Eastern Region Denied GMO Debate Jun03

Following yesterday's launch of 'GM Nation - The Public Debate', a nationwide public discussion around GM issues, there has been intense criticism of the Government's choice of venues for the six regional conferences to be held across Britain this month.

Notable in its absence is the East of England, the biggest arable farming area in the UK and host to many of the recent GM field trials. Bashir Khanbhai, Euro MP for the East of England has strongly criticized the Government's oversight:

"In failing to organize a public GMO debate in the East of England the Government is ignoring the views of both farmers and consumers in an area considered to be the grain basket of Britain! These people deserve the opportunity to express their opinions and learn more about this issue, but they simply aren't being given the chance."

In response to constant requests from his constituents, many wanting to air their concerns on GMOs but others looking to find out more about the technology, Mr Khanbhai is holding an open debate "Biotechnology in Agriculture" on the 24th June, 2003 at the John Innes Centre in Norwich.

Commenting on the debate, Mr Khanbhai said: "This event is primarily for farmers, but will also be open to other interested parties who wish to have an informal exchange with some of Britain's best scientists in the field.

"The Government has so far failed to educate the British public on the science of GMOs, resulting in widespread confusion, this debate will allow my constituents to question the experts and find out for themselves."

See Impact of Agricultural Biotechnology Seminar