The UK government plans to ban neonicotinoid pesticides harmful to bees, though a controversial exemption for Cruiser SB could be allowed in 2025.
Helena Horton reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The UK government is moving to permanently ban three neonicotinoids but is reviewing a request to permit Cruiser SB for sugar beet farming.
- These pesticides harm bees by damaging their nervous systems, with even small doses causing cognitive issues and long-term soil contamination.
- Emergency authorizations for pesticides linked to specific weather conditions have been granted annually since 2021.
Key quote:
"There should be no place in this country for pesticides that poison our bees, period."
— Doug Parr, Greenpeace UK policy director
Why this matters:
Bees are vital for pollination and ecosystem health. Allowing exceptions to a pesticide ban undermines efforts to protect these crucial pollinators and risks further environmental harm. Eliminating harmful chemicals supports sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation.
Read EHN’s coverage of neonicotinoids: Common insecticide threatens survival of wild, migrating birds
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