The science is being 'ignored' on gene editing, according to conservative MEPs who have attempted to roll back 'over-zealous' EU restrictions.

Agriculture spokesman, Anthea McIntyre, led the campaign from the Conservatives by voting against proposals to block the import of three gene-edited products – two for maize and one for a soya bean.

"When it comes to Greta Thunberg's message on global warming everyone says the same – listen to the science," she commented. "On vaccinations – listen to the science. But on gene editing? I am afraid the science is being ignored.

"The EU and its parliament have to decide whether we accept science or not in our decision making. I really hope we do."

She said it was important to keep the technology in Europe and added that genetic modification was 'safe and benign', and there were no unknowns.

"The EU's GMO legislation puts a block on innovation," she continued. "It is not fit for purpose and urgently needs review to ensure risk-based, proportionate and science-based policy.

"I hope that the new commission will commit to working on this over the coming five years and I know industry stands ready to support this process," she said.

Alyn Smith MEP, a member of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee for the SNP responded: “It’s a rum day when the Tories pretend to guddle about with GM minutiae when it is obvious to the dugs in the street that the biggest threat to Scots farming is brexit and they’re ignoring all evidence themselves.

“Scotland’s GM policy is clear, pro science and more to the point pro farmer," he insisted. "We’re hugely supportive of Scotland’s world leading plant and animal science going on in dozens of labs up and down the country, but wary of farmscale trials and even more wary of the big GM companies getting a stranglehold on future farming. If the Tories want to be a wholly owned subsidiary of the GM companies that is their lookout, but my job is to consider the National Interest.”