This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday, 13 October 2020
Trust Versus 'Having Our Hands Tied'
I must admit to being unconvinced about the UK Government's line on ensuring the wellfare and safety standards of food on our plates. They recently voted down an amendment in the Agricultural bill on the basis that it was 'unneccessary, as we have guaranteed that there will be no importation of chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef' (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/12/mps-reject-calls-by-campaigners-to-enshrine-food-safety-in-uk-law). This, of course, does not prevent products, made from those ingredients, being imported or the bacteria-contaminated meats that annually cause much food poisoning and many deaths in the USA. Meats treated with antibiotics (as a growth enhancer) would also not be banned (increasing the risk of developing more strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria). It seems to me, that asking for trust (on behalf of the general public, 90% of whom want high standards maintained and farmers, who have no desire to be undercut by low standard production), is asking a bit much. Government currently seems intent on reaching Trade Deals at any cost. It also seems behaving in a tricky manner on fishing, resisting attempts to restrict bottom trawling and on having location devices fitted to fishing boats, 'in case it ties our hands in negotiations with the EU'. Trust only works if you earn it.
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