MPs to vote on embryo research

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Gordon Brown has praised "hybrid" techniques as an "inherently moral endeavour" and said they could save millions of lives.

In the face of resistance from across parties and religious groups, the Prime Minister exhorted MPs to help "ourselves and future generations" by passing the measures in a free vote.

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 up to 14 days.

As a result stem cells can be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases - before the embryos are destroyed. The technique is said to get around the current shortage of stem cells for research - largely due to a lack of availability of human eggs.

Critics of hybrids have branded them "Frankenstein science", saying it is obscene to combine human and animal genetics. They also question the benefits, insisting other methods are more effective.

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 on three controversial proposals this week: 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, 20 or even 16 weeks.