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Genetically Modified Textbooks
with acknowledgements to The EcologistAnti-GM campaign group Scottish Genetix Action is demanding that a biotechnology industry-funded magazine on GM crops should not be distributed in Scottish schools. The magazine, Your World, is a US publication funded by the Biotechnology Institute, whose members include Monsanto and Novartis. Targeted for a launch in Scottish schools by Scottish Enterprise, it is a piece of blatant pro-biotechnology propaganda, with the biotech companies behind the magazine turning the provision of education into a marketing opportunity.
It is imperative that the topic of GM crops is recognised as highly controversial, not least since opinion polls throughout the UK and Europe suggest the majority of people are opposed to it. Experience tells us that these corporations can not be trusted to be impartial with the education of children. These are the very same companies that have used stealth and deception to introduce GM food crops into the food chain and the environment. They have backed their actions with continual misinformation campaigns, of which Your World is just another part.
The silence on the issue has been deafening from the Scottish Education department. Nor are Scottish Enterprise, with their close industry links, and their pro-business agenda, best placed to initiate a balanced discussion on this issue. By linking with the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, they have taken a stance and declared themselves pro-GM. What’s more, if Your World and the one-sided interests it represents begin dictating the education agenda it will set a dangerous precedent.
Write to or send an e-mail to:
1. Jack McConnell, Minister for Education, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP; email Jack.McConnell.msp@scottish.parliament.co.uk .
2. Peter Lennox, Network Head of Biotechnology Scottish Enterprise, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU; email: peter.lennox@scotent.uk.
3. Ronnie Smith, General Secretary, Educational Institute of Scotland, 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BH; email: rsmith@eis.org.uk.Please copy your letters & e-mails to:
Scottish Genetix Action, PO Box 2619, Baillieston, Glasgow, G69 7WA or email scottishgenetix@ziolip.com
Visit Norfolk Genetic Information Network on http://members.tripod.com/~ngin/11101b.htm for a perfect sample letter26 The High Street, Purton, Wiltshire SN5 4AE, UK
Tel: 01793 77 22 14 Fax: 01793 77 25 21
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