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Bid to ban hybrid embryos fails Bid to ban hybrid embryos fails
(20 minutes later)
An MP's attempt to outlaw the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos has been defeated by 336 votes to 176.An MP's attempt to outlaw the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos has been defeated by 336 votes to 176.
Tory ex-minister Edward Leigh had argued the technique was "a step too far and should be banned".Tory ex-minister Edward Leigh had argued the technique was "a step too far and should be banned".
He said there was "no evidence yet to substantiate" claims this could lead to treatment for degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.He said there was "no evidence yet to substantiate" claims this could lead to treatment for degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Gordon Brown had urged MPs to back the work, saying it was a "moral endeavour" that could save thousands of lives.Gordon Brown had urged MPs to back the work, saying it was 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.
Mr Leigh, who led the fight against the creation of hybrid "admixed" embryos, said it was "ethically wrong and almost certainly medically useless".Mr Leigh, who led 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 research In embryos, we do have the genetic make up of a complete human being and we should not be spliced together with the animal kingdom Edward LeighConservative MP
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?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.""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."
This research is giving scientists the ability, within clear boundaries to advance technologies that can help in the development of treatments for devastating, degenerative diseases, for infertility and learning Dawn PrimaroloHealth Minister
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 criticised those who argued hybrid embryos were too human.
Evan Harris MP puts the case for further research "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. A separate attempt to ban "pure" hybrid embryos, that would mix a human egg with animal sperm or vice versa, was also defeated in the Commons by 286 votes to 223, a government majority of 63.
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. Tory shadow health minister Mark Simmonds told MPs that some scientists had expressed "serious reservations" about hybrids that weren't always at the "human end of the spectrum".
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.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.
      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. Both Mr Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron have backed the use of hybrid embryos as a means to develop treatments for cancer and conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
      Cameron's position Lack of human eggs
      "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. They also support the creation of "saviour siblings" selected by parents in order to provide tissue material for seriously ill children.
      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."
      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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