British government avoids rebellion on embryology laws

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Beleaguered British Prime Minister Gordon Brown avoided a major rebellion as legislation to regulate the use of human embryos for research passed its first parliamentary hurdle late Monday.

Just nine lawmakers from the governing Labour party voted against the bill, which was passed for a second reading by 340 votes to 78, a majority of 262.

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

But the government will face a sterner test when the measures are scrutinised again next week and Labour lawmakers have a free vote on some of its most contentious...