The vote passed overwhelmingly in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon with a majority of 254 votes (382 yes, 128 no); it will move into the House of Lords next month where it is likely to pass.
The historic vote centred on the altering of a human egg or embryo so that material from three people is used to create a baby. MPs were given a free vote Tuesday instead of voting along party lines, allowing them to decide with their consciences.
If the House of Lords votes in favour, the UK would become the first country in the world to bring forward laws enabling such a practice. Human trials could take place from October 2015 and the first three-person babies could be born by autumn 2016.
“This is a bold step for parliament to take, but it is a considered and informed step,” Public Health Minister Jane Ellison told the House of Commons during the debate before the vote.
“This is world leading science within a highly respected regulatory regime. And for the many families affected, this is light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”