News

Deregulating GMOs in the UK – New analysis shows government follows ideology not evidence

19th January 2022

A new analysis by A Bigger Conversation suggests that, in its haste to deregulate agricultural gene technologies, the UK government is “choosing to get it wrong” by ignoring expertise from all sides.

TAKE ACTION – Make sure your MP understands the evidence on gene editing

1st November 2021

It’s Evidence Week in Westminster. We don’t trust the organisers to ensure the evidence around gene editing is represented fairly. Use our alternative online platform to send key questions that your MP should be able to answer.

Regulation is not a ‘burden’ – Beyond GM responds UK government plans for a deregulatory bonfire

3rd October 2021

Our response to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) consultation on widespread regulatory reform in the UK, emphasises the importance of regulation and precaution, the complex regulatory requirements of so-called ‘disruptive’ technologies like gene editing and the urgent need for more citizen input.

Defra takes first steps toward deregulating gene editing in the UK – Beyond GM responds

29th September 2021

The UK government says it will “unlock the power of gene editing” through a series of measures designed to make research, development and routes to market faster and more streamlined. But behind the hype many questions remain.

NGOs slam EU Commission plans to deregulate new GMOs

7th September 2021

More than 50 groups have sent a response to the Commission, strongly opposing its plans on the grounds that “deregulation of new GM techniques would pose unacceptable risks to human and animal health and the environment. Deregulation would also prohibit citizens from knowing what they are eating and farmers from knowing what they are sowing.”

EU supermarkets eclipse UK sector with calls for strong regulation of gene editing

27th May 2021

Europe is currently wrestling with the same issues around the deregulation of gene editing as the UK. But, unlike supermarkets in the UK, European retailers there are taking the lead in demanding robust regulation, protection of organic and non-GMO labels and transparency for their customers.

Beyond GM response to Defra consultation on deregulating gene editing

17th March 2021

Beyond GM has submitted its response to the UK government’s consultation on the deregulation of gene editing. Here is an excerpt and link to the full document.

Co-op says #NotInMySupermarket to gene-editing

18th February 2021

In response to a civil society appeal for UK supermarkets to back strong regulation of new gene-edited crops and animals, the Co-op has made a clear statement of its support.

Civil society calls on supermarkets to show leadership on GMOs

9th February 2021

Fifty groups and individuals from civil society have written to British supermarkets asking them to show public support for continued regulation of genetically engineered crops and animals.

Public consultation on genome editing is launched

7th January 2021

The UK government’s public consultation on the deregulation of genome editing is now open. There’s a lot of work to do and we will be helping our supporters to respond effectively.