Speaking shortly after UK Environment Minister Owen Paterson delivered a speech in which he eulogised genetically modified crops and called on EU leaders to ease restrictions on the controversial technology, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Europe will not abandon its tough GM legislation.  

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The Environment minister said, "I want companies and research providers to know that the UK is the best place for them to carry out their research. If there are barriers preventing them from setting up their research and development activities here, this Government will help overcome them."

Paterson's speech on Thursday came after other prominent members of the government, including Science Minister David Willets, Farming Minister David Heath and chief scientist Mark Walport, all publicly endorsed GM crops. The speech caused speculation that the UK government would back moves by the United States to undermine the EU's strict regulations on GM crops, as part of the upcoming free trade agreements between the two powers.  

However, responding to questions on Saturday, the German Chancellor acknowledged the level of public concern over GM crops and stated "we do not want to minimise standards now." In the past, US government officials and biotech companies have attempted to exert pressure on several EU states and institutions, including the Vatican, in a bid to weaken the Bloc's tight GM regulations.  

Negotiations between the EU and United States will begin next month. In March, an anonymous French official told press agency AFP that the country's government wanted GM kept off the table during trade talks.