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scientists comment on HFE Bill parliamentary decision

Parliament has voted to allow the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to go through with no major amendments; in particular, provisions to allow research using human ‘admixed’ (human-animal hybrid) embryos remains intact.

Dr. Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, said:

“We are extremely pleased that MPs have supported the provisions in the Bill on human admixed embryos. This will ensure that all avenues of stem cell research remain available within a tightly regulated framework. This has been an important debate. In arriving at this outcome, we hope that both MPs and the public have a better understanding of the science around human admixed embryos and the importance of this research.”

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council, said:

“This vote is good news for British science. If the Bill proceeds to law unaltered, the ability for scientists to use human admixed embryos will help
to keep the UK at the forefront of international efforts to harness the potential of stem cell research for the benefit of human health. The MPs’ clear support for stem cell research follows a rigorous and thorough public debate which has helped to explore the issues involved. The public can have confidence in the tight regulations that govern embryo and stem cell
research. It brings the right balance of opportunities to make headway to find cures for some of the most pernicious diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, whilst ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place through the law and the regulator. Crucial to this outcome has been scientists’ commitment to engaging with the public, parliamentarians and the media, explaining the science and its potential.”

Philip Butcher Chief Executive, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign , said:

“We welcome the decision taken today by MPs in support of the research aspects of the HFE Bill. We are pleased that a vast number of MPs have realised the importance of using embryonic stem cell research in helping to find cures and treatments for people with devastating and life-limiting diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy.

“The amendments within the Bill provide a much needed regulatory framework for this vital research and there is potential for research to start to move from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.”

Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, Head of the Developmental Genetics Division at the Medical Research Council’s National Institute for Medical Research, said:

“This is excellent news. While there is still some way to go before any of this is turned into law, the positive vote follows on from the support the Bill received in the House of Lords and is yet another endorsement for the progress of scientific enquiry, one that will greatly aid our understanding of normal embryonic devlopment, and of many types of debilitating genetic disease. This understanding will ultimately give us the best chance of developing therapies for these diseases, for infertility and for a range of other medical conditions.”

Prof. Chris Shaw, Head of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London, said:

“The Commons vote supporting the use of admixed hybrid embryos is very encouraging. It will allow us to forge ahead on all fronts in our attempts to understand and develop therapies for a huge range of currently incurable diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and motor neuron disease.

“Cures may be some years off but this vote does mean we can use hybrid embryos, in addition to adult stem cells, in our search to understand what causes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and motor neuron disease. Without a much better understanding of what is going wrong in the brain it is very unlikely we will be able to reverse the disease process.”

Simon Denegri, Chief Executive, Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

“We welcome the results of tonight’s vote in the House of Commons. MPs have clearly listened to the strong arguments put forward by medical research charities, patient groups and scientists of the importance of this research to advancing our understanding of diseases and conditions that affect hundreds of thousands of people and their families in the UK. This is a good piece of legislation and its successful passage is in the public interest.”

Karen Addington, Chief Executive, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the UK, said:

“We are delighted that MPs have chosen to support the use of hybrid embryos in research to further our understanding of conditions such as type 1 diabetes. This Bill offers hope, not just to the 350,000 people with type 1 diabetes in the UK, but to all those living with serious and debilitating conditions. The UK has always had a reputation for being at the forefront of scientific research and this sends a positive message to all scientists that we are continuing to take great strides forward.”

Alastair Kent, Director, Genetic Interest Group, said:

“This vote to support embryology research will give great pleasure to hundreds of thousands of patients and their families who have seen the promise this research holds for the relief of many life-threatening diseases.”

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