Neonicotinoids are a group of pesticides that are highly harmful to the environment and wildlife. They are particularly dangerous for bees.
After a long-standing campaign, the UK Government has finally said NO to British Sugar's request to allow banned chemicals to be used on our sugar beet crops!
The Wildlife Trusts - Say no to neonics
Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“For years, experts and more than 300,000 wildlife supporters have called for the ban against neonicotinoids to be upheld and The Wildlife Trusts are delighted with this decision.
“There is simply no place in modern sustainable agriculture for highly toxic pesticides that kill bees and poison soils and rivers. Neonicotinoids were originally banned in the UK in 2017 but were granted repeat authorisations for use, despite explicit guidance against their approval.
“Many farmers across England have already turned their backs on these devastating chemicals. It’s time for British Sugar to take greater responsibility, and pay growers a fair price for producing beets without neonicotinoids.
“The focus must now be on a complete, sustainable transition away from a reliance on the use of neonicotinoids not just in agriculture, but also in pet flea treatments. This is a key source of chemical pollution in our waterways, with 10% of UK rivers found to contain toxic neonicotinoid chemicals.”
This is an excellent decision from the Labour Government following repeated authorisations for the use of neonicotinoid pesticides by the previous Government.
We now just need the UK Government to end the Badger cull, ban driven grouse shooting, ban all hunting of wild animals with dogs and release Beavers into the wild!
We also need to ensure that the UK Government's drive for economic growth through planning and other deregulation does not further damage the environment, nature and wildlife.
Current environmental regulations need protecting and enhancing not abolition!
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves .... the "bats and newts" are NOT to blame for decades long sluggish economic growth!
It is quite possible to achieve sustainable economic growth AND protect, restore and rewild our environment, quite apart from mitigating and tackling the effects of climate change.
Love nature .... act now
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