Is opposition to GM crops science or politics? An investigation into the arguments that GM crops pose a particular threat to the environment.

Question 101: ‘Lord Melchett, in relation to genetic modification, what do you object to and why?’ Lord Melchett, Head of Greenpeace, UK: ‘My Lord Chairman, the fundamental objection is that there are unreliable and unpredictable risks.’ Question 105: ‘How far are you prepared to carry your objections to these developments?’ Lord Melchett: ‘I am happy to answer for Greenpeace [...] Greenpeace opposes all releases to the environment of genetically modified organisms.’ Question 107: ‘Your opposition to the release of GMOs, that is an absolute and definite opposition? It is not one that is dependent on further scientific research or improved procedures being developed or any satisfaction you might get with regard to the safety or otherwise in future?’ Lord Melchett: ‘It is a permanent and definite and complete opposition based on a view that there will always be major uncertainties. It is the nature of the technology, indeed it is the nature of science, that there will not be any absolute proof. No scientist would sit before your Lordships and claim that if they were a scientist at all.’ House of Lords Select Committee on European Communities. 2nd Report: EC Regulation of Genetic Modification in Agriculture.