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Welsh assembly throws out GM laws
19 October 2000
Government GM policy in tatters
The Government's GM policy was further undermined today when the National Assembly for Wales voted down new laws on the commercial licensing of GM crops. To become law throughout Britain, the draft Seeds (National List of Varieties) Regulations 2000 need approval from the Assembly, the Secretary of State for Scotland and Agriculture Minister,Baroness Hayman. Today's vote (42 against; 10 in favour) was welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The regulations set out the rules for giving approval for GM (and non-GM) seeds to be sold to farmers. However, Welsh Assembly Members voiced a number of concerns, including the absence of provisions, required or allowed under EU law, to reject a GM seed in order to:
- avoid adverse health and environmental effects
- protect industrial or commercial property (such as organic farmers).
Raoul Bhambral, GM Campaigner for FOE Cymru today said:
“This is a wonderful day for the Assembly and the environment. It has made completely the right decision in rejecting these regulations. All AMs were aware that the regulations would have undermined the restrictive GM policy they adopted in May and have taken steps to preserve the principle behind it.
“ We now wait to see what the Ministry of Agriculture will do. It may impose the regulations on Wales, which will be a very interesting issue in itself, or it may rewrite the regulations in a manner more acceptable to the Assembly. However, instead of bludgeoning its opinion on Wales by imposing these regulations, MAFF would be better advised to talk to the Assembly and respect its wishes. The Assembly has sent a clear message to Whitehall that it will not be bullied on this matter and that it will stand up for the people of Wales who want a GM-Free environment.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
