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Government Fudges Consultation on GM Contamination
16 July 2004
Friends of the Earth criticised Government plans announced today for a limited consultation on GM `coexistence' as it is not clear whether the wider public will have the opportunity to get involved. Only a number of meetings with a selection of stakeholders will be held over the summer.
The announcement follows a commitment from the Government in March this year that it would fully consult on the issue over the summer, after concerns were raised about the lack of legislation to control GM contamination, should GM crops be commercially grown in the UK.
Friends of the Earth believes the restricted consultation suggests the Government it is not confident of its position on how to protect crops from GM contamination. The environmental campaign group is calling for tough laws to ensure that non-GM and organic crops are protected from GM contamination, and that biotechnology companies are strictly liable for any damage caused by their products; and gave its support to a Private Members' Bill on this issue, introduced by Gregory Barker MP last year.Friends of the Earth GM Campaigner Clare Oxborrow said:
"The Government promised a full public consultation on GM contamination this summer, but now it is only talking to a selection of stakeholders. Is the Government losing confidence in how it thought it could protect crops and food from GM contamination?
"It has already failed to support the Private Member's Bill on this issue, which would have allowed all MPs to debate the measures needed to protect crops, should GM crops be grown. Now it seems that the Government is trying to cut the public out too. We want assurances that the public will be involved as they have clearly shown they don't want GM crops and food. GM contamination is a threat to our food, farming and environment and must be avoided at all costs."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
