Justified Catholic dismay - 2

Last Sunday we commented on the European Parliament's decision to approve funding for embryonic stem-cell research. This decision was described by the Vatican as "a fundamental mistake" based on a logic that is "tragically utilitarian." The European...

Last Sunday we commented on the European Parliament's decision to approve funding for embryonic stem-cell research. This decision was described by the Vatican as "a fundamental mistake" based on a logic that is "tragically utilitarian." The European and Maltese bishops also condemned the decision.

The Nationalists MEPs voted against the resolution. The three Labour MEPs abstained. At the tail-end of our piece we wrote: "Maltese Catholic voters should by right ask the MEPs elected on the Labour Party ticket to explain their position on this grave matter."

We renew that appeal after giving more information about the matter. A Christian Outlook is reliably informed that a few days before the vote there was an understanding that all Maltese MEPs would vote against. This was a situation where every vote counted. In fact the resolution was narrowly adopted by 284 votes in favour - 249 voted against and 32 abstained.

What happened to make the Labour MEPs change their minds? Were they given instructions from the party in Malta? Or were there instructions from the European Socialist Party? In such an important matter one would have expected the Labour MEPs to follow their consciences and not the party instruction.

Many expect the Labour MEPs to explain to us their vote and position.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.