UK ministers are pressing ahead with post-Brexit gene editing laws – which involves making changes to a plant’s existing DNA – despite whinges from Brussels that it could derail border checks agreements. Environment Secretary Steve Reed confirmed the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 will be fully in force by March, unlocking a £1 billion boost for UK agriculture. As least there’s one Labour minister proving they’re pro-growth…
Reed said ploughing ahead with gene editing plans is “the right thing to do…I don’t think we should stall going forward on things like this where we see huge advantages to the sector and domestic food production.” Meanwhile former Tory science minister George Freeman said the move would help to attract investors to the UK. Brexit bearing fruit again…
Sarah Pochin at Reform Scotland’s manifesto launch event: “I really wanted to come on in a Reform tartan burka, but apparently I wasn’t allowed… One day let’s do one of these events not live-streamed. We’ll do all the naughty stuff…”