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19/02/2004
Opposition outraged over leaked GM crops approval
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the government following the emergence of a leaked cabinet document which shows that the government is close to adopting the use of GM crops for commercial purposes.
It has been reported today that leaked Cabinet minutes reveal that the government will voice qualified approval for the commercial sowing of genetically modified maize.
The Lib Dems were highly critical of the document and accused the government of cynicism and of favouring the will of the "biotech giants" above Parliamentary process.
Lib Dem Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Andrew George, added that the leaked document showed that the government was treating the public's concerns with "contempt".
"If the public realised what was being decided in their name, there would be uproar. The government has already been taking small steps towards licensing GM, but the cumulative effect will be a momentous and irreversible decision," he said.
"Instead of coming to Parliament with a statement, they should be allowing MPs to debate a policy motion before making any decision with potentially harmful environmental effects.
Mr George added: "Their plan to link the growing of GM crops in the UK to the future of the developing world is a particularly cynical ploy.
"Crops grown here will not help feed the world’s poor. The inclusion of that issue, and the briefing of MPs with interests in that field is to purely a credibility crutch."
The Tory Party called for the government to engage in "transparent consultations" before giving the go ahead for the use of any GM crops.
Shadow Agriculture Minister John Whittingdale warned that there would only be a market for GM crops if the government could satisfy consumers as to their safety.
Mr Whittingdale said: "GM crops could potentially be of great benefit to consumers, farmers and the Third World. However, the government must only proceed to grant permission for commercial growing on the basis of sound science and unambiguous rules.
"It is essential that there should be clearly defined separation of distances between GM and non-GM species, rules governing liability for any contamination and easily understood labelling to allow consumers to make an informed choice."
(gmcg)
It has been reported today that leaked Cabinet minutes reveal that the government will voice qualified approval for the commercial sowing of genetically modified maize.
The Lib Dems were highly critical of the document and accused the government of cynicism and of favouring the will of the "biotech giants" above Parliamentary process.
Lib Dem Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Andrew George, added that the leaked document showed that the government was treating the public's concerns with "contempt".
"If the public realised what was being decided in their name, there would be uproar. The government has already been taking small steps towards licensing GM, but the cumulative effect will be a momentous and irreversible decision," he said.
"Instead of coming to Parliament with a statement, they should be allowing MPs to debate a policy motion before making any decision with potentially harmful environmental effects.
Mr George added: "Their plan to link the growing of GM crops in the UK to the future of the developing world is a particularly cynical ploy.
"Crops grown here will not help feed the world’s poor. The inclusion of that issue, and the briefing of MPs with interests in that field is to purely a credibility crutch."
The Tory Party called for the government to engage in "transparent consultations" before giving the go ahead for the use of any GM crops.
Shadow Agriculture Minister John Whittingdale warned that there would only be a market for GM crops if the government could satisfy consumers as to their safety.
Mr Whittingdale said: "GM crops could potentially be of great benefit to consumers, farmers and the Third World. However, the government must only proceed to grant permission for commercial growing on the basis of sound science and unambiguous rules.
"It is essential that there should be clearly defined separation of distances between GM and non-GM species, rules governing liability for any contamination and easily understood labelling to allow consumers to make an informed choice."
(gmcg)
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19 May 2003
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
09 March 2004
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
11 July 2003
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
21 October 2003
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
02 September 2004
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
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