Support the Ban on Neonicotinoids

The UK is one of the most nature depleted nations on Earth. Our natural environment has suffered further following poor choices by previous Conservative Government; not least in respect of the European Union. Labour introduced the Environment Bill (now Act. During its passage, my Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues supported an amendment which would have required a proper assessment of the long-term impacts of pesticides on wild (and commercial, like honeybees) pollinators before authorisation was granted. Regrettably, Labour MPs voted that amendment down. 

I have since worked with others to call for emergency authorisations of neonicotinoids to be revoked, including by signing Early Day Motion 1984, for tighter restrictions on their use to be introduced, and for far greater support to be given to research into their long-term impacts. I also support a transition toward integrated pest management and other nature-friendly farming approaches, backed by the practical and financial support farmers need to make that shift successfully. 

I regularly assist with butterfly transects in West Cornwall and have undertaken glow worm transects for many years. I am well aware of the importance of these pollinators and have seen the loss of key species through my own observations. The authorisation of acetamiprid can only risk yet further reduction in our key pollinator species. Indeed, here is a link to a recent Facebook post on my interest and enthusiasm for nature restoration. 

I have written to the Nature Minister, Mary Creagh, to seek clarity on the Government’s approach, and to press for a clear and binding timetable to end the emergency use of neonicotinoids. I will also underline the importance of properly funding and supporting farmers in adopting safer, sustainable alternatives.