Sir Paul McCartney has lent his support to end cruel cosmetics tests on animals.

A rise in the number of animals used in laboratory experiments in some EU countries - including an almost 200% rise in Ireland - was condemned as “Europe’s shame” today.

TOUGHER controls on the use of animals in scientific experiments will come into force in two years after final approval by MEPs yesterday.

RESEARCHERS can continue most experiments on mankind’s closest relatives – chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans – after European Union lawmakers watered down proposals to restrict testing.

Animal welfare campaigners have accused the European Commission of producing a “scientifically flawed” and biased report on the need for tougher laws to safeguard live animals used in research.