02:07:03: GM debate comes to York
City of York Council is inviting local ressidents to take part in a debate on GM food on Tuesday, 15 July at 7.00pm at the Priory Street Centre. The debate is one of a series being held throughout the UK, called GM Nation?
Chaired by Councillor Andrew Waller, deputy leader of the council and executive member for environment and sustainability, will look at a variety of GM issues, including safety, environmental impact and ethics.
Speaking against GM food will be Dr Sue Mayer, director of Genewatch UK, a not-for-profit group which monitors developments in genetic technologies. A qualified veterinary surgeon, Dr Mayer is a member of the government's Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission and has worked for the RSPCA and Greenpeace.
Leading the case for GM food will Dr Julian Little from Bayer Cropscience, representing the Agricultural Biotechnology Council. Dr Little has a doctorate in plant pathology and is the UK public and government affairs manager of Bayer Crop Science.
Kristina Peat, sustainability officer, City of York Council, said: "GM is one of the biggest issues facing our society today and has the potential to have a huge impact on our lives. The debate will give local people an opportunity to hear views from experts on both sides of the fence as well as get involved in the discusion themselves."
The debate will include a presentations for and against GM from the speakers and then questions and open debate from the audience. Participants will be asked to complete feedback forms, which will be returned to the national GM Public Debate Steering Group for analysis and presentation to the government in September.
Leaflets containing information about GM issues are available from council receptions and libraries or by calling 01904 551671.
For more information, please see the GM debate website at http://www.gmpublicdebate.org.uk/
