US Embassy refuse to accept giant turkey

Protest cards make up a colourful turkey outside the US Embassy in London

On Wednesday 24 November, the day before American Thanksgiving, a giant paper turkey feathered with hundreds of cards from UK citizens was delivered to the US Embassy.

The protest was aimed at the Bush government who are claiming at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that the EU's cautious approach to GM is an illegal barrier to free trade.

Giant protest turkey outside the US Embassy

Eve Mitchell, Friends of the Earth's Trade Campaigner, commented:

The US Government should not be trying to force GM food on to Europe's dinner plates.

Thanksgiving is a traditional celebration of food and freedom and we want the US to recognise that people in Europe should have the freedom to choose what they eat.

Friends of the Earth has criticised the case for putting the interests of big business before the needs of people and the environment, and for its lack of a democratic and accountable negotiating process.

An individual's decorated turkey card

It seems however that the US Embassy are not interested in how UK citizens are impacted by US trade policy. Embassy staff who had, prior to 24 November, consented to meet with Friends of the Earth to accept the protest cards, refused to accept the giant turkey on its delivery!