Opposition outraged over leaked GM crops approval

Opposition parties have strongly criticised the government following the emergence of a leaked cabinet document which shows that the government is close to adopting the use of GM crops for commercial purposes.

It has been reported today that leaked Cabinet minutes reveal that the government will voice qualified approval for the commercial sowing of genetically modified maize.

The Lib Dems were highly critical of the document and accused the government of cynicism and of favouring the will of the "biotech giants" above Parliamentary process.

Lib Dem Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Andrew George, added that the leaked document showed that the government was treating the public's concerns with "contempt".

"If the public realised what was being decided in their name, there would be uproar. The government has already been taking small steps towards licensing GM, but the cumulative effect will be a momentous and irreversible decision," he said.

"Instead of coming to Parliament with a statement, they should be allowing MPs to debate a policy motion before making any decision with potentially harmful environmental effects.

Mr George added: "Their plan to link the growing of GM crops in the UK to the future of the developing world is a particularly cynical ploy.

"Crops grown here will not help feed the world’s poor. The inclusion of that issue, and the briefing of MPs with interests in that field is to purely a credibility crutch."

The Tory Party called for the government to engage in "transparent consultations" before giving the go ahead for the use of any GM crops.

Shadow Agriculture Minister John Whittingdale warned that there would only be a market for GM crops if the government could satisfy consumers as to their safety.

Mr Whittingdale said: "GM crops could potentially be of great benefit to consumers, farmers and the Third World. However, the government must only proceed to grant permission for commercial growing on the basis of sound science and unambiguous rules.

"It is essential that there should be clearly defined separation of distances between GM and non-GM species, rules governing liability for any contamination and easily understood labelling to allow consumers to make an informed choice."

(gmcg)