Government go ahead for GM will show disdain for public -George

3.05.59pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 9th Mar 2004

Commenting ahead of tomorrow's statement on GM, in which the Government are expected to give the go ahead for GM maize crops, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Food and Rural Affairs Minister said:

"If the Government Minister comes to Parliament tomorrow simply to issue a fait accompli by giving the go ahead for GM maize, it will show a breathtaking distain for both the public and MPs.

"The decision to go ahead will have irreversible consequences for the environment, farmers and consumers.

"The decision on GM maize marks a watershed and will inevitably pave the way for other GM crops to be licensed.

"Last week's Environmental Audit Committee report confirmed doubts expressed from many quarters but Ministers still appear determined to push through GM crops against the will of the public.

"Once again, I will be calling on the Government tomorrow to commission a further public consultation following the new scientific evidence now available, for a compensation fund paid for by the biotech industry and for further research on co-existence before any crops are grown in the UK."