I recently wrote to David Burrowes, the MP for Enfield Southgate, to enquire about his intentions with respect to the Human Tissues and Embryology Bill currently before Parliament. Here is his response.

Dear Mr Albert,

I write to thank you for your recent letter in which you outlined your concerns over the Human Tissues and Embryology Bill.

You may be aware that I was a member of the Joint Committee looking at the Draft Bill, through which I have become very familiar with the Bill’s proposals, many of which I am uncomfortable with.

Firstly, let me assure you that I have begun an examination of the provisions of this Bill from the perspective that life is sacrosanct. As such, I am fundamentally opposed to any use of embryos for research purposes, in particular where, as is the case, alternatives are available.

I acknowledge your concerns about the creation of animal-human hybrids and the unpredictable risk associated with tampering with human cells in this way. I too strongly support the development of technologies to conduct further research into the use of adult stem cells as a source of stem cells for therapeutic use. Furthermore, I recently presented a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament on the collection of Umbilical Cord Blood, which I believe provides us with another effective and ethical alternative to the usage of embryonic stem cells.

In addition, I fully agree that bringing a child into the world when no man can be considered their father is a provision that is undoubtedly wrong and as such I have signed EDM 162 which relates to this issue. I will also be opposing any further liberalisation on the abortion laws as I feel that we should be striving to reverse the tide on this issue rather than encourage it.

Finally, along with a number of colleagues, I have been concerned at the potential for inadequate debate of the Bill when it has its passage through the House of Commons shortly. In particular I have called for there to be a Committee of the whole House to discuss the more controversial elements of the Bill and for there to be a free vote on the issue of the creation and use of inter-species embryos as there was for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. As such, I have tabled EDM 1127 on this issue which is currently gaining growing cross-party support.

Please rest assured that I share your concerns with the Bill and will be bringing this to bear in Parliament. Do let me know if I can be of any further assistance to you on this issue.

David Burrowes MP
Shadow Minister for Justice