GM Crops Approved.
D.R. | 09.07.2002 20:47
A leading environmental campaign group has renewed its attack on the Government stance on genetically modified crops.
The move by Friends of the Earth comes after an unnamed Minister is reported to have said that a decision to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK had already been taken.
The move by Friends of the Earth comes after an unnamed Minister is reported to have said that a decision to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK had already been taken.
A leading environmental campaign group has renewed its attack on the Government stance on genetically modified crops.
The move by Friends of the Earth comes after an unnamed Minister is reported to have said that a decision to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK had already been taken.
The Daily Telegraph said Prime Minister Tony Blair was to lead a three-pronged campaign to win public opinion over to the idea.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett earlier this year said: "The Government considers that there should be a full and informed debate.
"The Government will later need to take decisions on the possible commercialisation of GM crops."
Friends of the Earth said that the revelation about the bid to win over public opinion follows UK Government opposition to moves in Europe to tighten the labelling of food containing GM material.
Despite this, European MEPs voted in favour of stricter labelling.
Pete Riley, GM campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "The damning comments from this Government Minister confirms our fears. The Government's public consultation exercise on GM crops is nothing more than a PR sham.
"Despite the fact that the public have clearly said that they don't want GM food on their plates or GM crops in their fields, the Government seems determined to push the interests of the biotech industry.
"People should be very wary, the 'official' GM debate is likely to be very one sided."
Story filed: 14:46 Tuesday 9th July 2002
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_625250.html?menu=
The move by Friends of the Earth comes after an unnamed Minister is reported to have said that a decision to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK had already been taken.
The Daily Telegraph said Prime Minister Tony Blair was to lead a three-pronged campaign to win public opinion over to the idea.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett earlier this year said: "The Government considers that there should be a full and informed debate.
"The Government will later need to take decisions on the possible commercialisation of GM crops."
Friends of the Earth said that the revelation about the bid to win over public opinion follows UK Government opposition to moves in Europe to tighten the labelling of food containing GM material.
Despite this, European MEPs voted in favour of stricter labelling.
Pete Riley, GM campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "The damning comments from this Government Minister confirms our fears. The Government's public consultation exercise on GM crops is nothing more than a PR sham.
"Despite the fact that the public have clearly said that they don't want GM food on their plates or GM crops in their fields, the Government seems determined to push the interests of the biotech industry.
"People should be very wary, the 'official' GM debate is likely to be very one sided."
Story filed: 14:46 Tuesday 9th July 2002
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_625250.html?menu=
D.R.