Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

GOVERNMENT MUST BASE GM DECISION ON SOUND SCIENCE - GEORGE

October 10, 2003 5:49 PM

Cross-pollination of GM oil seed rape with wild plants from the brassica family may create superweeds, according to research by Reading University.

Commenting on the findings, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, said:

"The possibility of creating new hybrid weeds - some of which could be difficult to eradicate - is confirmed by this research.

"It is already clear that the public are, at best bemused and, at worst cynically hostile to the proposal that GM crops should be grown in this country.

"Greater reassurances will be required through the satisfactory completion of the scientific trials before the public would ever consider supporting the production of crops for which consumers are not yet expressing any demand.

"We still await the outcome of the Government's own Farm Scale trials, but this latest research really does confirm that if the Government is to base its decision on sound science, then it should not rush to conclusions."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    greenlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2003/013752/government-must-base-gm-decision-on-sound-science-george
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    grn.lib.dm/a2zD

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image