Science chief backs GM technology

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Sir David King said there was a "moral case" for the UK and the rest of Europe to grow genetically modified crops as the technology could help the world's poorest.

He told the BBC: "The process of GM technology should not be banned. The products of GM technology should be clearly monitored one by one."

Sir David's remarks come in advance of a speech he is giving in central London to senior scientists.

He is leaving his post as chief scientific adviser to the Government at the end of the year.

In his BBC interview, Sir David said GM crops will be essential to deal with an ever-growing population and diminishing water supplies.

"Have we got the technology to deliver that? Absolutely - it is called GM technology," he said.

Prof King said more needed to be done to deliver a future beyond the Kyoto climate treaty, and that he was "feeling very impatient about this".

To prevent long-term disaster he suggested a global target for atmospheric carbon had to be set.

He also told the BBC he was disappointed that the UK Government had not pushed forward with more power stations in the 2003 Energy White Paper.