Government must clarify role of GM debate

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett failed to explain how GM Nation - the Government's public debate of the future commercialisation of genetically modified food - would impact on the Government's decision on commercialisation, due to be made later this year. Speaking at a seminar on Precaution in Practice at the Royal Society, London, Mrs Beckett MP highlighted some of the potential benefits of GM and said the Government was interested in hearing the public's views, but evaded questions on how these views would affect the Government decision.

"We are seriously concerned by Margaret Beckett's failure to give a serious answer to the question of what the Government will do if public opinion is opposed to the commercialisation of GM crops," commented Friends of the Earth's GM Campaigner, Pete Riley after the event.

"Despite the Government's claims that it remains neutral in this debate, Mrs Beckett's speech overlooked many of the concerns raised about GM crops, while emphasising potential benefits. This debate is an innovative way of making decisions about food policy, but once it is over, the public will be watching the Government closely to see that they respect the views that have emerged."