Statement on the resignation of Professor Brian Wynne from the steering group

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Professor Brian Wynne has resigned from the Steering Group for the Public Dialogue on 'Food: The Use of GM'.

At its meeting last week, the steering group affirmed its commitment to holding a well-balanced dialogue with members of the public about the issues surrounding food produced with the aid of genetic modification.

The issues surrounding this topic are important to the future of agriculture and food production. Meanwhile, everyone has to assess the risks and benefits of the food they choose to eat. Consequently, the steering group believes it is important that members of the public are given the opportunity to participate in a dialogue in which the views and arguments expressed by a wide variety of stakeholders are aired and discussed.

The steering group also affirmed its view that the dialogue should not presume any particular outcome, and should be undertaken with a view to helping ensure that the issues, concerns and aspirations that the public have with respect to the use of genetic modification in the production of food are identified and recognised in future policy.

The Chair of the steering group, Professor John Curtice, has expressed his regret at the personal decision of Professor Wynne.