MPs vote to reject ban on hybrid embryos (From Swindon Advertiser)

MPs vote to reject ban on hybrid embryos

9:44pm Monday 19th May 2008 in

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A cross-party bid to ban the use of hybrid human-animal embryos for scientific research was rejected by MPs last night.

MPs voted 336 to 176, majority 160, against the move led by Tory former minister Edward Leigh.

The Commons then rejected a cross-party bid to ban the use of so called "true hybrids" using the sex cells of a human and an animal. Voting was 286 to 223, majority 63.

It was the first in a series of critical votes on emotive issues in committee stage debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill - the biggest shake-up of law in this area for 20 years.

Mr Leigh said the use of "admixed" embryos, using genetic material from both humans and animals, would cross an "entirely new ethical boundary," and turn the UK into a scientific "rogue state".

The embryos created would have to be destroyed after 14 days, but scientists hope stem cells can be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases.

Labour MP Chris Bryant, a former Anglican curate, compared Mr Leigh's arguments to those used by church leaders against the smallpox vaccine. He said: "They were wrong and I think you are wrong today."

With MPs on all sides granted a free vote, the impassioned debate cut across party lines. Three Roman Catholic Cabinet ministers - Defence Secretary Des Browne, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy - voted in favour of the unsuccessful attempt to ban hybrids.

The majority of the shadow cabinet - including shadow foreign secretary William Hague and shadow home secretary David Davis - also backed the ban, even though Tory leader David Cameron voted against.