Menu
25/09/2003
Beckett 'reflects' on mounting dissatisfaction with GM foods
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett has said that she will "reflect carefully" on the findings of the public debate on GM foods.
The findings of the consultation reveal that more than half of those surveyed were against the introduction of GM crops.
The Secretary of State has given a commitment that the government will make a written response to the report and will indicate what has been learned from the debate when making future policy announcements on GM.
"This debate was a new way of engaging the public in the policy-making process," she said.
"Government provided the funding, and we demonstrated our good faith by appointing an independent steering board to manage the whole process.
"I will reflect carefully on the findings of today's report, along with those of the science review and our costs and benefits study, before publishing our response. We said that we will listen, and we will."
No GM crops can currently be grown commercially in the UK. Several applications for approval of GM crops are under consideration in the European Union, but no decisions will be taken until next year.
The government will base its policy on an objective assessment of all the available information - including the report of the public debate, the GM science review, the costs and benefits study and the results of the farm scale crop evaluations.
(gmcg)
The findings of the consultation reveal that more than half of those surveyed were against the introduction of GM crops.
The Secretary of State has given a commitment that the government will make a written response to the report and will indicate what has been learned from the debate when making future policy announcements on GM.
"This debate was a new way of engaging the public in the policy-making process," she said.
"Government provided the funding, and we demonstrated our good faith by appointing an independent steering board to manage the whole process.
"I will reflect carefully on the findings of today's report, along with those of the science review and our costs and benefits study, before publishing our response. We said that we will listen, and we will."
No GM crops can currently be grown commercially in the UK. Several applications for approval of GM crops are under consideration in the European Union, but no decisions will be taken until next year.
The government will base its policy on an objective assessment of all the available information - including the report of the public debate, the GM science review, the costs and benefits study and the results of the farm scale crop evaluations.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2003
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
11 July 2003
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
02 September 2004
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
20 June 2013
Environment Secretary Says GM Crops 'Probably Safer'
The environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has called on the government to focus efforts on the production of GM crops, saying they are "probably safer" than ordinary crops.
Environment Secretary Says GM Crops 'Probably Safer'
The environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has called on the government to focus efforts on the production of GM crops, saying they are "probably safer" than ordinary crops.
09 March 2004
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
