'Ban pesticides that are killing the bees now': Plummeting numbers blamed on ministers' complacency

A Government environment watchdog has released a hard hitting report

They want chemicals immediately withdrawn from public sale

Ministers have been ‘extraordinarily complacent’ about protecting bees from the pesticides which are blamed for their numbers plummeting, an influential committee of MPs has warned.

In a hard-hitting report, the Parliamentary environment watchdog said there was growing evidence linking the declining numbers of bees and other pollinators to a group of insecticides known as neonicotinoids.

They want the chemicals immediately withdrawn from sale for use in private gardens and public spaces, such as parks and golf courses, as well as a ban on treating ‘flowering crops’ with them from next year.

A Parliamentary environment watchdog said there was growing evidence linking the declining numbers of bees and other pollinators to a group of insecticides

Ministers want the chemicals immediately withdrawn from sale for use in private gardens and public spaces (file picture)

The insecticides, which are based on nicotine, contain compounds which are thought to interfere with the bees’ central nervous system.

This has an impact on their memory and ability to find their way back home.

As a result, individuals and colonies are more likely to starve.

The insecticides were introduced in the 1990s, and are used on oilseed rape, which honey bees commonly feed on, as well as cereals, maize and sugar beet.

In January, a review of current research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found neonicotinoids were a threat to bees and should not be used on plants they are attracted to.

But the European Commission last month failed to pass a vote on introducing a two-year ban, with the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) abstained, saying there is not enough evidence to support the move.

Environmental Audit Committee chair Joan Walley MP, described this approach as ‘extraordinarily complacent’ given the ‘vital free service that bees provide to the economy.

‘If farmers had to pollinate fruit and vegetables without the help of insects it would cost hundreds of millions of pounds and we would all be stung by rising food prices,’ she said.

In January, a review of current research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found neonicotinoids were a threat to bees and should not be used on plants they are attracted to

‘Defra Ministers have refused to back EU efforts to protect pollinators and can’t even come up with a convincing plan to encourage bee-friendly farming in the UK.’

While taking evidence, the committee heard pollinators were worth £1.9 billion to British agriculture annually.

The MPs report rejected claims neonicotinoids were fundamental to the viability of British farming, and said assessment of environmental risks of the chemicals should not be blurred by economic considerations.

Although bumblebees were already in decline, their numbers have fallen faster since the pesticide were introduced and honeybee populations are thought to have halved since the 1980s in Britain.

Several recent studies suggest neonicotinoids are having a ‘damaging impact’ on pollinators.

The Stoke-on-Trent North MP added: ‘We believe that the weight of scientific evidence now warrants precautionary action, so we are calling for a moratorium on pesticides linked to bee decline to be introduced by 1 January next year.’

The insecticides, which are based on nicotine, contain compounds which are thought to interfere with the bees¿ central nervous system

Earlier this year, leading DIY and garden stores, including B&Q, Wickes and Homebase announced they would stop selling the pesticides.

In contrast, the Government has taken a much more cautious approach, waiting until the results of a Defra-commissioned field study on bumblebees.

But when the data was reported last month, it was inconclusive.

The committee criticised Defra’s approach, saying the research was ‘fundamentally flawed’ and should not be used as a basis for inaction.

Defending the Government’s position, Defra’s chief scientific advisor Professor Ian Boyd said the issue was finely balanced, but suggested it would not be proportionate to ban the chemicals at the moment.

The report was welcomed by wildlife campaigners. Friends of the Earth nature campaigner Paul de Zylva said: ‘MPs have hit the nail on the head. We need a clamp down on neonicotinoids.’

Some big name retailers such as Homebase have agreed not to sell pesticides

Vanessa Amaral-Rogers, conservation charity Buglife’s pesticides officer said: ‘The recommendations are in keeping with the overwhelming scientific evidence that neonicotinoids are having an adverse effect on honeybees and other wild pollinators.

‘The EAC report is clear that there is now enough evidence to act immediately.’

Industry body the Crop Protection Association said there was no new evidence to justify a ban.