Genetically modified animals could be sold in UK once we leave the EU, says Michael Gove
Environment secretary admitted there were 'questions' about the technology, but said it had the potential to create 'more valuable livestock'
GENETICALLY modified animals could be sold in the UK after Brexit, Michael Gove has said.
The Environment Secretary said gene editing could be used to create “more valuable livestock”.
But he admitted the science behind GM food was “in its infancy” and would raise “political and moral questions” that would “challenge us to think about the future”.
Mr Gove also revealed that the Government intends to create a new “gold-standard” for food labelling to signify British quality after Brexit.
He made the claims as he announced plans to reward farmers who open up the countryside for public access and who enhance the natural environment.
Outlining his plans for a “green Brexit”, Mr Gove suggested the UK would have the opportunity to take advantage of new technologies with the potential to dramatically change the way the nation produces food.
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In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, he said: “These technological breakthroughs raise political and moral questions as we consider how we deal with the transformation of a huge range of existing jobs.
“And alongside these changes in the world of information technology there are biotech changes coming which also challenge us to think about the future, and how best to shape it.
“Gene editing technology could help us to remove vulnerabilities to illness, develop higher yielding crops or more valuable livestock, indeed potentially even allow mankind to conquer the diseases to which we are vulnerable.
“I think we should have an open mind about that technology and not allow debates from the past to influence how we look at that technology.”