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MP backs stem cell research
CONTROVERSIAL new laws on stem cell research are being backed by Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn.
He was among the politicians who voted this week to allow plans to update human embryology laws to continue to the next Parliamentary stage.
That thumbs-up came despite deep splits among MPs from all parties.
An online poll by the Gazette revealed 82 per cent of our readers support the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, however.
The Bill, if made law, would allow the creation of embryos with animal and human material to develop stem cells for research.
Many politicians are set to oppose the Bill on moral or religious grounds, but Mr Hepburn is not among them.
He said: "I will be supporting the Government because there is the real chance that we will be able to tackle devastating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
"The bill will allow new ways of scientific inquiry to be carried out, which could greatly increase our understanding of serious medical conditions.
"This important piece of legislation could bring the chance of a better quality of life to many people."
South Shields MP David Miliband was unable to take part in the vote because of his duties as Foreign Secretary.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said all research will be subject to what he called a "strict legal and ethical framework".
The bill will also undergo strict scrutiny, with the key votes on individual parts of the proposed legislation expected next week.
Faced with opposition from Roman Catholic Cabinet ministers, the Government has promised Labour MPs a free vote on the most contentious aspects of the legislation.
These include the creation of hybrid embryos, so-called "saviour siblings," and the proposal that IVF clinics should no longer have to consider the need for a father figure when deciding whether to offer treatment.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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