Timely

Local MPs spoke out strongly in Parliament last week just before the Commons passed the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Leighton area MP Andrew Selous argued that it was wrong for the legislation to deny an artificially fertilised child the opportunity to have a relationship with its natural father or mother if two men or two women wish to bring it up.

As member for South-West Bedfordshire he said: "I want to know what, in years to come, members of the House are supposed to say to children who look at us and say 'Why have you denied me the opportunity to have a relationship with my natural father or mother?' That should be the birthright of every child in this country. 

"It is a deeply sad moment when the House denies that possibility to children who may wish to have that opportunity in years to come. I am deeply saddened that we have not had a proper debate, and that there has not been a chance for every member to go through one or other division lobby, on the issue.

Nadine Dorries MP for Mid Bedfordshire, who represents the Woburn area, also spoke out against many of the proposals and warned about the prospect of scientists creating a 'humanzee' if parts of the proposed legislation were not amended. 

She said: "I am extremely disappointed that the government failed to use this opportunity to provide greater clarity on some of the clauses contained within the bill. The bill as passed would allow the insemination of human gametes into an animal – that is, the insemination of human sperm into an animal. It is to Parliament's shame that MPs failed to back those amendments which would have prohibited such a practice from taking place. 

"As parliamentarians I believe we have a duty to make sure that scientists operate within strong parameters of the law – yesterday Parliament failed to provide these parameters. 

"I believe it is extremely dangerous that confusion over such matters will exist, because of the failure of the bill to be explicit in banning such practice. It is vitally important that a secure ethical framework exists in the field of scientific research and I am very concerned the bill does not appear to have grasped this."