HAVING IT BOTH WAYS......

So Gordon Brown has backed down and MPs with "issues" about the Human Embryology Bill will now be able to vote with their consciences - except that they won't. Yes, they will be able to vote against the bits they don't like. But then they will have to vote for the substantiove motion. What this means of course is that they will be able to say they voted "against" knowing full well the Bill would get through anyway. My view on the issue? I think it's a difficult one. Yes, I can see the obvious benefits of stem cell research and if mixing human DNA with animal cells helps fight terrible diseases like Parkinson's then it's an extremely positive option. However , maybe it's my residual Catholicism but I still find the notion of hybrid embryos being used in this way pretty disquieting.
What I do know is that if I had the unequivocal convictions allegedly possessed by allegedly committed Catholics like Ruth Kelly and Des Browne then I would not be happy with the fudge which Brown has proposed. I would want an entirely free vote . And, frankly, I don't see how they can square their beliefs with voting in favour........