MPs demand more GM controls

MPs have urged the government to adopt a radical new strategy to tackle public alarm over genetically modified (GM) crops.

They said the rapid pace at which such crops were being tested and approved was triggering disquiet and ministers should proceed more cautiously.

John Horam, chairman of the Environmental Audit select committee, said it was vital the government seized the initiative.

The committee is calling for an immediate moratorium on commercial planting of GM crops and a tightening of the rules governing so-called farm scale trials.

Ministers denied Liberal Democrat claims that disputes over GM food and hormone treated meat could spark trade wars between the US and Europe.