Richard Burt Gives His Views On Controversial Embryology Bill

6.49.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt today addressed party members at a West Worcestershire President's Lunch held at the Green Dragon in Malvern. Richard offered his views on the Embryology Bill passing through parliament.

The Bill is subject to a free vote by MPs who will vote on hybrid embryos, saviour siblings, reducing the time limit for abortions and considering the need for a father before granting IVF treatment.

Richard Burt told party members how he would have voted on each issue:

"There are passionately held views on these issues so I thought it only fair for people to know how I would have voted and why."

"I would have supported the licensed us of hybrid embryos for research because gene therapy because I am convinced it holds the key to relieve millions from future suffering."

"I would also have voted to allow the creation of 'saviour siblings' to aid a sick brother or sister with a genetic match. I see no reason why parents in these tragic circumstances cannot want a child both for itself and to help cure an older brother or sister."

"For me the argument for reducing the legal limit for abortion by two weeks to twenty two weeks is compelling. I have spoke to midwives who can testify to increased likelihood of survival for premature born babies at an earlier age."

"Finally, I would vote to keep the legal requirement for the consideration of a father before granting IVF treatment, not to discriminate against different kinds of loving families, but to underpin in law the natural relationship between a father and mother in bearing a child."