Prince Charles – Genetic Engineering (1998)

Barcode (ID): 03B0279497                                                 

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Date of Broadcast: 8th June 1998

Clip Duration: 4 min 26 seconds

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Usefulness for Teaching Bioethics

Description: Prince Charles has accused scientists who produce genetically engineered food of playing God. Consumer and environmental groups have welcomed the attack.

• Prince warned they are entering realms of God and God alone and of unforseen consequences
• He compares to BSE crisis
• Quotes ‘We live in an age of rights – it seems to me that it is time our creator had some rights, too’
• Gives example GM oilseed rape
• Interview from Greenpeace – genetic pollution
• Monsanto, marketing use of GM food, hit back at Prince
• Interview with Minster of Food Safety – agrees that it is important these issues are addressed but there are regulatory systems for such GM foods and medicines
• Personal view – all entitled to our opinion
• Two committees on Ethics to take on all views and opinions on board

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Agriculture – Genetically modified food – For and against (2003)

Barcode (ID): 03D0624208                   

Main Search Term and Keywords: Genetically modified, GM crops

Date of Broadcast: 21st July 2003
Clip Duration: 3 min 37 seconds

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Usefulness for Teaching Bioethics

Shows some arguments for and against the introduction of GM crops

Description:
How safe is the genetically modified food on the supermarket shelves? The scientists asked to find out say there is only a low risk from the current range of GM products and crops. But they say that doesn’t amount to a clean bill of health now or in the future. Tonight we hear both sides of the arguments.

• No weed killers or pesticides on organic farms – Government wants to encourage this but is most at risk from genetically modified crops and the loss of their organic status
• All sides agree on
• GM science review – exposes gaps and what the impacts that the technology will have on food safety and the environment
• Basis of the report does not decide either way – depends on the crop being farmed and its impact to whether it gets the ‘green’ light
• Outlines concerns from charities such as the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) about effects of GM crops on wildlife
• Report shows the worries are reasonable
• Government will be able to hold off the decision due to the report
• If GM crops do get the go ahead there would need to be a compensation for farmers whos fields become contaminated
• Debate on the benefits and consequences continues

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