A massive boost for bees5 April 2013
An influential committee of MPs has today backed calls to ban the worst bee-harming pesticides. They've also demanded an overhaul of Government pesticide policy.
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has been hearing evidence about pesticides and their impact on bees and other pollinators for months.
They've weighed up the arguments put by pesticide companies, bees scientists, nature and environmental groups including Friends of the Earth and others. And their conclusion is unanimous - the Government has got it wrong.
Even EAC members from the Government's own Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties have agreed that:
- Three neonicotinoid pesticides should be banned on crops attractive to honey bees
- No neonicotinoid pesticides should be used in gardens and public spaces like parks and schools
- The process for testing pesticide safety should be dramatically improved
They've also told the Government to re-write its recently published National Pesticides Action Plan to make sure it promotes a reduction in pesticide use across the board.
An excellent report
Friends of the Earth today welcomed the report and called on the Government to implement its recommendations speedily and in full.
MPs have hit the nail on the head. The Government needs to act urgently to address the threat posed to bees by pesticides and other key factors such as habitat loss. Yet the UK Government is still failing to respond to this urgent issue and introduce a comprehensive Bee Action Plan. What else are they waiting for?
Paul de Zylva, Friends of the Earth's Bees Campaigner
Read our response to the report in full.
And you can help
The Government needs to act urgently to protect bees.
Please add your name to our Director's letter to Government Ministers asking them to stop pesticides harming bees.
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