PM attacks ‘irrational arguments’ on GM food

By JAMES KIRKUP - POLITICAL EDITOR
Scotsman.com

TONY Blair yesterday risked infuriating opponents of genetically modified food - who include Prince Charles - by suggesting that their arguments are not “rational.”
The Prime Minister was making a keynote speech on science, in which he called for Britain to discuss technological innovations in a more “scientifically literate” fashion.

“Government must show leadership and courage in standing up for science and rejecting an irrational public debate around it,” he said, attacking those who had “distorted” facts to oppose developments such as GM food. .

Mr Blair said he was encouraged by the public debate about stem-cell research: whereas the US has largely banned the practice, Britain is a world leader in the field.

The Prince of Wales has frequently questioned the value and safety of GM crops, which has irritated some government figures. Asked if Mr Blair’s remarks were a criticism of the prince, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said only: “We believe the debate has not been as rational as it should have..