Protesters arrested in GM trashing

17 July 2000



Protesters arrested in GM trashing

POLICE arrested seven protesters attempting to destroy a field of genetically modified maize in Dorset on Sunday (16 July).

About 50 demonstrators had climbed into the field at Over Compton, near Sherbourne, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Earlier around 300 protestors gathered peacefully at the village hall at Nether Compton for a rally and picnic before walking to the trial site.

Direct action group Southern Union of Resistance to Genetic Engineering (Surge) took part in the demonstration.

Spokesman Mark Howard told the Telegraph GM crops were dangerous and the situation was as serious as the BSE crisis in its implications.

East Dorset district council is to consider on 1 August whether the trial site breaches local planning policy in a test case which could have ramifications for other sites.

• The Daily Telegraph 17/07/2000 page 2