THE North-East, via scientists at Newcastle University, has had a very special role to play in the intense debate surrounding the creation of hybrid humananimal embryos for stem cell research.

We fully acknowledge the inevitable complexities and sensitivities involved in such an emotive area of science, which led to last night's historic free vote in the Commons.

But, in weighing the arguments for and against this kind of research, we believe it is a role of which this region should be intensely proud.

Scientists in Newcastle announced last month that they had created the first parthuman, part-animal hybrid embryos in the UK, opening up incalculable potential for the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.

The breakthrough provides the opportunity to save millions of lives - and it is an opportunity the human race cannot pass up.

Interference with nature on such an unprecedented scale is not a step that should be taken without rigorous debate. But we have interfered with nature throughout the history of medicine - for the good of mankind.

It is right that MPs were allowed to vote with their conscience rather than the party line last night because this is clearly a deeply personal issue.

We respect the position of the Catholic Church, and understand the concerns of those who consider this to be a dangerous step too far.

But we believe the vast majority of people will support these medical advances as an important and inevitable step in man's development.