Go ahead for GM crops defies public, scientific and Parliamentary opinion

Today's announcement by Environment Secretary, Margaret Becket, that the commercial growing of one variety of GM maize would be given the go ahead goes against the overwhelming advice from all sectors. Scientific studies, Parliamentary committees and the public consultation have all shown that the risks involved are too great. Before the maize can be grown, however, it has to be placed on the UK seed list which requires the agreement of the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament, neither of which is certain. There is also an opportunity for people to register objections.

Commenting on today's announcement Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Mike Treleaven said:

' The Government has shown breathtaking arrogance in blatantly ignored scientific advice, the advice of its own Environmental Audit Committee and 90% of the general public who do not want GM crops grown in this country. The announcement is full of all sorts of caveats and proposals for allowing GM free zones, conducting commercial growing under experimental conditions and providing compensation should things go wrong. The very existence of these shows how unsustainable the decision is. Recent studies have shed doubt on the validity of trials based on weed control chemicals soon to be banned. We need more extensive research before we take this step is taken, a step which will surely make it easier for more GM crops being licensed in the years to come.'

He continued:

' Here in the Totnes Constituency we have one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country at Riverford. Contamination from GM maize could do irreparable harm to this highly successful business which no amount of compensation could undo. It is not just a question of financial compensation. People would be deprived of the choice of buying organic, GM free produce.'