The Scottish Wildlife Trust has today welcomed the European Commission’s decision to halt the use of hazardous insecticides.

The ban will restrict the use of three insecticides, collectively known as neonicotinoids, and was agreed by members of the EU following a second vote on the issue. The ban is due to come into effect later in the year. 
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has been campaigning for a ban on these pesticides in response to research that shows that neonicotinoids present an acute to risk to pollinators.  

Pollinator decline is not just of concern to conservationists; our agricultural systems are reliant on crop pollination and this “free service” currently provided by bees and other pollinators is estimated to be worth £43 million per year to Scotland’s economy.

Simon Milne, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said:

“This is good news for wildlife, good news for farmers and gardeners who rely on pollinators, and good news for society.

“Whilst it is depressing that the UK Government failed to support a ban, I am delighted that a majority of countries in Europe have recognised the risk that neonicotinoids pose to our pollinators and the precious environment that sustains us. 

“We would now urge the Scottish Government to work with farmers to implement the ban in Scotland as soon as possible.”

For more information, visit the Trust's “Save our Bees” campaign page.