MPs call for extension to GM national debate25 June 2003
Friends of the Earth welcomed moves by a cross-party group of MPs to extend the public debate on GM food and crops. The MPs, led by former Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, have tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to extend the debate until more research evidence is available.
The Government debate has come under criticism from MPs, consumer groups and environmental organisations for a number of reasons, including the tight time frame. Launched in early June, the GM Nation debate is scheduled to end on 18th July. But the Government's own science review has not yet been published and the findings of the Farm Scale Evaluations are not due to be made public until this autumn.
"The Government is clearly trying to rush through this debate as quickly as possible, with as little input from the public as possible," said Friends of the Earth GM Campaigner, Pete Riley. "But a debate can only be a real debate once all the facts are in the open. If the public are to be allowed their say, they should have access to the relevant information. The Government must now listen to what consumer and environment groups have been saying for some time and extend this debate to give the public a chance to express an informed view on GM food and crops in the UK."
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