Anti-vivisectionists yesterday gathered in London to mark the beginning of a campaign for the abolition of the sordid practice of animal research.

The British Home Office is responsible for licensing animal procedures inside the nation's laboratories and, despite pledges to the contrary, an increase in experimentation has been permitted.

Government-run research establishments continue to use archaic research methods of inflicting suffering on other species; DSTL Porton Down, FERA Sand Hutton, HPA NIBSC and the John Radcliffe Infirmary.

Despite millions of pounds being driven into animal research, detrimental diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's are on the uprise with no hope for a cure due to reliance on another biological model. Thousands of people are driven into hospital wards per annum due to adverse drug reactions.

It is time to say, “Enough is enough!”

Headed by a banner reading “Abolish Vivisection” campaigners marched through Westminster, waving purple anti-vivisection flags as the sounds of beagles undergoing experimentation were aired through a megaphone.

The route took demonstrators from Temple Place to the gates of Downing Street, via Westminster Abbey. As the procession came to an end, a rally was held and a letter delivered to PM David Cameron calling for animal research to be abolished.

Nationwide petitioning will be held across the country in October to continue our calls. NAVA would like to send our gratitude to everybody who took part in the demonstration and stood up for the progression of science.