UK: 'All cells are potential life'

Church leaders in Kent have spoken out against controversial legislation that would allow scientists to create human-animal embryos.

The Government’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which begins its passage through the House of Commons next month, sets out rules that will govern future research in the UK

Scientists say they can use stem cells from human embryos to treat cancers, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other life threatening illnesses.

But religious leaders in Kent are opposed to the creation of human-animal embryos, the most contentious element of the Bill. Catholic leaders are against the use of any human embryos in scientific research. The Right Rev Brian Castle, Anglican Bishop of Tonbridge, condemned the idea of using human parts “like a piece of meat”. the rest image