News story

16th April 2002

MP Condemns Lack of Consultation over GM Crop Trials

Northavon MP Steve Webb has condemned the Government’s failure to consult local people before pressing ahead with trials of genetically modified crops at a farm in South Gloucestershire. The MP was speaking after last night’s parish meeting organised by Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh Parish Councils that was addressed by representatives of multinational seed company Monsanto, and the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

At the meeting Steve Webb quoted from a letter from DEFRA which said that “..the Government believe that those who wish to sow GM crops as part of the farm-scale evaluation trials should seek to obtain public consent wherever possible and should discuss their plans thoroughly with interested parties in the vicinity”. He pointed out that, but for the initiatives taken first by Friends of the Earth and then by the Parish councils, there would have been no proper public consultation.

He also pointed out that, although the start of the trials had been delayed until after the parish meetings, the Government would not take any notice of views expressed at those meetings and would press ahead regardless. Responding, neither Monsanto nor DEFRA denied that they would be pressing ahead with the trials regardless of local opinion.

Steve Webb also reported that he had been asking a sample of local residents their views on the issue by e-mail and text message over the last month. More than 250 people had responded and by a majority of around 2 to 1 they were against the trials. This was not simply a case of being “anti-science”, as many of those who were opposed cited their scientific background.

Speaking after the meeting, Steve Webb said:

“The meeting was helpful in deepening our understanding of the issues, but it was clear that the Government has no intention of taking account of the balance of local opinion on the subject. It is meaningless to talk about “seeking to obtain public consent” when they make no attempt to do so and when it is clear that the views of local people will be ignored in any case.”

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Note to editors: Northavon residents are able to join Steve Webb’s polling group by e-mailing stevewebb@cix.co.uk or by texting their name and address to 07815 832734.