Expert condemns 'fake' GM science
Feb 20 2004 By Daniel Cochlin, The Journal
Ministers' 'contempt for concerns'
Ministers were accused of treating voters with contempt after the leak of plans to press ahead with GM crops.
Ex-environment minister Michael Meacher said there was no "moral, scientific or political authority" for the move.
And green campaigners said the leaked Cabinet sub-committee minutes showed big business had triumphed over public opinion.
An announcement on commercial production of GM maize is due to be made soon. Mr Meacher asked: "Why is the Government going ahead? It is not because of the science, it is because of the Bush administration applying pressure and because of big companies like Monsanto who want to make a big profit out of cornering the world food supply. It has nothing to do with feeding the world."
Patrick Holden, of the Soil Association, warned pressing ahead would be a "tragedy for our country". Giving the green light to GM maize would be the thin end of the wedge, he said. Full-scale commercialisation would jeopardise Britain's ability to produce GM-free crops and consultation showed there was no economic case.
"There are serious questions about environmental safety, co-existence is impossible and the public are against it," he said.
Liberal Democrat rural-affairs spokesman Andrew George said: "This document shows that the Government are treating people's concerns about GM with contempt, and skew parliamentary discussion to favour biotech giants."
