Legal challenge to human cloning

Opponents of human therapeutic cloning are beginning a legal challenge to the granting of the first UK licence permitting the technique to be used.
It was awarded to Newcastle University scientists looking into new treatments for conditions such as diabetes.

Applications for such licences are considered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

But critics such as the Pro-Life Alliance say this licence does not fulfil legal criteria in the HFEA Act.

Solicitors acting for Peng Voong, of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, served an application for a judicial review on the HFEA.

The application will be scrutinised in the High Court. If a decision is made to allow the review to go ahead, it would take place in the New Year.

'Who made the decision?'

David Foster of Barlows Solicitors, Guildford, which is acting for Mr Voong, said: "This is about a public body being open and honest about what it's doing.

"We are simply asking some basic questions - when was the application made, what exactly was it for, who granted the application and what their experience and qualifications...