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A Welsh consumer and campaigning group has hit out at the dangerous
complacency of the Government's GM policy, and has demanded an immediate
halt to all GM research until a full expert examination of GM science has
been conducted.
Speaking yesterday at The National Assembly of Wales, Ian Panton of GM Free
Cymru said "There can be no compromise when dealing with this outdated and
dangerous technology which is assumed to be safe according to the concept of
substantial equivalence. However, the use of this concept, deemed a SCAM by
Dr Vyvyan Howard, leads to the conclusion that there is no problem when one
compares 2 cows, one with and the other without BSE! There is no evidence
whatsoever to support the premise that GM food is safe to eat by humans, and
indeed animals, as assumed by the Food Standards Agency, Royal Society and
the European Food Standards Authority. Indeed it is noteworthy that
findings that indicate otherwise are conveniently sidelined and not further
investigated. There has been a clear failure to recognize the fiduciary duty
which these organisations owe to the electorate"
Mr Panton added: " Additionally this situation has highlighted a
breathtaking democratic deficit whereby it is evidently deemed acceptable
to marginalise and vilify hardworking people who just happen to tell the
truth. The 6 June 2004 marks the 60th Anniversary of the D Day landings
when many young men laid down their lives to ensure that people could in
future speak freely. Clearly, insofar as GM science is concerned, that is
not being allowed to happen in the British Isles today."
Mr Panton pointed out that at page 17 of Jeffrey Smith's new book entitled
"Seeds of Deception" there is a most chilling quotation which reveals the
real purpose of GM: 'They presented to Monsanto with the steps and
procedures needed to obtain a place of industry dominance in a world in
which natural seeds were vitually extinct.' He also referred to the special
briefing to Parliament last week by The Independent Science Panel, when an
experienced seedsman pointed out that if natural seeds became virtually
extinct then humanity might well follow.
Other speakers at the Assembly briefing were Dr Vyvyan Howard of Liverpool
University and Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher from London. They provided some of
the scientific background material needed for the development of "the most
restrictive GM policy possible" within Wales. The meeting was set up by
Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey AM, who also acted as chairman.
"We owe it to our children not to leave them with an absolutely horrendous
legacy," said Mr Panton, "and we need to grasp the nettle now. Enough is
enough. There can be no compromise with GMOs - they are totally unsafe for
humans and animals alike. Urgent and immediate action needs to be taken now
to protect seed stocks and land from further genetic contamination."
ENDS
Contact: Ian Panton on + 44 1437 720075
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