But BUAV says many countries in the world still test on animals for cosmetics and the group is now pressing for a global ban.

BBC: EU bans sale of all animal-tested cosmetics

"I see the government has promised consultation but I'm doubtful we'll get anything out of it, " Wendy Higgins, from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Buav), said.

BBC: Mouse,

Alistair Currie, campaigns director for BUAV, said he believed the public should be better informed, but argued that labelling medicines "tested on animals" would just be a statement of fact.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | 'Tested on animals' labels urged

The anti-vivisection group BUAV and the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) said they had spent more than 20 years campaigning on the issue and had enlisted celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, Morrissey and Sienna Miller to their cause.

BBC: EU bans sale of all animal-tested cosmetics