A decision today in Brussels to introduce EU-wide restrictions on neonicotinoid insecticides linked to bee decline is a significant victory for bees and common sense.
The move by the European Commission follows a report by the European Food Safety Authority earlier this year linking three neonicotinoid insecticides to bee decline.
Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton said: “This decision is a significant victory for common sense and our beleagured bee populations.
“Restricting the use of these pesticides could be an historic milestone on the road to recovery for these crucial pollinators.
“Ministers must now help farmers to grow and protect crops, but without relying so heavily on chemicals – especially those linked to bee decline.”
Through its Bee Cause campaign Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland is supporting individuals to make change in their gardens and communities to help bees, and asking the UK government to commit to a national Bee Action Plan.
Over recent months it played a major role in persuading leading home and garden retailers to act on neonicotinoid insecticides.
Friends of the Earth Germany and Friends of the Earth Austria are also campaigning to ban pesticides which harm bees.
More than 2.5 million people signed a petition organised by campaign group Avaaz calling on EU decision-makers to immediately ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides and to act urgently with precaution now, to save bees from extinction.
