Eric Joyce

Labour Party | Falkirk

Falkirk West MP calls for informed and rational debate on GM Crops

Falkirk West MP, Eric Joyce is, this evening, to call for an informed and rational debate over the future of GM crops in the UK.

In his adjournment debate this evening, Eric will argue that not enough is being done to increase the general public's awareness of the issues and the pro's and con's surrounding GM crops. The debate comes the day after the Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, announced details of the chosen sites for the Autumn Farm Scale Evaluations on GM crops.

Speaking before the debate this evening, Eric Joyce MP said

‘Recent research has indicated that two out of three people feel that they do not know enough about GM crops. I think it is about time that all of those currently involved in the debate do what they can to increase the amount of information generally available to the public on all of the issues surrounding GM crops, so that they can make informed decisions and choices for themselves.

I believe that debates such as this in Parliament can help to contribute to a healthy and informative understanding of the issues. Whilst I realise that there are concerns, some of which are misguided through lack of full and frank information being available, surrounding advancements made with GM crops, I look forward to my constituents and others taking a full and active part in a public debate.'

Notes to Editor

In a recent survey (Dec 2001) of over 1,000 UK adults aged over 16, conducted by SWR (swrworldwide.com), 67% of respondents felt that they did not know enough about GM crops.

Eric Joyce MP
Serving the communities of Falkirk West