Use freedom 'to reap gene-editing rewards'

BRITAIN must use its post-Brexit freedom to become a world leader in gene editing to cut costs and reduce chemicals in crops, say MPs.

- By Steph Spyro

Gene editing allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes to a plant’s DNA, enabling them to introduce or modify specific traits.

It can create crops that are more resilient, increase resistance to diseases and slash the environmental footprint of farming.

Brexit meant the last warning the Government is “preparing to formalise the UK’s role as supplicant to the EU” and “throwing away our strongest cards such as our fishing waters”.

Former Brexit minister David Jones argued that the PM simply wants Britain Tory government could bypass EU delay, cut red tape and allow scientists to spearhead gene-editing technology.

But Tory MPs warn there is a risk the bloc insists that the UK adopts the same tighter regulations as the EU single market during Sir Keir Starmer's bid for closer ties.