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Government GM consultation just a pr offensive - minister
9 July 2002
Friends of the Earth has renewed its attack on the Government stance on GM crops after a Minister admitted today that a decision to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK had already been taken. The Minister also described the forthcoming public debate [1] on GM crops - reportedly to be led by Tony Blair – as a “PR offensive” [2].
Earlier this year Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, said “the Government considers that there should be a full and informed debate. The Government will later need to take decisions on the possible commercialisation of GM crops” [1]. But it appears that the Government has already made up its mind. An unnamed Minister is today reported as saying “don’t be in any doubt, the decision is already taken” [2].
The revelation follows UK Government opposition to moves in Europe to tighten the labelling of food containing GM material. Despite this, European MEPs voted in favour of stricter labelling.
Pete Riley, GM campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“The damning comments from this Government Minister confirms our fears. The Government’s public consultation exercise on GM crops is nothing more than a PR sham. Despite the fact that the public have clearly said that they don’t want GM food on their plates or GM crops in their fields, the Government seems determined to push the interests of the biotech industry. People should be very wary: the ‘official’ GM debate is likely to be very one-sided.”
Notes
1. A Public Debate on GM crops is due to begin later this month. It was announced Earlier this year by Margaret Beckett. DEFRA press release (31 May 2002) www.defra.gov.uk/news/2002/020531d.htm
[2] Reported in today’s (9 July) Daily Telegraph and FT. The Telegraph says the public debate will be led by Tony Blair.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
