U-turn allows embryo bill free vote
Updated on 25 March 2008
Faced with Catholic Church fury, Brown climbs down over the embryo bill and will offer his MPs a free vote on three controversial clauses.
Brown was forced into the compromise to avert the possible resignations of three cabinet ministers.
Labour MPs will now be able to vote according to their consciences when the Commons discusses the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos, so called "saviour siblings" and widening access to IVF treatment.
But the main votes on the bill will still be subject to a three-line whip.
