Government policy on GM crops must be based on sound science says Euro-MP

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Mar 2004

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne commenting on today's report by the Environmental Audit Committee on GM crops, said:

"The Government must now realize that its policy on GM crops has finally been blown out of the water by common sense and genuine scientific doubts.

"It would be foolish to decide to grow GM maize in the UK following such strong cross-party criticism. Decisions should be based on 'sound' science not the 'make do' evidence available at present."

The Liberal Democrat MEP added:

"None of the recent reports in to GMOs are likely to convince a highly sceptical public. 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.

"Growing GM crops in Britain won't help the developing world and could leave future generations with an unwelcome legacy."

ENDS