Three Catholic Cabinet ministers are threatening to quit over new laws allowing scientists to cross human embryos with animals.Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, Defence Secretary Des Browne and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy want the right to vote against sections of the Government Bill.
Six other ministers, about six Parliamentary Private Secretaries and a number of whips could also resign if they cannot vote with their conscience - which would be a huge blow to Gordon Brown.
One potential rebel said: "A lot of negotiating is going on. But at the moment we're walking to disaster."
Opposition to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is Mr Brown's first big Parliamentary test as Premier. Whips say ministers with objections could stay away when the vote is held after Easter. But rebels say they should be allowed to vote for changes to the legislation.
Ms Kelly has links to the Opus Dei sect and Mr Murphy is a member of the all-party Pro-Life group. But Mr Browne is a loyal lieutenant.
A friend said: "Des normally comes down on the side of the team. But this is religion."
Supporters of the Bill say hybrid embryos are vital to keep Britain at the forefront of scientific research.
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