Permits three-person IVF
The House votes by 280 votes to 48 to approve changes to the law allowing fertility clinics to carry out mitochondrial donation. Babies conceived through this technique would have biological material from three different people – a mother, father and a female donor. Around 100 children each year are affected by genetic defects in the mitochondria and in around 10 cases the defects cause severe illnesses such as liver failure, muscle wasting, blindness and brain damage. Direct of Wellcome Trust, Jeremey Farrar:
Families who know what it is like to care for a child with a devastating disease are the people best placed to decide whether mitochondrial donation is the right option for them. Parliament is to be commended for a considered and compassionate decision to give these families that choice, with proper safeguards under the UK’s internationally-admired regulatory system.
Caught taking drugs with prostitutes
The Sun releases photos and videos of Sewel naked, snorting lines of cocaine with prostitutes.
Prostitute: You’re such a party animal!
Sewel: I know. Disgusting, isn’t it?
One of Sewel’s former responsibilities as deputy speaker was to enforce standards and ethics within the House of Lords.
Resigns
Sewel resigns from The House of Lords:
The question of whether my behaviour breached the Code of Conduct is important, but essentially technical. The bigger questions are whether my behaviour is compatible with membership of the House of Lords and whether my continued membership would damage and undermine public confidence in the House of Lords. I believe the answer to both these questions means that I can best serve the House by leaving it. As a subordinate, second chamber the House of Lords is an effective, vital but undervalued part of our political system. I hope my decision will limit and help repair the damage I have done to an institution I hold dear. Finally, I want to apologise for the pain and embarrassment I have caused.