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UK has power to ban GM crops
October 16, 2003 12:00 AM
On the day that results of a three-year scientific experiment on the environmental impact of genetically modified crops in the UK are due to be published, Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Diana Wallis has strongly welcomed confirmation from the EU's consumer protection chief that the UK could ban GM crops to protect the environment.
Challenged in the European Parliament on UK field trials showing damage to wildlife and biodiversity, Commissioner David Byrne said the question of whether GM crops can coexist with traditional and organic farming is a matter for Member States, and a proven threat would allow a ban.
Diana Wallis, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said, "This is excellent news for all of those in the region who fear that the Blair government's enthusiasm for GM crops has the makings of an environmental disaster."
"Commissioner Byrne's acknowledgement has pulled the rug from under any UK government claim that EU law makes GM bans illegal."
"People in Yorkshire and the Humber, rightly concerned at US pressure on the EU to force GM crops on us, are already being protected by European action on labelling which means we can avoid buying GM products. Now the EU has given British authorities the tools to protect us further, as most people here want, through bans on growing them too."
"The only thing now in the way of such a sensible outcome would be Blair's refusal to defy US firms like Monsanto because he views his special relationship with George Bush as more important than his relationship with the British people. But now that Monsanto is pulling out of the UK that barrier too is removed and there is nothing to stop Tony Blair introducing a ban."
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