Catholic MPs win opt-out on embryo Bill – Telegraph

March 10, 2008

Catholic Labour MPs opposed to the Government’s controversial embryo Bill will be able to break with convention and withdraw their backing for the legislation, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

In a highly unusual step, Geoff Hoon, the Chief Whip, will invoke special Labour party rules to allow MPs to abstain from the vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which will enshrine new laws on embryology research and fertility treatment. (Telegraph)