MPs welcome patients and scientists show of support for the bill

4.24.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

Commenting on the public show of support for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill by patients and scientists today outside parliament, Dr Evan Harris MP - one of the main backers of the legislation, said:

"We know that the public support carefully regulated medical research using embryos and also that patients, along with the main medical and scientific organisations, believe this work to be both moral and necessary."

Leading pro-science MP, Dr Ian Gibson, said:

"As Parliament debates the Bill, it will be a refreshing change to see that those demonstrating their opinions outside Parliament come from both sides of the debate".

Phil Willis MP, Chair of the Innovation, University, Science and Skills Select Committee, who chaired the joint committee scrutinising the draft Embryo Bill, said:

"The appearance of scientists and medics standing publicly shoulder to shoulder with and patients and MPs supporting the Bill is a welcome change from the days when scientists were not expected to engage with the public, explain their work or talk to the media."