As Ministers prepare to make a decision on an application to lift the ban, pressure builds to keep neonicotinoids off our fields this summer

Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake has added his name to a growing list of MPs who are opposed to lifting the ban on bee-harming pesticides.

Neonicotinoids have been restricted across Europe since 2013 due to mounting evidence that they pose a risk to bees. Bees are responsible for pollinating two thirds of the food we eat. However, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has applied to the government to lift the ban in some parts of the country. Ministers are currently considering their application.

Tom Brake took the pledge to oppose the lifting of the ban at a Parliamentary event held this week, organised by 38 Degrees and Friends of the Earth. At the event Tom also picked up a selection of seeds to help bees, which he will be sending out to some of the constituents who have contacted him about the issue.

Speaking after the event, Tom said:

“The message is loud and clear from people in Carshalton and Wallington: keep the ban on bee-harming pesticides. I have listened to their concerns and I’ll be making my opposition very clear in parliament to any plan to lift the ban.”

Sandra Bell, The Bee Cause campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Bees are essential for pollinating our crops – we can’t afford to gamble with their future. The Government must keep these dangerous pesticides out of our fields.”

You can find more information about the campaign here: https://www.foe.co.uk/page/bee-cause