Future uncertain: Meacher

Michael Meacher has dismissed claims that his future is in doubt after he openly criticised government policy on genetically modified food.

In an interview with The Ecologist magazine the environment minister put himself in direct conflict with the prime minister, who has supported genetically modified crops.

A DEFRA spokesman attempted to paper over divisions within the department, claiming that they were little more than "creative tensions."

Meacher himself was equally dismissive, saying: "This is an absurd invention. There is not a scintilla of evidence suggesting that I should resign. The claim is not just wrong, worse, it is silly."

Speculation about his position arose as Meacher departed from the official government line, questioning the necessity for GM foods and highlighting his concerns over possible health risks.

"The real problem is whether 10, 20, 30 years down the track serious and worrying things happen [with GM crops] that none of us ever predicted," he told the magazine.

Continuing the attack, Meacher questioned whether big business would ever be forthcoming about problems associated with GM crops.

"The question is: can we trust the companies and be sure that they are telling us all they know?

"When asked if the system [of crop testing] is adequate, it is difficult to give the answer 'yes'. The system is very trusting and that is very worrying."

Science minister Lord Sainsbury has been a key lobbyist within the government in favour of continued GM research.

The potential conflict between his government role and his financial interests in several biotechnology companies is said to be a source of concern to Meacher, who feels increasingly marginalised by colleagues.

Whilst Blair has enthusiastically endorsed GM research as "science's new frontier", Meacher has adopted a more sceptical approach.

"The human race has existed on this planet for about a quarter of a million years. We have been feeding ourselves perfectly adequately since overcoming problems of hunger in our early existence," he said. "GM is not necessary."