Commenting on the government’s position on ‘bee-killing’ pesticides, the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said:
“Following views raised by constituents, I have been putting pressure on Ministers in Parliament over this environmental concern.
“Sadly the government’s response to our city’s concerns on bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides are a total non-answer.
“Ministers know they have ignored official advice, but have gone ahead anyway. Yet again ignoring official advice to greenlight the use of harmful bee-killing pesticides is a worrying indication that the Government will not uphold its commitment to global leadership on environmental protection and tackling biodiversity loss.
“Labour supports our farmers but opposes any lifting of the ban on bee-killing pesticides – pollinator health is non-negotiable. Lifting the ban on neonicotinoids is not the solution to helping farmers address crop blight.
“Fortunately, weather conditions last year meant that there was no need to use this pesticide, but there is no guarantee that our bees will be lucky again this year. The Government must commit to not allowing these pesticides to be simply used again next year.”
