More than 100 academics call for MPs to have free vote on embryo research

March 8, 2008

More than 100 leading academics have lined up with senior Labour figures in calling on Gordon Brown to grant a free vote in the Commons on embryo research.

In a letter to The Times today the 108 university professors – scientists, lawyers, philosophers and theologians – say that the Government should not erode the precedent of “conscience votes” on controversial bio-ethical legislation. They say that although they do not hold a common view on the proposals in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill they all believe that votes on amendments to it should not be whipped. (Times Online)