House of Commons · Westminster Hall
22 July 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,182 words
Opened by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire
Responding minister: Daniel Zeichner
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Steve Barclay raised concerns about gene editing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The UK should seize the opportunity of Brexit to diverge from European Union regulation on gene editing, allowing it to set its own regulatory framework and support technological advancements beneficial for farming and environmental sustainability.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Gene editing provides immense opportunities to the United Kingdom in boosting growth in its agricultural sector, supporting the world-leading life science industry, and protecting the environment for future generations. There is concern that the Labour Government’s EU reset will pause or reverse progress made in setting out a new path to regulate gene editing technology.
Noted the problem of devolved regions falling behind due to EU law applicable in Northern Ireland, suggesting England might advance with gene editing while other regions lag behind.
The hon. Member highlighted that gene editing could offer protection against climate change impacts and be a solution to cuts in the farming budget.
Emphasised the need to maintain a boundary between gene therapy and enhancement, highlighting the importance of drought and disease-resistant crops for the farming community.
Agreed that public engagement and clear regulation are key to ensuring advancements in gene editing deliver benefits for farmers and consumers. Highlighted research on blight-resistant potatoes as a clear example of its promise.
Asked about the situation of animals in the 2023 Act and wanted to know more about the Government’s plans and timelines.
Government Response
Daniel ZeichnerThe Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
The Government have introduced a new regulatory framework for precision breeding technologies to support economic growth, address environmental goals, and achieve food security. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 has been passed in England with cross-party support, enabling research funding through the farming innovation programme and crop genetic improvement network programmes. Additionally, £15 million over five years is allocated for breeding research, and £12.5 million specifically for precision breeding. The Government are working on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU to facilitate easier trade, while retaining our own rules regarding new technologies. Despite the EU's lagging behind in enacting similar regulations due to ongoing legislative processes, the UK aims to lead globally in this sector by investing now in precision breeding technologies.