Edward Leigh fails to persuade MPs that adult stem cell research should be preferred to embryonic research

Edward Leigh MP says that there is a better, ethically uncomplicated way of tackling disease: "Adult stem cell research has been much more successful than embryonic stem cell research: "Particularly in the public mind, the debate has been clouded by the sense that there are diseases out there waiting to be cured. Enormous advances have been made on stem cells—there have been 70 successful treatments with adult stem cells—but for the past 10 years, we have been told that useful developments on embryonic stem cells are just around the corner. I sat through most of the Second Reading debate, when the fact that 70 successful treatments have arisen from adult stem-cell research was mentioned several times. The hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) has mentioned the prospect—we have heard this again and again—of two early clinical trials in the United States. We have heard that for many years, but nothing has happened... I leave the last word to Professor Yamanaka, who was quoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds) in the debate on Second Reading? The professor has turned away from embryonic stem-cell research and is a leader in adult stem-cell research. He turned away because of what he saw through the microscope 10 years ago:

“When I saw the embryo, I suddenly realised there was such a small difference between it and my daughters.”

This measure is a step too far, and we should oppose it."

Bill Cash MP: "It seems quite clear that we ought to have a provision in the Bill, one way or another, that excludes embryonic cell research when adult stem-cell research has been proved viable. If adult stem-cell research becomes viable, it should then be the only kind of research available."

David Burrowes MP: "In this country more than 80 therapeutic treatments have been made possible by adult stem-cell research, and there have been more than 350 clinical trials. We should concentrate on and invest in efficacy and the development of valuable research in this country and overseas, rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted from the results that are being produced."

Edward Leigh's amendment was defeated by 336 votes to 176.  More in Hansard.

Comments

[Will Stobart]

And quite right as far as I'm concerned.

Academic freedom is an important part of what makes this country what it is. Capping these freedoms would be unacceptable.

[MagicAldo]

Thank God for men such as Mr Leigh

[Michael Davidson]

I'm glad he was defeated.

This party should not be associating itself with the Christian fundamentalists shown on Despatches last night.

[Peter Coe]

MagicAldo: on the basis that whenever he opens his mouth it vastly increases the numbers opposing whatever stance he takes?

[francis]

I wish Edward Leigh would be honest here, he is opposed to embryonic stem cell research on religious grounds and not moral or ethical ones

[Fiona]

Thank you Edward Leigh, Bill Cash and David Burrowes for everything you have done in Parliament.

It is a pity that the media have kept on misleading the public by implying that there is no alternative to embryonic stem cell research. It is testimony to those who have spoken in Parliament that it is beginning to filter through in the media that adult stem cells and umblical cord stem cells provide an ethical and superior alternative to embryo research, which is actually further ahead and likely to lead to more treatments for patients.

[francis]

The only reasons adult stem cells and umbilical cord stem cell research is further ahead is beacuse at the moment its easier to get funding for it, especially in the states. I think people have there priorities wrong when they care more about a blastocyst of 150 cells then a 7 year old child with a boken spine. Incidentally there are more than 10,000 cells in the brain of a fly.

[Justin]

Edward Leigh and Bill Cash. Two people directly responsible for the Tories being out of power for the last 11 years. How I wish they would just disappear into the ether before they damage the party again.