Cameron to back hybrid embryo laws

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Mr Cameron said he backed proposals for the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos for medical research as well as so-called "saviour siblings" selected by parents in order to provide tissue material for seriously-ill children.

MPs of all parties have been granted a free vote on measures to permit the ground-breaking techniques when they are debated in the House of Commons on Monday evening.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed them as "an inherently moral endeavour" which could save millions of lives.

However, the leaders of the two main parties are split on a further provision of the Bill which would make it easier for lesbians to have babies through IVF treatment, as well as over the abortion limit. Both of these issues are to be debated on Tuesday.

Mr Brown will vote in favour of the removal of a requirement for IVF clinics to consider a child's "need for a father" before offering medically-assisted pregnancy, while Mr Cameron believes it should stay.

The Tory leader has also indicated that he would like to see a reduction in the current 24-week limit for abortion, while Mr Brown has said he will vote for the retention of the status quo.

Speaking in Birmingham, Mr Cameron confirmed that he backs the creation of both "admix embryos" and saviour siblings.

He said: "My own approach to this is the law needs updating and the importance of science and research and getting to grips with genetic disease ... I want to see the research go forward."

In the face of resistance from across parties and religious groups, on Sunday Mr Brown exhorted MPs to help "ourselves and future generations" by passing the measures in Monday's free vote.