Euro-MP says GM decision momentous and irreversible

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Feb 2004

Commenting on reports that the Government are on the verge of making a decision to give the go ahead for GM crops, West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne called it a momentous, irreversible decision which would take us down a slippery slope.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said:

"Given public, political and environmental concerns about GM crops, it would be the height of irresponsibility for the Government to rush in to making a decision against public opinion and ignoring scientific caution.

"The weight of evidence would appear to urge much greater caution, yet the Prime Minister is hell bent upon forcing GMOs on the UK. Decisions should be based on sound science, not the make-do science that the government seems happy with.

"There has been nothing in recent reports that is likely to convince a highly sceptical public to change its mind. Rather than rushing headlong into a decision to grow GM crops in Britain, the Government should be commissioning independent research to address the still significant gaps in our knowledge of their environmental effects.

"If GM crops are approved the public will know once and for all that the Government just don't listen. Last year's GM Nation public debate would be seen as nothing more than window dressing."

ENDS