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MPs debating hybrid embryo laws MPs debating hybrid embryo laws
(20 minutes later)
Allowing scientists to carry out stem cell research using hybrid human-animal embryos "is a step too far and should be banned", the Commons has heard.Allowing scientists to carry out stem cell research using hybrid human-animal embryos "is a step too far and should be banned", the Commons has heard.
Senior Tory MP Edward Leigh said there was "no evidence yet to substantiate" claims that this may lead to treatment for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.Senior Tory MP Edward Leigh said there was "no evidence yet to substantiate" claims that this may lead to treatment for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Gordon Brown has urged MPs to back the work, saying it is a "moral endeavour" that could save thousands of lives.Gordon Brown has urged MPs to back the work, saying it is a "moral endeavour" that could save thousands of lives.
MPs are voting on a series of reforms to embryology laws that date from 1990.MPs are voting on a series of reforms to embryology laws that date from 1990.
The measures, part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, are aimed at updating laws in line with scientific advances.The measures, part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, are aimed at updating laws in line with scientific advances.
'Useless''Useless'
They will be voted on in the House of Commons over the next two days.They will be voted on in the House of Commons over the next two days.
Ex-minister Mr Leigh opened the debate on Monday, with an amendment prohibiting outright the creation of hybrid "admixed" embryos. Ex-minister Mr Leigh, who is leading the fight against the creation of hybrid "admixed" embryos, said it was "ethically wrong and almost certainly medically useless".
Conservative MP Edward Leigh puts the case against further researchConservative MP Edward Leigh puts the case against further research
He said he believed the move was "ethically wrong and almost certainly medically useless, and if not useless, there is no evidence yet to substantiate it".
The bill would allow regulated research using hybrid or "admix" embryos, where the nuclei of a human cell are inserted into an animal egg.The bill would allow regulated research using hybrid or "admix" embryos, where the nuclei of a human cell are inserted into an animal egg.
The resulting embryos would be kept for up to 14 days to harvest stem cells.The resulting embryos would be kept for up to 14 days to harvest stem cells.
But Mr Leigh said: "We do not believe that regulation is enough. We believe this is a step too far and therefore should be banned."But Mr Leigh said: "We do not believe that regulation is enough. We believe this is a step too far and therefore should be banned."
"In embryos, we do have the genetic make up of a complete human being and we could not and should not be spliced together with the animal kingdom.""In embryos, we do have the genetic make up of a complete human being and we could not and should not be spliced together with the animal kingdom."
How hybrid embryos might be createdHow hybrid embryos might be created
And ex-Labour minister Sir Gerald Kaufman, agreed, adding: "How far do you go? Where do you stop? What are the limits and what are the boundaries?
"If you permit the creation of hybrid embryos now, what will you seek to permit next time, even if you have no idea where it will lead."
Labour's Chris Bryant, a former Anglican curate, said Mr Leigh's arguments were like those used by church leaders against the smallpox vaccine.Labour's Chris Bryant, a former Anglican curate, said Mr Leigh's arguments were like those used by church leaders against the smallpox vaccine.
"They were wrong and I think you are wrong today," he said."They were wrong and I think you are wrong today," he said.
Liberal Democrat Evan Harris said the proposals on embryos were not an "ethical departure" from the current system and that research would still be "heavily regulated".Liberal Democrat Evan Harris said the proposals on embryos were not an "ethical departure" from the current system and that research would still be "heavily regulated".
Evan Harris MP puts the case for further researchEvan Harris MP puts the case for further research
He criticised those who argued hybrid embryos were too human. "If it's ethically acceptable to use up and destroy fully human embryos with all the potential they have, how is it right to provide for hybrid embryos, with less potential of viability, greater protection?" he said.He criticised those who argued hybrid embryos were too human. "If it's ethically acceptable to use up and destroy fully human embryos with all the potential they have, how is it right to provide for hybrid embryos, with less potential of viability, greater protection?" he said.
In a separate amendment, Tory shadow health minister Mark Simmonds called for true hybrids, made by fertilising a human egg with animal sperm, or visa-versa, to be outlawed.In a separate amendment, Tory shadow health minister Mark Simmonds called for true hybrids, made by fertilising a human egg with animal sperm, or visa-versa, to be outlawed.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo insisted any research done using human embryos "must satisfy the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, that it's necessary or desirable" for a statutory research purpose. However, Health Minister Dawn Primarolo insisted any research done using human embryos "must satisfy the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, that it's necessary or desirable" for a statutory research purpose.
"This research is giving the scientists the ability, within clear boundaries within which to advance technologies that can help in the development of treatments for devastating, degenerative diseases, for infertility and learning," she said."This research is giving the scientists the ability, within clear boundaries within which to advance technologies that can help in the development of treatments for devastating, degenerative diseases, for infertility and learning," she said.
No human "admix" embryo would be implanted into a woman or animal, she added.No human "admix" embryo would be implanted into a woman or animal, she added.
MPs are being given a free vote on four controversial parts of the bill after warnings that some Catholic MPs and cabinet ministers were ready to rebel.MPs are being given a free vote on four controversial parts of the bill after warnings that some Catholic MPs and cabinet ministers were ready to rebel.
