British PM Backs Human-Animal Embryo Research

Gordon Brown has a son with cystic fibrosis, which explains why he might be more open to this type of research. It remains fairly controversial.

Gordon Brown today gave his unequivocal backing to the creation of human-animal embryos, insisting the controversial research could save millions of lives.

Just a day before MPs vote on the Human Fertility and Embryology Bill, the Prime Minister gave his most vociferous support yet and said developing “hybrid” techniques was an “inherently moral endeavour”.

He said MPs had a duty to themselves and “future generations” to permit the use of human-animal hybrids, which could be used to tackle diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Photo by Jeff Sandquist