GenTech Regulations passed without a whisper
Leonie Nimmo reflects on the final stages of a process that will enable the wholesale release of new GMOs.
What just happened?
To an observer in the House of Commons that was interested in genetic engineering, it would have appeared that nothing of significance happened on the 1st of April 2025. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations were not spoken of in the great chamber. By viewing the agenda it was apparent that something may happen, but nothing was said.
It was strange that something that has been of such significance to people and organisations across political and economic divides passed such a major milestone without verbal reference. Hard battles have been fought over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), with a public debate at one time involving tens of thousands of people, and people risking their liberty, careers and even their lives.
But since the zenith of public engagement, the biotech industry has played the long game, gaining political influence, lobbying for market access, rebranding, regrouping, consolidating power. It has manoeuvred for leverage over research institutions via a gradual shift towards financial dependency, monopolised research space and, ultimately, claimed “Science” as its own.
Over the years, people that were engaged with the anti-GMO movement have drifted away. Perhaps they found positive outlets for their passions – growing the movements for Food Sovereignty, agroecology and sustainable food systems. Perhaps they become engaged with other fights and issues, as the ever-looming spectre of climate change threatens to obliterate all else. Or perhaps they have been won over and now consider the technology benign – after all, there’s no problem with farming systems and food in the USA, is there?
Whatever the reason, what is almost certain is that there were very, very few of us watching the proceedings on the House of Commons website on April Fool’s Day 2025. Those of us who did waited in vain for a mention of the GenTech Regulations. Nevertheless, they were passed, as noted on an obscure page on the Parliament website.
The silent starter pistol has been fired. Unlabelled, untraceable and un-risk assessed new GMOs will be heading to fields and plates near us soon. If the biotech industry is to be believed, there are all manner of gene edited products under development, just waiting for the final formalities of the Regulations to pass.
The non-debate
In a kind of proxy for a House of Commons debate, the Regulations were discussed the day before by the Second Delegated Legislation Committee. There were no dissenting voices amongst the cross-party group of MPs despite the fact that a number had raised concerns about the GenTech Act whilst in opposition under the previous government.
Emma Hardy MP, third in command at DERFA, presents the GenTech Regulations to the Second Delegated Legislation Committee. Image credit: parliamentlive.tv
A highly critical report by the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee was mentioned and instantly dispensed with. Anyone would think that the issues it raised – the impact on the organic sector, the UK internal market and trade with the EU – were of little significance.
Never mind the impact on existing markets and trade – the promise of more money in future was far more captivating to the Committee, who were evidently blinded by dollar signs. Of pressing importance is apparently the need to grab all of the money that the EU is losing out on by not deregulating sooner.
A lone voice
The Regulations must also pass through the House of Lords before they become law. Here at least there is one dissenting voice: that of Green peer Nathalie Bennett, who tabled a “non-fatal motion to object to the instrument”. This highlights the failure of the Regulations to provide farmers and consumers with sufficient information about new GMOs, or to allow the devolved nations to enact policies in this area.
Baroness Bennet is unlikely to get much, if any, support for the Motion.
Waiting game
When the formality at the House of Lords has passed, there will be a six month wait while the World Trade Organization assesses the Regulations. And then… hello to new GMOs.