The other three areas are:The other three areas are:
    • Saviour siblings: These are babies born from embryos selected because they are a tissue match for a sick older brother or sister with a genetic condition. Debate on Monday from about 1830 BST, with vote at about 2200 BST.
    • Saviour siblings: These are babies born from embryos selected because they are a tissue match for a sick older brother or sister with a genetic condition. Debate on Monday from about 1830 BST, with vote at about 2200 BST.
    • Role of fathers in fertility treatment: Would end the requirement for IVF clinics to consider the "welfare" of any child created in terms of need for a father. Debate from 1530 BST Tuesday, with vote at about 1830 BST.
    • Role of fathers in fertility treatment: Would end the requirement for IVF clinics to consider the "welfare" of any child created in terms of need for a father. Debate from 1530 BST Tuesday, with vote at about 1830 BST.
    • The upper limit for abortion: Amendments have been put down to the bill to cut from 24 weeks the time limit for abortions. Debate on Tuesday from 1830 BST, with votes at about 2200 BST.
    • The upper limit for abortion: Amendments have been put down to the bill to cut from 24 weeks the time limit for abortions. Debate on Tuesday from 1830 BST, with votes at about 2200 BST.
      • The Roman Catholic Church has branded the use of hybrid embryos as "monstrous" and says tinkering with life in this way is immoral.The Roman Catholic Church has branded the use of hybrid embryos as "monstrous" and says tinkering with life in this way is immoral.
      Catholic bishops in Britain and the Irish Republic have given £25,000 to scientists using adult stem cells, which is less controversial than using immature ones.Catholic bishops in Britain and the Irish Republic have given £25,000 to scientists using adult stem cells, which is less controversial than using immature ones.
      Such cells can be used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases.Such cells can be used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases.
      After making a strong personal case for using hybrid embryos at the weekend, Mr Brown is expected to be backed on this part of the bill.
      Writing in the Observer newspaper, Mr Brown called on MPs to back the use of hybrid embryos, saying such scientific advances could speed up treatment for cancer and conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.Writing in the Observer newspaper, Mr Brown called on MPs to back the use of hybrid embryos, saying such scientific advances could speed up treatment for cancer and conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
      Cameron's positionCameron's position
      "The scientists I speak to are committed to what they see as an inherently moral endeavour that can save and improve the lives of thousands and over time, millions," he said."The scientists I speak to are committed to what they see as an inherently moral endeavour that can save and improve the lives of thousands and over time, millions," he said.
      Mr Cameron said he would be voting in favour of admix embryos and the creation of saviour siblings.Mr Cameron said he would be voting in favour of admix embryos and the creation of saviour siblings.
      BILL'S KEY VOTES Use of hybrid embryos - Monday'Saviour siblings' - MondayRole of fathers in IVF - TuesdayAbortion limits - Tuesday MPs face big issuesResearch 'gives me hope'Q&A: Hybrid embryosBILL'S KEY VOTES Use of hybrid embryos - Monday'Saviour siblings' - MondayRole of fathers in IVF - TuesdayAbortion limits - Tuesday MPs face big issuesResearch 'gives me hope'Q&A: Hybrid embryos
      Speaking as he visited Birmingham, he said: "My own approach to this is the law needs updating and the importance of science and research and getting to grips with genetic disease... I want to see the research go forward."Speaking as he visited Birmingham, he said: "My own approach to this is the law needs updating and the importance of science and research and getting to grips with genetic disease... I want to see the research go forward."
      However, he said he would be voting "against some of the things that won't be necessary".However, he said he would be voting "against some of the things that won't be necessary".
      Leading medical research charities, including the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, have issued an open letter also urging MPs to back such research, saying advances in the "understanding and treatment of diseases must not be closed down".Leading medical research charities, including the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, have issued an open letter also urging MPs to back such research, saying advances in the "understanding and treatment of diseases must not be closed down".
      Scientists at Newcastle University announced last month that they had created the first part-human, part-animal hybrid embryos in the UK.Scientists at Newcastle University announced last month that they had created the first part-human, part-animal hybrid embryos in the UK.
      HAVE YOUR SAYThere are ethical alternatives to what is, in effect, creating a Frankenstein hybridPaul, BelfastSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYThere are ethical alternatives to what is, in effect, creating a Frankenstein hybridPaul, BelfastSend us your comments
      They were created by injecting DNA derived from human skin cells into eggs taken from cows' ovaries which had had virtually all their genetic material removed.They were created by injecting DNA derived from human skin cells into eggs taken from cows' ovaries which had had virtually all their genetic material removed.
      Researchers say these human-animal "admixed" embryos could help solve the current problem of the lack of human eggs from which to generate embryos.Researchers say these human-animal "admixed" embryos could help solve the current problem of the lack of human eggs from which to generate embryos.
      The vote on hybrid embryos and "saviour siblings" will take place on Monday, while the vote on the role of fathers in IVF treatment and abortion limits will be held on Tuesday. If the proposals are approved, the new legislation could come into force next year.The vote on hybrid embryos and "saviour siblings" will take place on Monday, while the vote on the role of fathers in IVF treatment and abortion limits will be held on Tuesday. If the proposals are approved, the new legislation could come into force next year.
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