Archived press release

Meacher urges consumers to 'bite back' against GM bullying by usa

29 September 2003

Former Environment Minister Michael Meacher is urging UK consumers to oppose US plans to use World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules to force GM food and crops into the UK as part of Friends of the Earth's `bite back' campaign. Mr Meacher will join Friends of the Earth for a GM-free picnic with `President Bush' on the seafront at the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth on Monday to highlight the campaign.

Earlier this year the US administration launched a WTO complaint against Europe's de facto moratorium on GM crops and GM food imports. Friends of the Earth's Bite Back Campaign aims to collect thousands of on-line submissions to the WTO from people across the world demanding that it dismiss the US complaint. The website address is www.bite-back.org

Last week the Government's GM public debate, GM Nation?, concluded that the vast majority of British people don't want GM food or crops. If the US, backed by the big biotech companies, wins its case, GM food and crops could be forced onto the UK and EU markets. Friends of the Earth believes that it is the right of people, not the WTO, to decide what we eat, and what crops we grow.

Friends of the Earth's Trade campaigner, Eve Mitchell said:

"Surely people in the UK have the right to decide what food they are going to eat. If GM crops are commercially grown in the UK they will contaminate our food, farming and the environment and take away peoples' choice. We must stand up to US bullying. It's time to bite back."

Michael Meacher MP said:

"The results of the GM Public debate have clearly shown the strength of opposition to GM within the UK. The Government must support the EU in defending this US challenge, and protect our right to choose GM-free food".

Notes

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Friends of Earth will host a fringe meeting to solve Labour's GM dilemma, by providing them with `The Rescue Recipe'.

9.30-11.15 Connaught Suite, The Connaught Hotel, West Hill Rd, Bournemouth.

Speakers: Michael Meacher MP, Joan Ruddock MP John Turner - Organic Farmer, Tony Juniper - Friends of the Earth

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust