Neonicotinoids & Pollinators

 

It is encouraging that we are finally seeing meaningful progress in the protection of our environment, particularly in seeking to advance safeguards for our pollinators. The role of wild, natural bees and other pollinators, and even commercial honeybees in our ecosystems cannot be overstated, and this decision is a step forward.

However, as you rightly point out, there is much more to be done. Our natural environment has suffered as a result of poor decisions made by the previous Conservative Government, and we must ensure that we do not fall short in the battle to protect our biodiversity. While the Environment Bill was being debated in Parliament, Liberal Democrats supported an amendment to require a thorough assessment of the long-term impacts of pesticides on wild pollinators and honeybees before they were authorised. Regrettably, this amendment was voted down by the Conservatives.

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I note that the use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids has a damaging impact on pollinators, and that the consequences for UK food security could be long-lasting. We must continue to press for a full ban on these harmful substances. We have consistently called for any emergency authorisations of neonicotinoids to be revoked and for tighter restrictions to be put in place. Furthermore, we urge the Government to provide proper support for farmers to research and implement less harmful, more natural ways to control pests like aphids.