Statement by TUV North Antrim Westminster candidate Timothy Gaston:
“Yesterday the House of Commons voted to approve the creation of babies using DNA from three people. Importantly, there is no agreement across the medical and scientific world that the procedure is either safe or effective. Should yesterday’s vote ultimately lead to a change in the law the UK will be the only country in the world which permits this.
“There are many people – particularly in Ulster – who have grave concerns about scientists playing God in this way. It is important to remember that this change, should it make it through the Lords will apply to the whole of the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland.
“I was therefore surprised and disappointed to note that while the DUP thought the issue worthy of a press release highlighting the party’s opposition to the changes one third of their MPs didn’t turn up to vote. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds was able to make it to the launch of a party billboard campaign in Belfast boasting about the supposed influence the DUP could have in a hung parliament but he – along with David Simpson and North Antrim’s Ian Paisley Jur – didn’t manage to vote.
“How can the DUP claim to potential powerbrokers in the Commons when three of their MPs can miss such an important vote?
“As far as TUV is concerned we assure the public that any members of our party elected to the Commons will be fulltime MPs. We will also ensure that our constituents are not left without a voice on such important matters.”
Note to editors
The division list can be viewed online here http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150203/debtext/150203-0002.htm#15020348000001