Government shows its hand on GMs - George

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 8th Dec 2003

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), representing the British Government, today voted in favour of licensing the import of GM sweetcorn, despite serious scientific and public concerns.

In response, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, has tabled Parliamentary questions to find out what instructions the FSA had received from the Government.

Mr George said:

"It beggars belief that the Government thinks it can get away with sending an unelected quango to do its dirty work and approve GMs. The FSA's decision today has shown the Government's hand, beyond a doubt.

"Today's vote proves there remain serious doubts about GM foods. Only six of the fifteen countries on the committee voted to approve the licence for GM sweetcorn.

"Reports on GMs, commissioned by the Government, have demonstrated that consumers don't want it, supermarkets won't stock it and there are significant gaps in the science.

"The GM Nation debate showed an overwhelming rejection of GMs by the British public. Instead of representing those views, the FSA today seemed to be happily ignoring them."