Expressing sense on GM
In the Express 17/12/99, Mo Mowlam re-introduces a welcome element of reason into the GM debate, with an article arguing for open minds, informed debate and scientific research. As the new Government Coordinator on GM Foods, it is pleasing to know that she is aware of some of the potential benefits of GM, although it is surprising to find that her priorities, which she declares are the same as the readers', include no reference to the Third World.
While most Express readers are undoubtedly as concerned as she is about "the safety of my family and protecting the environment", some of us are also interested in less parochial issues, such as famine, disease and poverty in other parts of the world, which could be alleviated by, for example, drought-resistant, pest-resistant and vitamin-enriched crops.
Despite this caveat, the Express and Dr Mowlam are to be congratulated on this unusually calm and balanced article.
