MPs back hybrid embryo research
MPs this week overwhelmingly backed new laws allowing the use of part-human, part-animal embryos for stem cell research.
A cross-party attempt to ban hybrid human animal embryos was defeated on a free vote, by 336 to 176 in the House of Commons this week.
The votes followed two debates in the committee stage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, aimed at updating laws from 1990 in line with scientific advances.
Dr Lyle Armstrong and a team at Newcastle University based at the Centre for Life are carrying out the research on hybrid embryos after being awarded an HFEA licence under the law as it stands.
Web links to further information:
Press release: Critics urged to 'be rational' in embryo debate
