Leeds Bradford Health
Anti-GM Victory : One down, One to Go!
25-06-2007 18:18
It seems there are not often victories to celebrate so it's strange when they occur seemingly unnoticed. That's exactly what's happened regarding the news that the chemicals giant, BASF have abandoned plans for a GM potato trial in Yorkshire this year, despite government consent.
Back in April there was an action in Hedon near Hull [1 | 2 ] to demonstrate public opposition to the first GM trials in the UK proposed in three years. Taking action before the trial began, the protesters planted their own organic spuds in what they thought was the field earmarked for the GM variety [1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6]. The aim was to invalidate the experiment before it was even started and while it turned out that they had picked the wrong field they did successful demonstrate that public opposition to GM crops is as strong and militant as ever [audio | video].
The planting of the other trial, located in Cambridge [1 | 2], went ahead despite local opposition and protests but campaigners say that it's not too late to drive home the message that "there is still no future for GM in the UK".
There is a national call out for a 'potato picnic' announced for Sunday 1st July near the site of the Cambridge trial. [flyer | directions]
Background : GM back on agenda | sabotage promised | detailed talk report | audio interview re victory and protest 1st july
Campaign links : Mutatoes | Hedon Against GM | Cambridge GM Concern
Read more | 1 addition | 1 comment >>Huddersfield defends NHS
18-12-2005 01:00
Proposals in Huddersfield to close a Hospital and several wards at another were condemed by protestors. The demonstration Called for the 10th December opposed the closures, and the wider privitisation of health care in the country.
The number of protestors who turned up outside the Royal Infirmary was larger than organisers had hoped, drawing support from passers-by. The protest is continuing to build a petition to make the council have a referendum on the issue.
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