Thirteen Greenpeace protestors will appear in court today after blocking a ship from docking in Bristol to unload a consignment of GM crops.

Penny Kemp, the Green Party's spokesperson on environment and food commented: "The Green Party would like to extend its support to the 13 Greenpeace volunteers in court for preventing GM crops from being unloaded in the UK. The Green Party believe that peaceful, non-violent direct action is an acceptable tool in registering protest against GM. However, Green MEPs have been making real progress through the political system. That has resulted in a moratorium on growing GM crops in Europe.

"There is widespread public distrust of GM, and yet the Government seems unwilling to listen to the very real and serious concerns over this technology."