Mandelson slams Prince Charles' ‘irresponsible’ GM comments

16 July 2010

PETER Mandelson has accused Prince Charles of being ‘anti-scientific and irresponsible’ in his attitude towards genetically modified (GM) foods.

In the third extract from his explosive memoirs published in the Times, Mandelson recalls how PM Tony Blair asked him to stop Prince Charles from making his anti-GM comments in public.

He said the Prince of Wales’ comments were ‘unhelpful’ especially as they were made when international food shortages were hitting the headlines.

Mr Mandelson, who left the Labour party after its defeat in the election in May this year, is set to strengthen his ties with agriculture in his retirement, settling down to become a farmer.

He told BBC Breakfast news this week that he was serious about becoming a farmer and he wanted to ‘go back to the land’.

Readers' comments (14)

Tom Rigby | 16 July 2010 3:09 pm
Is there a precedent for a PM to ask a colleague to ask a member of Royal family to keep quiet?

I doubt Tony Blair was that interested in agricultural matters; the question is who asked Tony to ask Peter to ask Charles?

(I bet he was called Bill or George …)
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Mike Larder | 16 July 2010 4:27 pm
Perhaps we should force feed Peter Mandelson GM produced foood as a trial.
Leave Prince Charles alone at least he achieves goals and support in the countryside.
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Robin Limb | 16 July 2010 9:36 pm
My estimation of Peter Mandelson has just ratcheted up two-fold. Is common sense breaking out I wonder? In the week that Patrick Holden retires from the Soil Association following a potential relaxation on GM approval by the EU Commission one could be forgiven for thinking that a serious dose of reality is on the cards....
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April | 17 July 2010 0:55 am
Hah, it's funny how so many Pro-biotech's still think we buy this "feed the poor" rhetoric. We KNOW the corn in Africa is for biofuels. We know, if it hasn't happened yet, it likely won't. You carry on Prince Charles, and don't let a bunch of old men try to shut you up!
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Tim | 18 July 2010 8:23 pm
Peter "Monsanto" Mandelson - who would want such a lying toe-rag as a spokesman.
He should be arrested and put on trial alongside Blair and Brown.
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michael wale | 20 July 2010 12:26 pm
Those of us who have read our Graham Greene and seen the film of his work The Third Man know what a dreadful person the third man was. For Mandelson to name his tawdry book after it gives the game away. At least Prince Charles has largely done good things in his life, Mandy and Monsanto deserve each other.
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peter hicks | 20 July 2010 1:15 pm
mandy is a complete scrote who wants to see his poisen dripping everywere
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Mick MOOR | 20 July 2010 1:20 pm
Think back to the foot & mouth epidemic. Prince Charles visited farmers, particularly in Cumbria, but where were mandy, blair and co? (The lack of capital letters is deliberate.) I f he should make it into farming, I am sure there are many who will be delighted to take him for a ride!
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Anonymous | 20 July 2010 1:35 pm
Prince Charles, like many in the organic sector, only spread these scare stories to line their own pockets. Prince Charles does just happen to make a tidy sum from his organic food line!
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Anonymous | 20 July 2010 1:37 pm
He shold have fantastic crop with the amount of manure he comes with !
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