UK allows emergency use of bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticide

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The emergency use of a type of pesticide that is almost completely banned in the EU because of the harm it can cause bees has been approved by the UK government.

The use of one type of neonicotinoid was based on a robust scientific assessment, according to a Defra spokesman.

The use would be subject to strict conditions.

Craig Bennett is the Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts.

The group of pesticides have been shown to damage bees' nervous systems. Pesticides can end up in streams and rivers, harming aquatic life, and can last for a long time in the environment.

Their outdoor use was banned in most EU countries. Michael Gove was the environment secretary at the time and he said the UK was in favor of the ban because it couldn't put our pollinator populations at risk.

The risk of yellows viruses, which can severely damage crops, is why the government is giving the go-ahead for thiamethoxam to be used on sugar beets in England. Almost 70% of the national sugar crop could be affected.

The decision was not taken lightly, according to a Defra spokesman.

When strict requirements are met and there are no alternatives, we only grant temporary emergency authorisations for restricted pesticides.

Craig Bennett is the chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts.

The Government has outlined ambitions to restore nature, promising to protect 30% of land by 2030 and reverse declines of precious wildlife, but at the same time it is giving a green light to use a highly toxic chemical that could harm pollinating insects.

According to the NFU, there are 9,500 jobs supported by the sugar industry in England. Farmers will not be allowed to grow flowering plants for 32 months after the sugar crop.

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We are in a nature and climate emergency, and with farming accounting for 75% of the land in England, we cannot reverse nature's decline without the support of our farmers. Highly toxic pesticides are not in a sustainable farming system.

Questions must be raised about how approving even temporary use of these chemicals and endangering our bee populations is consistent with wildlife decline. She said that farmers must be supported to reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals.