UK: MP’s vow to abolish GM crops until safe

Cambridgeshire MP Jim Paice has unveiled the Tories' manifesto for farming with a pledge to ban the commercial planting of genetically modified crops until there is clear proof they are safe.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Affairs also pledged to make food labelling clearer and legislation to ensure all publicly procured food meets British standards.

Mr Paice said: "Taxpayers' money should not be used to buy food which has been produced using methods which would be illegal in Britain so we will ensure all publicly procured food is to Little Red Tractor standard."

The Cambridgeshire South East MP also promised a ban on any commercial planting of GM crops until or unless science shows this would be safe and until or unless issues of liability and crop segregation are resolved.

He said: "A legal framework is needed to protect plant species and to clarify liability for contamination before any authorisation of commercial planting is given."

Mr Paice promised legislation to reform food labelling so consumers are given clear information about the country of origin of the major ingredients and whether it meets the standards required of British farmers.

He said: "Current labelling rules mean food can be sold as British even though it has only been packaged here. By legislating to end such practices we will allow our farmers to benefit from the public's preference for home-grown produce and will end deceit of the customer."