GM crops to be grown at military sites

THE Government is drawing up plans to grow genetically modified crops in top secret military locations to thwart saboteurs.

The campaign may see crops grown at sites such as Porton Down in Salisbury, which carries out military research and includes a science park.

The police could also be asked to target opponents of GM crops in the same way they have clamped down on some animal rights protesters.

Ministers intend to scrap a rule that says scientists must disclose the location of GM crop trials on a government website. Hilary Benn, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson are also demanding a review of security arrangements.

Mr Benn said: "We need to see if they [GM foods] have a contribution to make and we won't know the answer about their environmental impact unless we run controlled experiments."