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EU Commission can’t afford to gamble with bees future

news release

Responding to Syngenta’s legal challenge to the European Commission’s decision to suspend the use of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam on bee attractive crops, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:  “These restrictions are completely justified. 

“With mounting scientific evidence linking neonicotinoid pesticides to bee decline, failure to act would recklessly put our food supplies and economy at risk.

“We can’t afford to gamble with the future of our bees.

“The Government’s forthcoming pollinator strategy must tackle all the threats our bees face, including pesticide use.”

ENDS

For press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Notes to editors:

1. Syngenta submits legal challenge to EU suspension of thiamethoxam.

2. Friends of the Earth led the successful campaign earlier this year to persuade the UK’s leading home and garden retailers to voluntarily stop selling neonicotinoid pesticides linked to bee decline.

3. Friends of the Earth has been campaigning for a Bee Action Plan through its Bee Cause campaign, which was launched in 2011. The plan, which should be drawn up in-line with scientific evidence, should:

• Ensure the way we farm our food and plan our towns and cities is good for bees

• Help farmers, gardeners and park keepers to reduce use of chemicals that harm bees

• Protect Britain’s wild and honey bee species and other pollinators

4. Speaking at a Friends of the Earth Bee Summit earlier this year, environment minister Lord de Mauley agreed to introduce a National Pollinator Strategy.

5. For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For further information visit: www.foe.co.uk

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