Ex-EU science chief Anne Glover: GM tech ‘is safe’

Report of comments made in a BBC interview by the outgoing science adviser to the European Commission Professor Anne Glover in February 2015.

She argued that the technology behind GM crops is safe, according to scientific consensus. She had during 2014 been criticised by NGOs of presenting 'one-sided, partial opinions' in the debate over GM crops.

Professor Glover said that she was an inconvenience for some NGOs because her support for GM crops clashed with their ideology.

The new European Commission under Jean-Claude Juncker did not intend to maintain the newly created post of Chief Scientific Advisor.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Anne Glover's EU advisor role reinstated, MEP says http://www.europeansources.info/record/anne-glovers-eu-advisor-role-reinstated-mep-says/

ESO: Background information: Juncker still mulling scientific advice role after Glover's position axed http://www.europeansources.info/record/juncker-still-mulling-scientific-advice-role-after-glovers-position-axed/

THES, 03.02.15: Anne Glover criticises ‘push back’ in Brussels role http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/anne-glover-criticises-push-back-in-brussels-role/2018344.article

The Telegraph, 03.02.15: Greenpeace is failing to be 'honest' about GM crops, former EU scientific adviser says http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/11386112/Greenpeace-is-failing-to-be-honest-about-GM-crops-former-EU-scientific-adviser-says.html

The Guardian, 03.02.15: Green groups lied to oust me, says former EC science chief http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/03/ec-anne-glover-gm-crops-greenpeace

EurActiv, 03.02.15: Juncker ignored chief scientific advisor’s meeting requests http://www.euractiv.com/sections/science-policymaking/juncker-ignored-chief-scientific-advisors-meeting-requests-311790

EUObserver, 20.02.15: Juncker commission leaves scientific advisers in the dark https://euobserver.com/news/127704

European Commission: The Commissioners (2010-2014): President Advisory-council http://ec.europa.eu/archives/commission_2010-2014/president/advisory-council/index_en.htm

EurActiv, 23.04.15: EU chief scientist post still vacant, could be scrapped http://www.euractiv.com/sections/science-policymaking/eu-chief-scientist-post-still-vacant-could-be-scrapped-313999

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