Over a hundred British scientists wrote a letter to Tony Blair in which they accepted the handling of the public debate about genetically engineered crops. The group criticized the conduct of the ministers and the failure to correct public opinion that receives incorrect reports about GM technology in the media
Avi Blizovsky
Over a hundred British scientists wrote a letter to Tony Blair in which they accepted the handling of the public debate about genetically engineered crops. The group criticized the conduct of the ministers and the failure to correct public opinion that receives incorrect reports about GM technology in the media. They said they were disheartened by the hostility against their work, and said public opinion had been hijacked.
Downing Street said in response that they are waiting for the reports of the scientific advisors about the GM before they can comment on the studies.
Among the scientists who signed the letter were Lord Robert Winston, Prof Louis Waldefert of University College London (UCL), Sir Richard Six of Imperial College London, Dame Bridget Ogilvie of UCL, and Prof Kay Davids of the University of Oxford.
They said the letter is a measure of the sense of frustration felt by many in the research community. The signatories say they hope that participating in the GM debate can help inform the public. However, they feel weakened by the government's failure to correct erroneous claims, the letter states.
They feel that the consultation process was hijacked by groups opposed to genetic engineering, in which scientists who were "hung out to dry" participated. If the same method of consulting the public continues, we will lose additional technologies for pre-judgment and delays." said
The Prime Minister's Office in Downing Street said that they recognized the vital contribution of the biotechnology industry, but said that their approach to GM was cautious.
A three-year experiment of growing genetically modified grain concluded that two of the three crops tested were less good for wildlife than the conventional grains.
Prof. Derek Burke, one of those who signed the letter to Blair, said that the scientists were not given the opportunity to express their arguments properly. ” The lies the politicians are fed have not prepared the right playing field for debate. Prof. Burke told the BBC that "they set up meetings with vocal groups of GM opponents, and they were basically kidnapped."
"We ask for a debate based on facts and what we get is a debate based on opinions.
We tell Tony Blair unequivocally that the scientific community is suffering from alienation."
A spokesman for the Department of Food, Environment and Agricultural Affairs said the government did not comment on the results of the trials because they are being reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Environmental Affairs (ACRE). The advice of this committee will provide data for the government's decision as to whether it will be possible to grow genetically modified crops commercially in the UK." the speaker said. "We recognize that the biotechnology industry is an essential component of the country's economy. However, our approach to GM is based on the precautionary principle. "Each application of a genetically engineered crop will weigh on its merits."
