GM QUESTION IS A 'NO-BRAINER' - GEORGE

The evidence of cross-contamination witnessed in Canada by former Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, is no surprise, but an important warning to the British public, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Andrew George MP, Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, said:

"If they can't find adequate separation distances for GM and non-GM crops in a country larger than the EU, then there's little hope of resolving problems on an island the size of Britain.

"The Canadians are in a bind. They have created an irreversible environmental hazard, and are having severe problems finding a market for the GM products.

"The Government's approach to GM is turning out to be a classic no-brainer. The public are being invited to take a risk for no obvious benefit.

"The issue is no longer whether there are environmental hazards, but whether the Government can face down pressure from the biotech giants and the United States."