Pro cloning vote deeply disturbing sad day for ethical standards in science, says SPUC

Pro-cloning vote "deeply disturbing—sad day for ethical standards in science", says SPUC Westminster, --The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has expressed its sadness at this evening's vote of the House of Commons in favour of research on cloned human embryos. John Smeaton, SPUC national director, said: "Today's vote is deeply disturbing. It is a sad day for ethical standards in science and respect for innocent human life in Britain. This country has cast itself into uncharted ethical waters. It has also broken ranks with European political opinion, which is squarely opposed to all forms of human cloning." However Mr Smeaton held out hope, saying: "We feel that this result is due to the insufficient time for debate given to MPs to consider the profound issues involved. The House of Lords should give this matter deep consideration and should reject the statutory instrument when it is laid before them." The measure to allow experimentation on cloned human embryos was passed by 366 votes to 174.