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U.K. Environmental Protesters Arrested for Dumping GM Soybeans Outside PM’s Residence

HeadlineFeb 18, 1999

This news from London: Seven environmental protesters were arrested today after dumping four tons of genetically modified U.S. soybeans outside British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official residence. Greenpeace U.K. Director Peter Melchett said, “This is one of the few households in the United Kingdom where the occupier seems to want to eat the stuff.” He said this as police moved the protesters’ truck, decorated with the slogan, “Tony, don’t swallow Bill’s seed.” The giant sacks of beans blocked the entrance to Downing Street and the official residence of Blair, who has spoken out enthusiastically in favor of genetically modified foods and says he eats them himself. The government has found itself embroiled in a national panic over the possible risks to human health and the environment from GM products. Newspapers have dubbed them “Frankenstein foods,” and supermarkets have been trying to reassure their customers.

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