March of the Beekeepers 26 April 2013
Friends of the Earth's giant bees joined hundreds of British beekeepers and others today to protest in Parliament Square.
They were there to demand Environment Minister Owen Patterson back moves to ban the worst bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides. European countries will vote on the issue on Monday.
The beekeepers were joined by food producers, gardeners and concerned individuals including Vivienne Westwood, Rachel Whiteread and Katharine Hamnett.
Organisations including Avaaz, RSPB, Buglife, Environmental Justice Foundation, Greenpeace, Pesticide Action Network UK, Soil Association and 38 Degrees also took part.
Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:
Ministers can't ignore the growing scientific evidence linking neonicotinoid insecticides to bee decline. Their claims to be concerned about bee health will ring hollow if they fail to back European moves to restrict the use of these chemicals.
An ever-growing number of the UK's leading retailers and manufacturers are recognising the threat these products pose by removing them from their shelves and supply chains - the Government must act now.
If we lose our bees and other vital pollinators it'll have a devastating impact on our food, gardens and environment. We urgently need tougher pesticide restrictions and a British Bee Action Plan to tackle all the threats they face.
Join the swarm
Add your name to our Director's letter asking the Government to back a neonicotinoid ban on Monday.
© Friends of the Earth
