No "reform"

A resounding raspberry was delivered in the House of Commons last night to Cardinal O'Connor, David Cameron, Ruth Kelly, Nadine Dorries and other assorted nasties who had proposed amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Many of these were disingenuous, part of a campaign to scupper the bill altogether or to use debate on it to block or reverse enlightened changes.

Happily, all were defeated. They were free votes and it is encouraging to see that a majority of Labour MPs do still have consciences in good working order. It is unlikely that many of these were influenced by the fact that the Prime Minister shares their views, but Gordon Brown will have had a much needed boost to his morale.