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Gordon Brown facing Scottish revolt over embryo ban

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is facing a rebellion from Scots Labour MPs against a new law on embryo research.

At least half are planning to vote against the bill, with Scots Secretary Des Browne among those threatening to defy the party whip.

Church groups and pro-life campaigners are putting pressure on MPs to vote against the bill, which would allow the creation of part-human, part-animal embryos for research into conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Brown has so far refused to give Labour MPs a free vote on the bill, insisting they must vote in favour of it. Every other party will allow MPs to vote with their conscience.

A Catholic Church spokesman said:"This is a conscience issue and when the other main party leaders are allowing their MPs a free vote, Gordon Brown should do the same."

Morag Mylne, convener of the Kirk's church and society council, said they also had "significant ethical concerns".

Full story at the Daily Record.