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CAMBRIDGE WOMAN’S WALK TO LONDON FOR A GM-FREE BRITAIN

Charlotte Parker | 02.10.2003 20:03 | Bio-technology | Ecology | Cambridge

A Cambridge woman is walking from Cambridge to London as part of a nationwide campaign for a GM-free Britain. Charlotte Parker, a care sector support worker, is one of around twenty green pilgrims from around Britain taking part in the pilgrimage for a GM-free Britain.

The journeys will all end in London where hundreds of people will take part in a GM-free harvest festival gathering and Tractor and Trolley Parade on Monday 13 October [1].

Charlotte (22) is due to meet fellow Pilgrim, Martin Haggerty (who is walking to London from Scarborough) on Tuesday 9 October for a visit to some of the GM companies that have head offices in Cambridge – including Bayer and Monsanto - before setting out for London on Wednesday 10 October to bear witness to concerns about GM food and crops.

The pilgrimage will end in London were Charlotte will meet up with hundreds of people at the Tractors and Trolleys Parade on Monday 13 October, to express opposition to GM. The pilgrims will join with farmers, campaigners and ordinary members of the public in a parade led by tractors through London, visiting Downing Street, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affair, and the National Farmers Union. The event is organised by Friends of the Earth, Five-Year Freeze, Genetic Engineering Network and GM-free Cymru.

The event comes at a key time in the GM debate as the UK Government is expected to make a decision on the commercial future of GM crops in this country later this year.

Explaining her motivation for taking part in the pilgrimage, Charlotte Parker said:
“Companies producing GM food are motivated by financial gain. There are several companies in Cambridge involved in genetic modification, Monsanto, Bayer and Syngenta. As I live in Cambridge, I feel I have a duty to take part in this walk. I hope that as many people will join me in London for the GM rally on Monday 13 October.”

Notes:
[1] For more information on the GM-free Pilgrimage and London event, see www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/real_food/press_for_change/tractor_and_trolley/index.html
[2] A full biography and description of Charlotte’s reasons for joining the GM-free Britain pilgrimage are available from Olaf Bayer on 07719 868 515 (m)
[3] Charlotte Parker’s itinerary is as follows: Cambidge: visit to GM HQs (8), Cambridge – Harlow (10), Harlow - Hendon (11)) Hendon - Central London (12), Tractors and Trolleys Rally (13).

Charlotte Parker
- e-mail: charlotteparker77@hotmail.com


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