The GM debate reared its head in The Telegraph around calls to rebrand GM. "We need a new language. Perhaps vaccination or inoculation is less scary for the public," said Bill Clark, who runs Broom’s Barn Research Centre, part of agricultural research centre Rothamsted Research. He argued that changing the public perception of GM was essential if the poor wheat yields in Britain and Europe were to be overcome. "Wheat yields have plateaued over the last 15 years," he said. Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, branded the comments "desperate rubbish".

Food sales growth slowed in December as snow disrupted sales patterns and trade was lost, according to the British Retail Consortium. However, non-food had a much tougher time, it said.

Families are to benefit from £50 voucher books to help them to eat more healthily and be more active, as the next phase of the Government’s Change4Life programme is announced. Families will be encouraged to swap one unhealthy habit for a healthier one, and will have access to vouchers for money-off healthier foods, including a Warburtons Wholemeal loaf and activities.

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