Dear Mr Benn MP,

Suggested letter below (but you may alter it)
I am writing to you about the upcoming Meeting of the Parties of the Biosafety Protocol in Bonn in May. I am disappointed to learn that the European Union position on liability and compensation for damage caused by genetically modified organisms favours a non-binding, national approach. Instead, a legally binding international regime is urgently needed to protect communities and the environment from damage caused by GMOs. As you know, the EU position has been poorly received by many developing countries. A number of them, for example India, have expressed concern that the current position would result in a Protocol heavily slanted towards trade rather than towards protection of the environment. We urge you to ensure that the UK supports a strengthening of the EU position which includes: - An international, legally binding liability regime that enshrines the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle in law. - Strict liability, compensation and redress for damage from GMOs to biodiversity, as well as socio-economic impacts. - Primary responsibility should fall on those countries and companies exporting GMOs, not importing countries. - Mechanisms to ensure compensation and redress such as a collective compensation fund. Such action would help ensure the UK strives towards sustainable development, conservation of biological diversity and social justice. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Name:

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