SIR – A new law has come into force in the UK which bans animals from being used in cosmetic testing.

This ban is one of many examples showing the advantages of passing some laws at a European level, given that cosmetics are sold across borders so common standards have to be agreed.

The EU cosmetics directive came about largely thanks to public pressure from European citizens, particularly people here in the UK.

I supported this legislation when we first agreed it back in 2003, and since then Labour MEPs have campaigned for it to be implemented fully and on time.

A so-called ‘testing ban’ on cosmetics has been in place in Europe now for several years, but there were loopholes when it came to cosmetics which had been tested on animals elsewhere in the world and then imported.

As of earlier this month, these loopholes have now been closed.

I believe necessity is the mother of invention and now that cosmetics companies are forced to look for alternatives to animal testing, they will find them. We have thousands of cosmetic products on the market which are not tested on animals and companies have had years to adapt to these changes.

The EU’s strong stance will now send a strong signal to other countries such as the USA and Japan which do not yet have similar legislation.

It will force the cosmetics industry worldwide to choose between phasing out animal tests, or else losing access to its biggest market.

Next time you buy cosmetics in the EU, you can be reassured that they have not been tested on animals.

MICHAEL CASHMAN

Labour MEP for the West Midlands