Labour cannot say 'yes' to GM crops
October 31, 2003 12:00 AM
George: No responsible Government would permit the commercial planting of GM crops under current circumstances.
Commenting on the publication of the farm-scale evaluation results for GM crops, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, said : "The Government cannot give the go-ahead for GM crops on the basis of this report."
"No responsible Government would permit the commercial planting of GM crops under current circumstances. The public doesn't want it, supermarkets won't stock the stuff, there are major environmental concerns and there are no benefits to our farmers."
Bristol has recently become a 'GM-free zone', thanks to a policy initiative led by Lib Dem Cllr Dennis Brown (Henleaze Ward). GM crops will not be used in any Bristol City Council services, including school meals or meals-on-wheels. The Council will also prevent GM crops from being grown on land which it controls.
Stephen Williams, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol West, stresses the importance of a coherent policy at both a national and local level : "I am delighted that Bristol is leading the way in opposing GM crops in this country and I am equally delighted that the Lib Dems are at the forefront of this initiative. It is clear from the latest trials that there is no strong case for permitting GM crops in the UK at present and the Lib Dems will continue to apply pressure on the Labour Government to make the right decision. We should not put our environment at risk while the scientific evidence remains ambiguous."
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