GM PUBLIC DEBATE MUST BE RE-RUN WITH ALL THE FACTS - GEORGE

Commenting on reports that more than 100 scientists have written to the Prime Minister criticising the way the Government handled the national debate on GM crops, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, said:

"The scientists are right to criticise the Government's handling of the GM public debate, but not for the reasons they put forward.

"The Government wanted the public to give their views before crucial evidence from their own commissioned studies was available.

"GM decisions must be based on sound science rather than hasty or make-do science, or on hysteria.

"Government commissioned studies have thrown up many questions and doubts which should form the basis of a re-run public debate next year, before any decisions are taken."