An 'enormous win for nature' in Parliament

“For the first time in five years our fields will be free of this toxic chemical.” Those were the words of Anabel Kindersley, co-owner of Neal’s Yard Remedies, upon hearing the news that an emergency application for the use of banned neonicotinoid pesticides on British sugar beet had been rejected in Parliament by Environment Minister Emma Hardy.

Calling the result ‘an enormous win for nature’, Kindersley — a tireless campaigner for the protection of bees — adds: “Not only will this benefit the millions of bees and pollinators that now won’t be at risk from lethal pesticides, but also the ecosystems, food, businesses and people who rely on a thriving natural world.”

The pesticide in question, Cruiser SB — which contains the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam — is described by Defra as ‘extremely toxic to pollinators’, with large mounts being fatal and even small amounts causing cognitive impairment, impacting foraging abilities and hindering productivity in hives.

The decision follows ‘robust assessments of environmental, health and economic risks and benefits’, according to Defra, which says the evidence against Cruiser SB was ‘clear and abundant’.

“Britain is currently one of the most nature depleted countries in the world,” comments Hardy. “This Government is committed to protecting bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, while working with our farmers to find new ways to protect crops and support a profitable farming sector.

“We recognize the threat that virus ‘yellows’ can pose to sugar beet growers, and we will continue to support industry to develop alternatives to neonicotinoids on sugar beet that are effective at high levels of yellows virus infection.” 

Success for Stand by Bees

Kindersley expresses gratitude for the ‘unwavering support’ of those who have backed her Stand By Bees campaign, and says the outcome is ‘truly something to be celebrated’.

“Although we have a long way to go for nature in this country, there is no doubt that our collective efforts have hugely impact this decision,” says Kindersley. “I am incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together and excited for the future.”

By Rosie Greenaway, editor