The frightening potential of genetic editing goes well beyond rogue science

The BBC has featured an interesting story about the work of Chinese professor He Jiankui, who has produced the world’s first genetically edited people.

Remainers now have a chance to go for gold, so why should they settle for Theresa May's booby prize?

Even by her pitifully low standards, Theresa May’s last attempt to drag her Brexit withdrawal agreement through the Commons smacks of desperation. She has tried everything, throwing every tactical manoeuvre she can no matter how much it deduces and poisons British politics.

Opponents of abortion need to show people that you don't need God to see why it is wrong

The US state of Alabama has become the latest to pass a bill banning abortions in all cases except where the mother’s life is at serious risk. This is, of course, to be welcomed. Abortion is one of the most grave evils of our day, but it is hard to be an opponent of abortion. I think that is because the topic is so bound up with religion, and opposition to abortion is always assumed to be motivated by religious beliefs, and grounded in religious arguments.

Poem: A bird in a graveyard

High up above I watch them,
Knelt on the ground below,
Some in calm and peacefulness,
Some with faces filled with woe.

A letter to my dog

Phoebe,
10 days since we said goodbye and I miss you more and more with every passing day. Whenever I would tell people about you, I would refer to you as my dog. You weren’t so lucky, and did well not to have an identity crisis with all the affectionate and ridiculous names I had for you, each one lovingly treasured in my heart. In that heart, which hurts so much for you now, you will always be alive and present.

There could yet be a Lazarus moment for a second referendum

A few short weeks ago, it looked like the prospect of a second referendum was well and truly dead in the water.

Matt Hancock's prostate cancer pickle shows why genetic testing for the healthy must be approached with caution

When he announced in January that the NHS will offer a paid genetic sequencing service for healthy people in England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock must have known he was venturing into controversial territory. Only a couple of months later, Mr Hancock himself has unwittingly exposed the very real drawbacks and challenges that this presents.

The Tory quitters walked away and made a no-deal Brexit that little bit more likely

Who would have guessed that Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Dr Sarah Wollaston would quit the Tory party? They have sounded off, voted against the government and openly criticised virtually everything the party has done for ages.