Scientists Oppose Scotland’s GM Crop Ban

Researchers from across the U.K. draft a letter criticizing the recent decision to keep genetically modified crops out of Scotland.

Written byAmanda B. Keener
| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

FLICKR, LLEE_WU

Following an announcement that Scotland would not embrace genetically modified (GM) foods, representatives from 28 scientific institutions across the U.K. have released an open letter in disagreement with the decision. The letter, dated August 17 and signed by institutions such as the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Roslin Institute, and the European Academies Science Advisory Council, noted the decision is strictly “political and not based on any informed scientific assessment of risk.”

“There’s quite a bit of anger and disbelief,” Chris Peters, an activist at Sense About Science, the London nonprofit that organized the letter, told Science Insider.

The letter stated that the country’s announcement, “risks constraining Scotland’s contribution to research and leaving Scotland without access to agricultural innovations which are making farming more sustainable ...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Related Topics

Meet the Author

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo
Abstract background with red and blue laser lights

VANTAstar Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

BMG LABTECH