MPs to vote on hybrid embryo laws
Written: 19th May, 2008
MPs are voting later on whether to allow scientists to continue to carry out controversial stem cell research using hybrid human-animal embryos.
Gordon Brown has urged MPs to back the work, saying it is a "moral endeavour" that could save thousands of lives.
Scientists say it could lead to disease treatments, but critics argue that mixing human and animal tissue tampers with nature and is immoral.
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.
They will be voted on in the House of Commons over the next two days.
The prime minister has allowed Labour MPs a free vote on four controversial parts of the bill after warnings that some Catholic MPs and cabinet ministers were ready to rebel.
Source BBC news