Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, is delighted by the Government’s announcement today assuring that the UK supports further restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids owing to their effects on bees and other pollinators.
The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove has made clear that tougher restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides are justified, as there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that these pesticides are harmful to bees and other similar insects.
Mims said,
‘I have been vocal on this matter as it is evident to me that bees are vital to protecting the UK’s environment and our crops – research estimates that the UK’s 1,500 species of pollinators have a value of around £400-680 million owing to improved agricultural productivity.’
‘Having written to the department, sharing both my views and the concerns of my constituents, I am delighted to see the Secretary of State has responded to the science on this matter and is enhancing the environmental standards needed to protect our pollinators.’
‘This is something that lots of Eastleigh constituents have come to me about, and I look forwarding to informing them that their concerns have been heard, and responded to.’
Defra has today also given an update on its National Pollinator Strategy, which shows encouraging progress on its aims to make farms, towns, cities and the countryside better places for our bees and pollinators. It sets out a collaborative plan to improve the state of bees and other pollinators, and recognises pesticides as one of the key threats to their populations.
The Government will continue to work with partners such as Friends of the Earth, British Beekeepers’ Association and Kew to deliver the ambitious strategy.