Greg chooses to open up the GM debate

The Bill will spark the first major government debate on the controversial issue of GM and sets out to protect the environment and consumer choice through strict farming regulations.

Mr Barker chose the Bill, drafted by environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth, after he was drawn in the Private Members' Ballot on December 4, which gives MPs the right to introduce a new law to parliament.

The Bill does not seek an outright ban on GM crops, but calls for a regulated approach to planting to prevent cross-contamination and clarify who is liable for any mistakes.

It will stipulate minimum separation distances between GM and organic or conventional crops and specify self-funded bodies to govern the industry.

The fear is that indigenous crops could be lost if they mutate with GM seeds by cross-pollenation. There is also a great deal of uncertainty over the long-term health implications for humans.

GM supporters argue crops can be produced in more volume, quicker, cheaper and more tolerant of cold and diseases.

Mr Barker said: "At present there is virtually no regulation of GM crop farming which should be of great concern to farmers and consumers, especially in this largely-rural constituency.

"At present any organic farm within eight miles of a GM field is at risk of losing its organic status.

"Also of great concern is that the issue, which is of increasing concern to my constituents, has not been debated.

"GM is currently a self-regulating industry. The supermarkets aren't currently using GM because consumers don't want it, but what if they change that policy? There seems to be no regulation of how crops are trialled.

"I'm not in favour of strangling regulations but we do need to draw a line in the sand on this issue."

The GM Contamination and Liability Bill is supported by a range of national organisations including the Soil Association, the Food Commission and Five Year Freeze, which calls for a moratorium on GM crop planting.

It is still in its draft stages and is likely to get its first parliamentary reading towards the end of March.

Mr Barker said: "There will be a lot of consultation and no doubt a lot of amendments but there's a chance that this could become law by the end of summer.

"Even if the government chooses to strangle the Bill it will open a debate and hopefully lead to and alternative.

"Whether you're pro or anti GM, everyone must agree that GM plantings cannot continue without protecting the rights of farmers to grow organic or conventional crops.

"I look forward to ensuring the preservation of consumer choice, by introducing a bill that will provide strict legislation on any GM plantings in this country."

Martyn Williams, Friends of the Earth senior parliamentary campaigner said: 'We are thrilled Gregory has decided to introduce the GM Contamination and Liability Bill.

"European law means member states must determine their own contamination and liability laws, however the Government has not announced any plans to fulfil this important responsibility - indeed they have never instigated a parliamentary debate on GM.

"The GM Contamination and Liability Bill will ensure that GM Crops - including the trials - will never be planted in the United Kingdom again without proper regulations."