MPs back scientists' plea to be able to create hybrid embryos

Government proposals to prevent the creation of part human, part animal embryos for research purposes have been condemned by an influential group of MPs.

MPs on the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology said that the Department of Health's stance was out of line with scientists, funders of research, the regulator, patients' groups, other government departments, and even the prime minister.

The committee this week published the findings of its inquiry into government proposals for the regulation of human-animal chimeras or hybrid embryos.

The issue arose after two teams of scientists at Newcastle University and King's College London submitted applications …