GM BAN RULING: GOVERNMENT SHOULD WAIT UNTIL SAFETY IS PROVEN - GEORGE

Commenting on the European Court of Justice ruling that allows EU Governments to temporarily ban genetically-modified foods if they suspect the foods are a threat to human health or the environment, Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, said:

"This ruling confirms that the UK Government can now press the case to protect our own environment from the potential impact of GM crops.

"If the Government really wants a decision based on sound science rather than hasty science, then it should use these powers to impose a temporary or extended ban until adequate reassurances are presented."

The European Court of Justice ruled: "that where use of the simplified procedure is not warranted, a Member State can - as a preventive measure - temporarily restrict or suspend the marketing of those foods in its territory (under the "safeguard clause" laid down in the Regulation) without first being required to challenge the lawfulness of the procedure."