GM debate reveals widespread public distrust
An independent debate oo the use of genetically modified (GM) crops and foods has revealed widespread distrust and unease of the technology.
A steering group, commissioned by the Government, has run hundreds of meeting across the country to find out the public’s views on the use of GM crops, it collected the views of 37,000 people. It found that the public are ‘generally uneasy’ about their use and safety.
The meetings ranged from small gatherings in village halls and upstairs rooms in pubs to large conferences of several hundred people in towns and cities.
It found the more the public look into the issues surrounding GM the more intense their stand against the technology becomes.
The Independent GM Debate Steering Board found that there is little public support for the early introduction of commercial GM crops.
The Board also found that there is widespread distrust of the Government and the multi-national companies involvement in the introduction of this technology.
Professor Malcolm Grant, Chair of the Independent GM Debate Steering Board commented: ‘We promised to report the voices and the views we heard in the debate to Government. This we have done. It is a report from an independent steering board, and it does not attempt to judge the public’s views.’
The report revealed that the public want more research carried out into the effects of GM crops on the environment and its effects on human health.
The report has now been handed to the Government and will go onto the devolved assemblies. Ministers have committed the Government to studying the report carefully and to making a public response in due time.
Professor Grant added: ‘This was an innovative exercise around a complicated issue, and it has provoked a remarkable level of response. The Debate gathered force week by week.’
Environmental campaigners, Friends of the Earth, warned the Government not to ignore the report as it clearly stated the public’s view on the debate.
Friends of the Earth highlighted that only two per cent of the 37,000 asked said that GM crops were acceptable ‘in any circumstances’ and only eight per cent were happy to eat GM food.
Friends of the Earth’s GM campaigner Pete Riley commented: ‘The Government will ignore this report at its peril. The public has made it clear that it doesn’t want GM food and it doesn’t want GM crops. There must not be any more weasel words from the Government on this issue. It must stand up to US and corporate lobbying, honour the findings of its own consultation, and rule out the commercialisation of GM crops.’
