A royal rift developed today over the issue of GM crops, with the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly joining the Princess Royal in playing down concerns in remarks which appear to contradict the views of the Prince of Wales. The duke's comments came just days after his daughter was criticised by environmental campaigners when she also spoke out in favour of genetically modified foods in the industry magazine, The Grocer. The introduction of foreign pests, such as the grey squirrel, had done more damage to the environment than genetically modified crops would ever cause, he added.
People are worried about genetically modified organisms getting into the environment.
The duke's remarks, in response to a lecture at Windsor Castle by the Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, were reported in The Times today. Of course it is right that the introduction of some exotic animals into an island like Britain has done great damage, but that should make him more cautious, not less cautious, about the consequences of genetic modification. Genetic modification goes much further than selective plant breeding or gradually improving horses so that they can run faster. But some food safety experts backed her view, saying that GM produce was just as safe as food produced by traditional farming methods. I'm sorry, but life isn't that simple.