GM

Protesters uproot a crop of GM maize in Norfolk. The government has announced an 800 per cent increase in farm scale trials

Greenpeace today accused the Government of genetic tyranny as the DETR announced an 800% increase in the number of 'farm scale trial' sites for genetically modified crops.

Peter Melchett, Executive Director of Greenpeace in the UK, said, "This is a potential tragedy for the environment. Britain will be bombarded with GM pollen with no regard for wildlife, the public or GM-free farmers. The whole process has been nothing short of genetic tyranny with an almost complete absence of public consultation".

Greenpeace today, successfully intercepted and is still occupying after 12 hours, the bulk carrier 'Iolcos Grace', which is carrying up to sixty thousand tonnes of genetically modified soya into Britain.

US grain exporter Cargill, who owns the cargo has said today that "genetically modified soyabeans are fully regulated and have been approved for safe use in food and feed in the UK and the rest of the EU since 1996."

A Greenpeace investigation, 'Smuggling GM in through the back door' has revealed a trail of GM contamination which leads from Monsanto's US laboratories to British consumers of McDonald's chicken McNuggets. The investigation also undermines the claims by many supermarkets, producers and fast food chains to be 'GM-free'.

Brussels, November 8, 1999

Greenpeace today warned that the Government's announcement of a voluntary moratorium on commercial GM crop plantings until 2002 is in fact a way of continuing GM commercialization plans that have been derailed by public concern. Furthermore, it completely fails to protect the environment and food chain from the risk of GM contamination.

Vienna, September 15, 1999 - Whilst faux premiers & vegetables dance in 3/4 time, Greenpeace today demanded that delegates gathered in Vienna for the Biosafety Protocol negotiations set strong environmental controls for genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Twenty Eight Greenpeace volunteers, including Lord Peter Melchett, being held in police custody for decontaminating a genetically modified (GM) farm-scale trial are appearing in Norwich Magistrates Court today. Before adjourning for lunch, the Magistrate denied Lord Melchett bail until August 5th, the remaining 27 will be heard after lunch.

The 28 are being charged with criminal damage and theft and will plead not guilty. Greenpeace Campaign Director Sarah Burton explained that this issue is about the defence of public rights. She said, "the public has the right to a safe environment and food-chain free from GM contamination. If the authorities, in this case the Government, fail to uphold those rights it is legitimate for others to do so. We took urgent action to defend those public rights."