EU MINISTERS UPHOLD GM BAN DESPITE UK OPPOSITION

UK BID TO END GM MORATORIUM THWARTED

EU Farm Ministers have voted to maintain the six-year de facto ban on new GM authorisations - despite opposition from the UK. The decision will now however be passed to the unelected European Commission.

The Agriculture Council in its meeting yesterday had considered whether to allow an application to import and market sweetcorn from genetically modified 'Bt-11' Maize. Though the application was supported by the UK and five other member states - despite clearly stated public opposition - six ministers were opposed and three abstained, meaning the decision now rests with the European Commission.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for South-East England and a member of the European Parliament's Environment Committee, said: "This decision must be respected by the Commission.

"If it is to now give the go-ahead after the lack of support in the Council it could be the death