Science bodies urge Scottish government to rethink GM crops ban

Nearly 30 organisations sign open letter accusing Scottish environment secretary of taking political decision not based on scientific evidence

A powerful group of scientists and academic bodies has urged the Scottish government to rethink its ban on growing GM crops, with a warning that it would damage farming, healthcare and scientific research.

Nearly 30 organisations - including Edinburgh University, the Roslin Institute (where Dolly the sheep was cloned), the Eden Project, the National Farmers Union and the Science Council - have signed an open letter asking for an urgent meeting with Richard Lochhead, the Scottish environment secretary, to discuss the ban.