Daily Telegraph

Meacher a loss to GM crop debate
By Charles Clover
(Filed: 14/06/2003)


Tony Blair's sacking yesterday of Michael Meacher as Environment Minister
removes the Government's safest pair of hands in the debate over genetically
modified crops.

Meacher, as amanuensis to John Prescott during his environment and transport
superministry, played an important part in the negotiations on the Kyoto
protocol, the first agreement on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

He led a charmed life until dented by the debacle over the fridge disposal
ban which officials brought to his attention too late to do anything about
it.

The environmentalists stood by Mr Meacher yesterday. Patrick Holden, of the
Soil Association, said: "Meacher going in the middle of the GM debate leaves
the Government without a credible voice on the subject."

Tony Juniper, of Friends of the Earth, said: "No 10 has been trying to
marginalise Michael for some time now. But Mr Blair may find that his
removal leaves this Government's poor green record apparent for all to see."

Elliot Morley will be given Mr Meacher's brief, according to Government
sources.