UK GM Science Review

Scientists at all levels, in the UK and beyond, are being asked to make contributions to the review via the review web site (www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk) and at a series of open meetings being held across the country including England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. At the meetings members of the public will also be able to ask questions or express views about GM science. Alternatively this can be done via the web site.

The scientific review is one of three strands of the GM debate being conducted in parallel. The other strands are the public debate and the study of economic costs and benefits. All three were requested by Margaret Beckett in May, in response to the recommendations of the AEBC.

The public debate is an innovative, effective and deliberative programme, with the issues for debate framed by the public. It is being conducted at arm's length from Government by an independent steering board. The steering board will report to Government in June 2003 about what the debate has indicated about public views, particularly at grass roots level, to inform Government decision-making. [Click here for the public debate website]

The economics study is an analysis of the nature and distribution of costs and benefits that could arise under different scenarios for the commercialisation of GM crops in the UK. The Prime Minister's Strategy Unit is carrying out this study. The study will be published in spring 2003. [Click here for the economics study website]

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is going to independently assess consumer views on the acceptability of GM foods and how that relates to consumer choice. This will be through activities, including surveys on the attitudes to GM foods of young people and people on low incomes to ensure that their views are fully represented in the debate; and a citizen's jury broadcast live on the internet. All of these activities will be reported on the FSA website [click here for the FSA website]. The FSA Board will consider the issues and any policy implications arising from this activity at an open meeting next year.