An Early Day Motion calling for a worldwide ban on cosmetics testing on animals has been signed by 100 MPs. Stewart Hosie, SNP MP for Dundee East, has become the 100th Member of Parliament to support the joint campaign, founded by Cruelty Free International and The Body Shop, for an end to animal cosmetics testing everywhere and forever.

The global petition has been signed by over 3.7m people, including MEPs and celebrities such as Games of Thrones star Maisie Williams and TV personality Kelly Osbourne. Support for the EDM, put forward by MPs Caroline Lucas, Sir David Amess, Angela Smith, Dr Lisa Cameron and Sir Ed Davey to debate the issue in parliament, has steadily grown.

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, commented: “We are delighted that so many MPs from across the political spectrum recognise the need to end outdated and inhumane cosmetics animal testing. We urge all the UK’s politicians to speak out for those who have no voice by tabling and actively pursuing an agreement at the UN General Assembly.”

The European Union – the world’s largest cosmetics market – ended the testing of cosmetics products on animals in 2003 and of ingredients in 2009. In 2013, it outlawed the sale in Europe of new cosmetics tested on animals outside the EU, inspiring legislation around the world.

However, despite the availability of approved non-animal tests and existing ingredients safe for human use, there are still no laws banning animal tests for cosmetics products and ingredients in 80% of the world.

In June, Cruelty Free International joined forces with The Body Shop to launch the Forever Against Animal Testing campaign and put a permanent end to animal suffering for cosmetics products and ingredients by 2021. The aim is to deliver a petition – with a target of 8m signatures – to the highest authority, the United Nations, in 2018, and establish an international convention banning cosmetics testing on animals.