In fact, scientists and medical research charities have been trying to engage the public, the media and politicians on this issue for about three years. So I suggest it’s not for lack of trying that the scientists’ voice is not being heard, but that many people have not been listening.

However, I think Fiona would agree with Mary’s analysis that ‘…the British public’s combination of scepticism and susceptibility to simplistic argument is in direct proportion to the failure of our scientists to engage with us .… what the MMR finding shows is the dangerous vacuum that is left when reputable scientists fail to communicate’.

Fiona had actually been on the Today programme to discuss of Andrew Wakefield’s appearance in front of the GMC about his conduct in relation to MMR. She had some very interesting things to say too about media ‘balance’ on difficult scientific and medical issues – definitely worth listening.

But back to the debate over the human embryology bill and hybrid embryos. At last we are beginning to see feature articles that aim to cast more light than heat on the issues. I recommend today’s Guardian G2 piece by Aida Edemariam. Its title ‘A matter of life and death’ is the only slightly immoderate thing about it.