The UK General Election is an opportunity to vote for a party that cares for our environment!
The Conservative government was due to publish the National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (NAP) in 2018, which would have laid out targets and plans for pesticide reduction and monitoring. But six years later, it has still not materialised.
No only do we have dilly dallying on this important issue but this year, 2024, the Conservative government allowed the use of thiamethoxam, also known as Cruiser SB, on sugar beet crops – against the advice of its scientists, who said it would pose a threat to bees. Prof Dave Goulson, of the University of Sussex, has warned that one teaspoon of the chemical is enough to kill 1.25bn honeybees. Even a minuscule trace of this toxin can disrupt a bee’s ability to navigate and reproduce, significantly reducing its chance of survival. (See more in the report in The Guardian )
Chemicals still in use
In addition, The Guardian reports that potentially harmful chemicals are still in use.
Glyphosate
There are 115 products containing glyphosate approved for professional use. This powerful weed-killing product is highly toxic to bees and aquatic organisms as well as being a probable human carcinogen. The weight of glyphosate applied to British land went up by 16% between 2016 and 2020.
Cyantraniliprole
Three products containing this insecticide are approved for professional use. It is highly toxic to bees and used on vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. It is used to tackle aphids, whitefly and thrips. The amount used rose by 241% between 2016 and 2020.
Imazalil
This fungicide has been found to be carcinogenic and five products containing it are approved for professional use. It is used on barley, wheat and potatoes. The weight of imazalil used on British crops rose 53% between 2016 and 2020.
Campaign for a Better Environment 