GM insects and moral blackmail

Today's report from the House of Lords argues that GM insects have the potential to, among other things, control diseases like malaria and dengue. But, in overlooking the uncertainties of the technology, it is irresponsibly lopsided.

In October this year, we were both called as witnesses to the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee. The committee was looking at the potential of genetically modified insects and asking, among other questions, "Is there a role for responsible innovation approaches?" From their answer, it would appear that they think not. In choosing to swallow the promise of this technology without questioning its downsides, their report represents an unsophisticated form of moral blackmail.

The Lords have been persuaded that GM insects have the ability to save countless lives. They argue that we have a 'moral duty' to support the technology and clear out any regulation that might slow its development, as Tim Radford reports this morning. The report is framed in terms of supporting 'UK plc' (Oxitec, the world's leading GM insect company, is a spin-off from Oxford University). They are motivated by the 'presence of a pioneering company based in the UK, and the world class research being conducted in our universities and institutes'. Their version of the public interest is thin and undemocratic, even by Lords' standards, and their scrutiny does not even scratch the surface.