18 April 2002

FINNIE PANICS IN FACE OF GM OPPOSITION

MUNLOCHY VIGIL PRESS RELEASE

The Munlochy Vigil condemns the Environment Minister's decision to relieve himself of powers on the GM crops issue. Following yesterday's defeat with the Transport & Environment committee telling Mr Finnie to act and pull out the GM crop trial at Munlochy, the Minister's intransigence in the face of both public and parliament's opposition is now followed by a panic measure to force Westminster to take over his responsibilities and to try and cloud the whole issue of competency.

Now not only do we have an environmental, health and democratic problem, we also have one of major constitutional importance. None of this needs to be happening if only the Minister for the Environment listened to the overwhelming voices of opposition to GM crops in Scotland and ended the GM crop trials immediately.

This issue is now rightfully at the top of the political agenda as it is of vital importance for the rural future of Scotland, to the health of its population, and for consumer choice.

The democratic wishes of the people of the Black Isle and the Highlands, of Newport and Dundee, and of Aberdeenshire, have been ignored for far too long. For the Minister now to wash his hands of their genuine concerns is an affront to democracy and to his position as a Minister.

Press contact: Anthony Jackson 07720 817 847

ENDS