MP Dr Evan Harris today attacked the Government and Opposition for delays over the controversial issue of cloning.

The Oxford West and Abingdon MP has won the right to hold a Commons debate on a Bill to allow new forms of research on embryos.

He said it would help scientists tackle a range of degenerative conditions including Parkinson's disease, leukaemia, kidney failure and motor neurone disease.

Dr Harris, who will introduce his Ten Minute Rule Bill on October 31, said today: "The Government is not listening to the needs of patients, the voice of doctors and the advice of its own scientists.

"The Tories' attempt to block or delay this work for petty short-term party political gain is not only opportunistic, it is immoral."