Ellee Seymour

It takes a brave man to speak out on unpopular subjects, like Sir David King did today, when he supported the need to use GM technology and research for future crops.

Still, as the comments were made in his last speech in his capacity as the government’s chief scientific adviser, he knew it was too good a chance to miss to put across his views.

This is a press release I have issued for NIAB, which welcomed Sir David’s vision:

NIAB WELCOMES GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC ADVISER’S SUPPORT FOR GM CROPS

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany has today welcomed an announcement made by Sir David King, (pic),the government’s chief scientific adviser, in support of GM technology and its research to help develop new crops.

Cambridge-based NIAB is the only plant science research organisation in the UK which has this year conducted research on GM crops, a field trial for blight resistant potato. There are none currently being carried out in Britain.

Prof Wayne Powell, NIAB’s Chief Executive and Director, hopes Sir David’s endorsement will be heeded by the nation. He believes Sir David was correct in warning about the future need for GM crops to cope with an increasing global population, water scarcity and potential food shortages.

Prof Powell said:

“GM science and technology provides huge potential benefits and we should be grabbing these opportunities with both hands. Our regulating framework is the tightest that exists and Sir David is correct in stating that there can be more risk involved with eating ordinary food than GM food.

“NIAB has competency, capability and independent governance which allows for development of this new technology to be done safely. Trials are carried out under very stringent conditions in accordance with DEFRA’s regulations. Our science based evidence can provide crucial information to help decision makers.

“Unless we grasp the technology and have confidence in the regulatory system, then we will go through a huge innovation bottleneck where opportunities that have been created are not going to be exploited. People are shying away from exploiting this technology, they are going abroad instead.

“GM technology is crucial as the way forward to help feed the world, particularly those in drought stricken countries like Africa, and our independent research is looking at ways of achieving this at a time when farmers face increasing challenges from drought stress and climate change.

“I also strongly believe that the food produced in the UK should be trialled and evaluated here, and not abroad. We have the scientific skills and I have every confidence that our scientists could lead the way in this.�

My mum is still in hospital where further tests are being carried out as some results caused concern. The main thing is that her spirits have improved.

I was waiting at the front door of the hospital when she arrived to be admitted last night, she had travelled there with my sister Rosalind. She looked very rough, but pride in her youthful appearance made her insist on vehemently refusing a wheelchair to be taken to her ward. She looked at it with total disgust as if to say: "over my dead body".

The medical assessment ward turned out to be mixed, I didn’t think they still existed, and that was initially a shock. I don’t think my mother would have objected had the male patients been dishy, but they were not the type to attract Loula’s flirtatious attention.

She was then asked 101 questions by a nurse and Loula’s weak and despairing countenance swiftly changed to one of wickedness and joviality. She did not realise they were routine questions and found it very offensive to be asked if she used a hearing aid, walked with sticks or a frame, and about the amount of alcohol she drank.

My mum is virtually teetotal, but her answer was defiant:

"Can’t you tell I’m an alcoholic!"

She responded similarly when asked about smoking:

"It’s never too late to take up a bad habit!"

That’s the mood my mum was in last night, I think she has since calmed down. Like me, my mother is a people watcher and she has keenly been eyeing up the dishy doctors. She was telling me about them on the phone this morning when I called her.

My mother is very proud and ageless. She wants to remain glamorous and youthful for ever and will never wear sensible shoes, they have to be totally unsuitable to win her approval.

Her motto is: "Live and love your life away…"

Yes, let’s hope she can continue to do this for many years to come. Now you can see how she leads me astray ….

Update 8.30pm: I’ve just had a phone call from a deliriously happy Loula telling me she is on her way home. But will she be a good girl and do as the doctor tells her? I give you one guess.