Hybrid embryos 'may save millions'

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.

As the Commons prepares for a crunch vote, the Prime Minister said developing "hybrid" techniques was an "inherently moral endeavour".

MPs owe it "to ourselves and future generations" to pass measures permitting the use of such embryos, he argued.

Mr Brown's comments, in an article for the Observer, have a personal dimension because his younger son, Fraser, has cystic fibrosis - a condition that could benefit from embryo research.

The premier supports scientists who want to insert the nuclei of human cells into animal eggs, creating hybrid embryos which are allowed to grow for a few days.

Stem cells can then be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases - before the embryos are destroyed.

Critics of the hybrid technology have branded it "Frankenstein science". But Mr Brown said: "The scientists I speak to are committed to what they see as an inherently moral endeavour, that can save and improve the lives of thousands and over time, millions."

MPs have free votes over the next two days on three controversial proposals: hybrid embryos; the creation of "saviour siblings" whose genetic material could help sick relatives; and giving lesbians equal rights to IVF treatment.

The Human Fertility and Embryology Bill will also see free votes on amendments to tighten abortion laws, by reducing the upper limit from 24 weeks to 22 or even 20 weeks.

Mr Brown insisted Britain should not "turn our back" on vital scientific advances.