The Parkinson's Disease Society welcomes the House of Commons backing for research using hybrid embryos.

On 19 May, MPs voted down amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, ensuring that all lines of hybrid embryo research remain open.

The Society wrote to all MPs ahead of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill's second reading in the House of Commons to highlight the importance of the Bill's provisions relating to new areas of research - the use of human admixed embryos and in particular cytoplasmic hybrid embryos. These hold great potential to improve understanding of conditions such as Parkinson's by increasing the availability of stem cells for research.

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"We're delighted that we have managed to get the views of people with Parkinson's heard. Scientists and patient organisations like ours have been working hard over the last 18 months to increase understanding of what human admixed embryo research is and why it is needed. Hopefully in 20 years time people will look back and see the importance of this campaign."

Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development at the Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"Stem cell research holds great potential to improve understanding of conditions such as Parkinson's. By keeping all avenues of stem cell research open, scientists will be able to pursue all promising lines of research, within the UK's strict regulatory framework, and make more rapid progress towards new treatments and hopefully a cure."