Michael Gove tells MPs Britain will follow EU ban on bee-harming pesticides – Greenpeace reaction
Commenting on the reassurances given to MPs by Defra secretary Michael Gove today that UK government policy on neonicotinoid pesticides will “follow both existing EU protections” and will be “enhanced in line with the science”, Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said:
“These are encouraging words from the environment secretary: now we need to see them turned into action. Bees are a vital link in the human food chain, our natural environment, and the rural economy – and they’re in danger. Evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides are a threat to pollinators has been building up for years, and that’s just been confirmed by the world’s largest ever field trial, partly funded by the pesticide makers themselves. [1]
“As evidence mounts, our politicians must keep up with the science and make sure government policy is in line with it. Michael Gove should move quickly to introduce a full and permanent ban on bee-harming pesticides while ensuring that Britain retains the precautionary principle enshrined in EU law. He promised better food standards and a healthier environment after Brexit – he won’t be able to deliver it without saving our bees first.”
A Greenpeace UK petition calling on Michael Gove to listen to the science and keep neonicotinoid pesticides away from our bees has reached 130,000 signatures.
ENDS
Contact: Greenpeace UK press office on 020 7865 8255 or press.uk@greenpeace.org