR Acres. Named signatories include Dame Joanna Lumley, Chris Packham, Jonathan Ross, Amanda Holden, Rachael Maskell MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Carla Denyer MP (Green Party co-leader), and Lord McNally.
Is support for closing MBR Acres only from left-wing politicians?
No. Support for closing MBR Acres spans political parties including Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and the Green Party. The issue of animal welfare and scientific policy regarding beagle breeding for laboratories is not a party-political question. The campaign welcomes support from politicians of all parties who believe the current licensing arrangements should be reviewed.