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Gandolfini a 'special man and a great talent'
– HBO statementWe're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family.
He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone - no matter their title or position - with equal respect.
Emmy-winning star of The Sopranos dies
- James Gandolfini was best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano in the acclaimed television series The Sopranos
- Since The Sopranos ended its run in 2007 he has appeared in espionage thriller Zero Dark Thirty and the comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
- Gandolfini was working on an upcoming new HBO series Criminal Justice at the time of his death
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GM crops 'not the answer' to our food challenges
The move by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to reopen the debate surrounding genetically modified foods has been met with mixed response by environmental groups.
– Friends of the Earth's head of policy, research and science Mike ChildsDespite decades of research, there are still no miracle crops to tackle the challenges agriculture faces, such as climate change, soil degradation, water shortages and growing demand.
Where GM crops are grown, they are exacerbating the very intensive farming practices that are part of the problem.
Ministers must urgently get behind a different approach to food and farming that delivers real sustainable solutions rather than peddling the snake oil that is GM.
– Peter Melchett, policy director of organic campaign group Soil AssociationOwen Patterson's GM dream will make it harder to feed the world. The British Government constantly claim that GM crops are just one tool in the toolbox for the future of farming. In fact, GM is the cuckoo in the nest.
It drives out and destroys the systems that international scientists agree we need to feed the world. We need farming that helps poorer African and Asian farmers produce food, not farming that helps Bayer, Syngenta and Monsanto produce profits.
James Gandolfini's life in pictures
Owen Paterson: 'Europe missing out on GM crops'
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson will today say that Europe is "missing out" on GM crops, which is now used on 12% of arable land around the world:
While the rest of the world is ploughing ahead and reaping the benefits of new technologies, Europe risks being left behind. We cannot afford to let that happen.
Mr Paterson will tell representatives from industry, science and the media that GM, if used properly "promises effective ways to protect or increase crop yields":
It can also combat the damaging effects of unpredictable weather and disease on crops.
It has the potential to reduce fertiliser and chemical use, improve the efficiency of agricultural production and reduce post-harvest losses.
Tributes pour in for James Gandolfini
Heartbroken. So deeply saddened to hear of James Gandolfini's passing. Deep condolences to his family. Working w/him =highlight of my life
From @NoahMunck on Twitter:Thank you James Gandolfini for some of the most brilliant tv moments of all time. So sad!!!
From @joshgroban on Twitter:I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.
From @JonahHill on Twitter:Advertisement
HBO: Sopranos star James Gandolfini has died
Sopranos star James Gandolfini, 51, has died of a suspected heart attack whilst on holiday in Rome, Italy, HBO confirmed.
What are GM foods?
Genetic modification (GM) is a biotechnology that is being used to make new products, in particular new types of crop plant.
In global terms the use of GM crops has increased steadily since the first commercial plantings in North America in the late 1990s.
By 2012 over 17 million farmers in 28 countries were growing GM crops on 170 million hectares, which is more than 12% of the world’s arable land.
No GM crops are being grown commercially in the UK, but imported GM commodities, especially soya, are being used mainly for animal feed, and to a lesser extent in some food products.
Source: DEFRA
'Invisible minority' being let down by schools
In a speech, Sir Michael warns that there is an "invisible minority" of disadvantaged children living in "leafy suburbs, market towns or seaside resorts" who are being let down by their schools.
These youngsters are under-performing and coasting through school until they leave at the earliest opportunity.
The quality of education is the most important issue facing Britain today. In the long term, our success as a nation - our prosperity, our security, our society - depends on how well we raise and educate our young people across the social spectrum.
Environment Secretary: 'GM crops are safe'
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson will reopen the controversy over genetically modified crops with a speech extolling the benefits of the technology.
Mr Paterson will say that government, scientists and industry "owe a duty to the British public to reassure them that GM is a safe, proven and beneficial innovation" for farmers and consumers.
He will claim that there are potentially significant economic and environmental benefits to growing GM produce, including increasing yields, protecting crops from disease and reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals.
