PUBLIC STILL HAVE NO APPETITE FOR GM FOOD Government must act on results of GM Nation? The Public Debate The results of GM Nation? the public debate, released to-day, show that members of the public remain unconvinced of any benefits to be had for UK consumers and farmers from GM food, and do not want to see the commercial growing of GM crops in the UK at this time. The Five Year Freeze, which sat on the Steering Board overseeing the debate process, welcomed to-day's confirmation from members of the public that the moratorium on commercialising GM crops must continue. 'Government has asked the public for their views on GM, and they must now act on these results. For years we have been calling for a policy which reflects legitimate public concerns', Freeze Director, Clare Devereux, said to-day. 'One of the key messages from the public is how little Government or industry is trusted on this issue - there is now a duty to adopt a more precautionary approach to GM crops and food. The public's message is that profit must not be put before human and environmental safety. The Freeze has consistently called for greater public involvement in GM decision making and GM Nation has now demonstrated the public's willingness to get involved in this complex issue - it would be a great mistake if the Government now ignored this'. The GM Nation results show that the public mood is one of unease and mistrust about GM food and crops. Like the Five Year Freeze, they would like to see more research undertaken and firm regulation in place before commercial growing of GM crops in the UK, and that the right to choose is maintained. Currently the public view is that the risks outweigh any potential benefits that may exist. "Government must move forward on developing a strong co-existence and liability regime and start to invest in research to answer the questions which are important to the public," said Clare Devereux. Contact: Clare Devereux 07803 002825, 0207 837 0642 or Carrie Stebbings 0207 837 0642. Ends Notes to Editors 1. The results of GM Nation? the public debate are due to be announced at a press conference today, Wednesday 24th September, 10.00am at Institute of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, SW1. The report is available at www.gmnation.org 2. Further information on the Five Year Freeze and a list of members is available at www.fiveyearfreeze.org FIVE YEAR FREEZE CAMPAIGN The Genetic Engineering Alliance 94 White Lion Street London N1 9PF Tel: 020 7837 0642/01273 822700 Fax: 020 7837 1141 clare@fiveyearfreeze.org www.fiveyearfreeze.org