Embryo Bill clears first hurdle

Just nine Labour backbenchers voted against the Bill, which was given a Second Reading by 340 votes to 262.

But ministers will face a sterner test when the measures return next week and Labour MPs have a free vote on some of its most contentious elements.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill will allow the creation of hybrid human and animal "admixed" embryos, which scientists hope will lead to developments in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

It also removes the requirement for fertility centres to consider the child's need for a father figure before authorising treatment.

Parents will also be allowed to select an embryo which is a genetic match for a seriously ill child to create a "saviour sibling" able to donate tissue to their older brother or sister.

Pro-life campaigners are set to attempt to use later stages of the Bill to reduce the abortion time limit from 24 weeks to as little as 13 weeks.

Opening the second reading debate, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "Parliament's objective has always been to support scientific advances that benefit patients and their families through a clear legal, moral and ethical framework that provides proper controls and safeguards and reflects the concerns that many people have about research that involves stem cells and embryology."

However, in a sign of the opposition the Bill faces, Labour backbencher Geraldine Smith (Morecambe and Lunesdale) described the removal of the need for a father for a child born through IVF treatment as "one of the most ill-conceived measures to be put before this House while I've been a member of it".

She said the creation of hybrid embryos was "revolting" and the prospect of saviour siblings was "appalling".