MR Justin McArdle expresses concern about "strident and very vocal pressure" from senior Catholic clergymen, to persuade the government to allow Labour MPs a free vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, posing "a threat to our democracy" (letters, March 27).

However, until these interventions, this Bill had received little media coverage, despite the wide-ranging powers it offers for legalised abuse of human life. Moreover, the House of Lords debate revealed that the Bill will sanction further developments in embryo science without a return to Parliament.

Hitherto, Bills touching on life issues have not been whipped - the Conserv atives in 1990 allowed Tory MPs a free vote on their Human Embryology Bill. To date, no cures have been found from embryo research, as was promised, although many have been found through adult stem cells and blood cord stem cells; thus it is extraordinary that rather than supporting such research, human/animal hybrid embryo research is being steam-rollered through Parliament.

If conscience no longer has a place in politics, no wonder so many scandals are arising with MPs' expenses.

And by the way, Gordon Brown was not elected prime minister; the Pope was elected by a college of cardinals.

Ann Farmer address supplied