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The body which regulates embryo research is to come under fire for allowing scientists to create part-human, part-animal hybrids.
A cross-party group of more than 40 MPs has expressed its "dismay" that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has granted licences to researchers.
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In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, the MPs said the issues raised had yet to be considered by Parliament during debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
Two teams were given licences in January to conduct research using hybrids made from animal eggs that have their nuclei replaced with human genetic code.
They want to use the technique to create embryonic stem cells to study the causes of and to develop treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, motor neurone and Huntington's.
The HFEA defended the decision to grant the licences, saying they satisfied the requirement of the law.
But opponents of the move claimed the scientists were "playing the sorcerer's apprentice", and pro-life groups were considering a legal challenge.
The MPs claim the HFEA's decision "makes a mockery of Parliament".
A cross-party group of more than 40 MPs has expressed its "dismay" that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has granted licences to researchers.
advertisement
In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, the MPs said the issues raised had yet to be considered by Parliament during debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
Two teams were given licences in January to conduct research using hybrids made from animal eggs that have their nuclei replaced with human genetic code.
They want to use the technique to create embryonic stem cells to study the causes of and to develop treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, motor neurone and Huntington's.
The HFEA defended the decision to grant the licences, saying they satisfied the requirement of the law.
But opponents of the move claimed the scientists were "playing the sorcerer's apprentice", and pro-life groups were considering a legal challenge.
The MPs claim the HFEA's decision "makes a mockery of Parliament".