Hybrids have been secretly produced in recent years by researchers looking for possible cures for a wide range of diseases.
Scientists say the techniques could be used to develop embryonic stem cells that can be used to treat a range of incurable diseases.
A campaigner against the excesses of medical research said he was disgusted that scientists were “dabbling in the grotesque” and warned of a nightmare Planet of the Apes scenario in which work on creations goes too far.
“Ethically it can never be justifiable – it discredits us as a country. It is dabbling in the grotesque.
“At every stage the justification from scientists has been: if only you allow us to do this, we will find cures for every illness known to mankind. This is emotional blackmail.
“Of the 80 treatments and cures which have come about from stem cells, all have come from adult stem cells – not embryonic ones.
“On moral and ethical grounds this fails; and on scientific and medical ones too.”
All have now stopped creating hybrid embryos due to a lack of funding but scientists believe that there will be more such work in the future.
