Government's response on pesticides lacking12 September 2013
Earlier this year Parliament's Environment Audit Committee made strong recommendations for action to reverse the decline in bees and other pollinators.
They urged the Government to reduce harm from the use of chemical pesticides on farms and gardens.
The Government's official response this week yet again ignored the overwhelming scientific evidence linking pesticides to UK bee decline. The Government only begrudgingly accepts that it must follow the temporary EU ban on these powerful chemicals.
Instead of defending these pesticides and their manufacturers, Ministers should help farmers reduce their use and develop techniques to maintain yields.
The Government's promised National Pollinator Strategy must tackle all causes of bee decline including the use of chemical pesticides.
Friends of the Earth Nature Campaigner Sandra Bell
Help us keep up the pressure
In June, UK Environment Minister Lord de Mauley announced that the Government would develop a National Pollinator Strategy for England.
Work on the Strategy has already begun and it should be ready by Spring 2014.
But Government timescales can sometimes slip. We need to make sure the Government takes urgent action to save bees and other pollinators.
Please sign our petition asking the Bees Minister, Lord de Mauley, to introduce effective measures to help pollinators by next spring.
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