Lack of funding has prevented progress in UK stem cell research that is based on creating human-animal hybrid clones, despite legislation that allows the technique being passed a year ago, researchers warned this week.

Two of the three UK researchers who were granted licences last year to conduct research with human-animal hybrid stem cells, Stephen Minger at King’s College, London, and Lyle Armstrong at Newcastle University’s centre for life, said that they had been unable to initiate or continue with early studies because research councils had turned down grant applications.

Dr Minger, senior lecturer in stem cell biology at King’s College, London, said that the Medical Research Council had turned down an application by his department for about £1m (€1.1m; $1.5m) to cover a three year project.

The aim was to develop stem cell lines from people with genetic forms …