The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are under investigation for authorising the use of neonicotinoid pesticide, cruiser SB, which is highly toxic to bees. Despite being banned in the EU, this pesticide was given emergency clearance in 2023 and 2024, under the conservative government.
This investigation was initiated by a complaint from Client Earth, an environmental group. The aim was to determine whether there were serious breaches of environmental laws in Defra’s approval process. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is assessing if Defra properly complied with the precautionary principle and nature conservation obligations.
The Issue at Hand
Experts warn that neonicotinoids can remain in the soil for years, poisoning bees long after treated seeds are planted. Professor Dave Goulson, a bee expert at the University of Sussex, has warned that one teaspoon of the pesticide is enough to kill 1.25bn honeybees.
Despite scientific advisors and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) raising concerns about the chemical’s impact, the pesticide was approved for emergency use.
Moving Forward
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link emphasised the importance of transparency and compliance with scientific advice in environmental decision-making.
As Defra faced scrutiny, a spokesperson said, “We are at a crisis point – nature is dying across Britain. This government will change existing policies to ban the use of bee-killing pesticides to protect our vital pollinators.” This is referenced in the Labour Party stating their commitment to ending such authorisations to protect biodiversity and the environment.
It’s important to advocate sustainable farming practices that prioritise the health of our ecosystems and pollinators. Bees play a crucial role in our environment and agriculture; their protection is necessary for a sustainable future. 🌿🐝
Read the full article here: Watchdog investigates Defra over authorisation of bee-killing pesticide.
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