Scotland to issue formal ban on genetically modified crops

Ministers aim to use recent EU powers to opt out of a regime that is expected to see greater commercial use of GM crops around Europe

Scottish ministers are planning to formally ban genetically modified crops from being grown in Scotland, widening a policy divide with the Conservative government in London.

Ministers in Edinburgh are to apply to use recent EU powers that allow devolved administrations to opt out of a more relaxed regime, which is expected to increase commercial use of GM crops around the EU.