Voting On The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Bill

On many subjects, MPs are expected to support their Parties' policies. This is known as "the Whip," I think... anyway, some topics have traditionally not been whipped, but MPs are allowed to vote according to their consciences. When the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill was considered by Parliament the (then) government allowed free votes on all matters up until the final vote.

The joint committee on the draft Human Tissues and Embryos bill recommended that this approach be adopted for questions over embryology and the role of fathers, but the Brown government has said that free votes will only be allowed on abortion.

There is an e-petition going to Downing Street to ask that the votes on the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Bill, at least the clauses concerned with embryology and the role of fathers, are free.

If you are a British Citizen or resident you can sign the petition HERE.