Meacher: 'on the sceptical wing'

The government has not provided a "controlled and balanced debate" over genetically modified crops, the environment minister admitted on Monday.

The approach adopted by ministers had left an impression that the policy was being "steamrollered" through, Michael Meacher told the Independent.

"Those people who do feel very strongly about it, to the extent of ripping up crops, they may continue to do so. But what I think what many of them object to is the feeling that the government is steamrollering it through," he said.

"There has been intense hostility expressed in many quarters. However, it is fair to say there has never really been a controlled and balanced debate."

The environment minister, who concedes to being "on the sceptical wing" of debate on the issue, also questioned how conclusive the results of GM trials will be.

"We are talking about the impact on plants, on invertebrates, on birds, on insects. It's what, 100 sites each year? But if you have general commercialisation you may get different effects over and above what these isolated fields will show," he argued.

His comments follow the discovery last week of rogue plants at a trial site in Aberdeen. While food minister Elliot Morley has announced plans to investigate the matter, the research continues at 14 sites across England and Scotland.

Meacher also said that the UK was facing pressure from the United States to plant more crops.

"We are not going to be bounced into this by the Americans," he said.

"The Americans are very keen. The amount of prairies which have been cultivated with GM is colossal."

His comments received the backing of environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth.

"We welcome Mr Meacher's comments," said spokesman Ian Willmore, a former political advisor to the minister in opposition.

"He has always been the most sceptical minister about GM technology, and his presence in government has at least ensured that public concerns are represented."