My Views on GM Crops

As you are probably aware a 'public debate' is being carried out at present about the contribution of GM and I am grateful that many people from around the constituency are taking part in that debate.

I know from first-hand experience (as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in DEFRA) that the Department wants to provide people with the opportunity to debate the issues openly and reach their own conclusions. The government is committed to a genuine, balanced discussion, and listening to responses. There are no decisions made about the future of GM by the Department.

This is an issue that generates passion on both sides of the argument, and so over a long period of time I have followed the issues carefully. As you know the supporters of this new technology believe it could provide significant benefits for the economy, the environment and farmers in developing countries. Weighed against this are those who believe it will have enormous negative effects on the environment and possibly human health.

At present I remain to be convinced by both sides of their cases. I am not fundamentally opposed to GM per se, as I think it needs to be assessed on a case by case basis. At the same time I have not yet seen enough evidence to suggest that many of the benefits promoted in its favour are likely to materialise without risk.

Like anybody I am naturally suspicious of new technologies such as GMO's, but I always weigh this against the potential benefits.

I would urge everybody to take part in the public debate. I certainly will be following the scientific debate and the environmental debate with interest. The site can be visited at:

This provides a great opportunity to take part in influencing the public debate and the eventual policy decisions for a generation.