Sir, The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, having completed its third reading in the Lords, will soon enter the Commons. This Bill covers sensitive ethical questions relating to the beginning of human life and family relationships, and encompasses a range of novel issues, for example with regard to mixing human and non-human gametes. There is a significant diversity of moral and religious views on such issues outside and inside Parliament.

When the original Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 was put before Parliament, MPs were allowed a free vote on amendments, without the government whip, even though it was a government-sponsored Bill. However, the present Government has already whipped the Bill through the Lords and seems intent on doing the same in the Commons. We the undersigned do not hold a single common view on the substantive proposals in the present Bill. We do, however, hold a common view that the Government and the other political parties should not erode the precedent of a “conscience vote” on controversial bioethical legislation. Votes on amendments to this Bill should not be whipped.

Professor David Albert Jones
Professor of Bioethics
St Mary's University College, Twickenham

Professor Brenda Almond
Professor (Emerita) of Moral and Social Philosophy
University of Hull

Professor Robin Attfield
Professor of Philosophy
Cardiff University

Professor B. Anthony Bell
Professor of Neurosurgery
St George's, University of London

Professor Nigel Biggar
Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology
University of Oxford

Professor Margaret Brazier
Professor of Law
University of Manchester

Professor John Hedley Brooke
Andreas Idreos Professor (Emeritus) of Science and Religion
University of Oxford

Professor Peter Brunt
Clinical Professor (Emeritus)
University of Aberdeen

Professor John Bryant
Professor (Emeritus) of Biological Sciences
University of Exeter

Professor John Campbell
Professor of General Practice and Primary Care
Peninsula Medical School

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