Europe votes for pesticides ban29 April 2013
European states have voted to ban three neonicotinoid pesticides on crops attractive to honey bees.
The decision follows growing evidence that neonicotinoids pose 'a high acute risk' to bees, as well as huge pressure on European governments to act.
Andrew Pendleton of Friends of the Earth labelled the result a 'significant victory for common sense and our beleagured bee populations'. Friends of the Earth has been among those calling strongly for a ban.
UK Government fails to support ban
But he also highlighted the UK Government's failure to back the ban and warned that banning pesticides won't solve bee decline by itself:
The UK Government's refusal to back restrictions on these chemicals, despite growing scientific concern about their impact, is yet another blow to its environmental credibility.
Restricting the use of these pesticides could be an historic milestone on the road to recovery for our bees. But action on pesticides alone isn't enough. Other key causes of bee decline, such as disease and habitat loss, also require urgent Government attention.
Join our call to save bees
Friends of the Earth is calling for a comprehensive Bee Action Plan to tackle all major causes of bee decline. Join us now.
You'll be putting your name to a petition already signed by:
- Celebrities including wildlife presenter Simon King and TV gardener Monty Don
- Businesses including B&Q, Homebase and Coop
- Organisations including Buglife, International Bee Research Association and Pesticides Action Network UK
Please ask David Cameron to build on today's vote and introduce the comprehensive action plan our bees need.
© Amelia Collins
