The Brown-Darrell Clinic yesterday said it erred in stating it shares the FCO's concern over stem cell use in the absence of robust regulations.

A statement from the group said it now believed the FCO had not expressed concern about the lack of stem cell legislations in Bermuda, but had stated it "understood" the United Bermuda Party's concern about lack of regulation.

However, it reiterated that it would welcome and encourage legislation consistent with the international protocol practised by countries engaged in stem cell research.

On Wednesday afternoon, The Royal Gazette sent Premier Ewart Brown, wife Wanda and California-based Stemedica a copy of a letter written by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

The FCO's letter stated: "We understand your concern about the therapeutic application of stem cells in the absence of robust international or local regulatory frameworks and the potential risk that may present to Bermuda's reputation."

That evening, the Brown-Darrell Clinic released a response stating: "Although we were not privy to the discussion between Dr. Grant Gibbons and UK authorities last week relative to Brown-Darrell, both Stemedica and Brown-Darrell share the FCO's concern regarding the application of stem cells in the absence of robust international or local regulatory frameworks and the potential risk that such applications may present to the reputations of Bermuda as well as Stemedica."

Yesterday, the Brown-Darrell Clinic issued another statement, saying: "The Brown-Darrell Clinic wants to clarify that an unbiased, literal reading of the letter solicited by the UBP and received from the FCO relative to stem cell research indicates that the FCO did not express a concern about a lack of stem cell regulations. The FCO stated that it understood the UBP's concerns — a distinction with a difference.

"In our statement, we erred in stating that we shared the FCO concern, when it is obvious that they did not express concern. Nonetheless, we would welcome and encourage legislation consistent with the international protocol practiced by countries engaged in stem cell research."

The FCO letter also stated: "Bermuda may want to consider the introduction of legislation to enable internationally recognised stem cell research and treatment to take place within a transparent and well regulated framework."

Reflecting on this statement, this newspaper reported that the FCO had "suggested stem cell legislation be introduced" in Bermuda.

The Brown-Darrell Clinic disagreed, stating: "The FCO said that, looking to the future, Bermuda may want to 'consider' (emphasis added) the introduction of legislation. The FCO did not suggest that stem cell legislation be introduced."