To: George Eustice, environment secretary
Pesticides that kill bees have just been brought back into use in England – breaking the government’s promise that it would keep them banned after Brexit.
The neonicotinoids are banned by the European Union because of the “serious danger they pose to bees” – which are so vital to our ecosystem.
A third of the UK’s bee population has disappeared in just a decade, yet bees pollinate three quarters of our crops.
But now the British government has said farmers can use the deadly pesticides again, beginning with sugar beet fields. If this is allowed to pass then it could be the start of a wider roll-out.
This is a disaster for bee populations and it must be stopped.
Highlighted comments
No bees = no pollination = no food. It’s not difficult.
Sian, Norfolk
I don’t understand why the rules should now suddenly change because we’ve left Europe! Protect our crops and our bees!
Erin, Cornwall
Another broken promise from this government with no scruples or integrity. Knew this would happen after Brexit. They cannot be trusted.
Elaine, Yorkshire
I care deeply about this issue and feel betrayed by the government due to these pesticides being reintroduced.
Alison, Bristol
As a horticulturalist I know the damage that is being done to our ecosystem by these chemicals.
Lionel, Cardiff
We’ve had years of data showing the danger to bees from these pesticides and we know bees are vital for our continued survival.
Sean, Bristol
Our whole ecosystem will collapse if the bees disappear. Please re-ban this dangerous pesticide.
Jane, Perth
Banned in the EU for good reason: neonicotinoids will be a disaster for the UK’s already struggling bee population.
Martin, Sussex
Without bees 🐝 we would not survive. They must be protected. I feel angry that the Government has broken yet another promise to the nation.
Susan, Yorkshire
