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Brown compromise over embryo vote

by Dave Keating | March 25, 2008 at 08:00 am | 108 views | add comment

Here in the UK the debate over embryo research may not be as heated as in the US, but it is still somewhat controversial, as evidenced by Brown's decision to compromise on his proposals.

Gordon Brown says Labour MPs will have a free vote on three controversial parts of his embryo research proposals.

He said the measures were of huge importance, but added that he respected the ethical issues involved for some.

The prime minister said if the three bits are backed by MPs, he expects all Labour MPs to vote in favour when there is the final vote on the whole bill.

The PM offered the deal after warnings that some Catholic Labour MPs and cabinet ministers were ready to rebel.