45,400 signature petition opposes embryology bill

45,400-signature petition opposes embryology bill Westminster, Monday, - The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) today delivered a 45,400-signature petition to parliament opposing the British government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology bill.

The petition says: " ... that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (2007) proposes to endorse the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos in the laboratory; the widening of the scope for experiments on human embryos, and the creation of human embryos for other purposes without regard for the welfare and status of such embryos.

"The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons vote against the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, and urge the Government to change its policy towards endorsing the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos in the laboratory; the widening of the scope for experiments on human embryos, and the creation of human embryos for other purposes without regard for the welfare and status of such embryos."

Mr David Burrowes, Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, will later present the petition to the House of Commons.

As he received the petition as Big Ben struck noon, Mr Burrowes recited a prayer that is inscribed on a plaque in parliament's clock tower.

The words are: "All through this hour, Lord be my guide, and by thy power no foot shall slide." The bill's Commons second reading begins today. It has already been passed by the House of Lords. Our two, high-resolution pictures both show (from left) John Smeaton, SPUC national director, Linda Davidson, SPUC enquiries officer, Mr David Burrowes, Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, and Mrs Kay O'Brien, an SPUC supporter who lives in Mr Burrowes' constituency. * portrait format * landscape format .